Drummer Mitch Mitchell (Jimi Hendrix Experience) dead, age 61

[generaladm]

Mitch Mitchell, drummer for Hendrix, found dead - MSN Music News

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Mitch Mitchell, drummer for the legendary Jimi Hendrix Experience of the 1960s and the group's last surviving member, was found dead in his hotel room early Wednesday. He was 61.



Mitchell was a powerful force on the Hendrix band's 1967 debut album "Are You Experienced?" as well as the trio's albums "Electric Ladyland" and "Axis: Bold As Love." He had an explosive drumming style that can be heard in hard-charging songs such as "Fire" and "Manic Depression."



The Englishman had been drumming for the Experience Hendrix Tour, which performed Friday in Portland. It was the last stop on the West Coast part of the tour.



Hendrix died in 1970. Bass player Noel Redding died in 2003.
An employee at Portland's Benson Hotel called police after discovering Mitchell's body.



Erin Patrick, a deputy medical examiner, said Mitchell apparently died of natural causes. An autopsy was planned.

 

[3074326]

RIP.

 

[iambrutus]

stern played some good hendrix stuff this morning to show how talented he (Mitchell) was, amazing

 

[mercer_buckeye]

I always loved the drum breakdown in "Bold As Love." RIP.

 

[AKAK]

Drummer dies of natural causes?

Perplexing.

 

[cincibuck]

Lying on the floor of our "office" (a big damn tent) listening to Crosstown Traffic through earphones on my Sony tape deck. Hellacious drumming going on behind Hendrix manic singing and guitar riffs. RIP, you gave me a hand up when times were tough.

 

[BuckeyeTillIDie]

RIP.

The Experience has now been fully reunited, where ever they are now.

 

[Steve19]

I did not hear this on the news. I'm with Cinci, I was listening to the Are You Experienced CD in my car last week. One of the first concerts I ever saw was Hendrix at Mershon.

RIP

 

[Jake]

Mitch in action, back in the day.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hSW67ySCio&feature=related]YouTube - Jimi Hendrix Purple Haze Vid[/ame]