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Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Jimi Hendrix drummer dies at 61 just days after tribute tour


Jimi Hendrix's drummer Mitch Mitchell was found dead in his hotel room yesterday.
The 61-year-old British musician, who played with the   Experience from 1966 until Hendrix's death in 1970, is thought to have died of natural causes in Portland, Oregon.
He was touring in a tribute band on the Experience Hendrix Tour, which performed on Friday in the city.
Last survivor: Mitch Mitchell, who died yesterday, was Jimi Hendrix's drummer from 1966 until the singer's death in 1970
Last survivor: Mitch Mitchell, who died yesterday, was Jimi Hendrix's drummer from 1966 until the singer's death in 1970

The trio: Jimi Hendrix with his bassist Noel Redding (left) and drummer and Mitch Mitchell
The trio: Jimi Hendrix with his bassist Noel Redding (left) and drummer Mitch Mitchell
The former child actor starred in the BBC TV series Jennings before he was in his teens.
Mitchell, from Ealing, London, was the last surviving member of Hendrix's trio, after bassist Noel Redding died in 2003.
He had an explosive drumming style that can be heard in hard-charging songs such as "Fire" and "Manic Depression."
Erin Patrick, a deputy medical examiner, said Mitchell apparently died of natural causes. An autopsy has been planned.
Bob Merlis, a spokesman for the tour, said Mitchell had stayed in Portland for a four-day vacation and planned to leave on Wednesday.
'It was a devastating surprise,' Mr Merlis said. 'Nobody drummed like he did.'
He said he saw Mitchell perform two weeks ago in Los Angeles, and the drummer appeared to be healthy and upbeat.
Mr Merlis said the tour was designed to bring together veteran musicians who had known Hendrix - like Mitchell - and younger artists, such as Grammy-winning guitarist Jonny Lang, who have been influenced by him.
He described Mitchell as a 'one-of-a-kind drummer' whose 'jazz-tinged' style was a vital part of both the   Experience and the Experience Hendrix Tour that ended last week.
'If Jimi Hendrix were still alive he would have acknowledged that,' Mr Merlis said.
In an interview last month with the Boston Herald, Mitchell said he met Hendrix 'in this sleazy little club.'
'We did some Chuck Berry and took it from there. I suppose it worked.'
 
 

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