The music world suffered a great loss on November 12, 2008, with the death of John "Mitch Mitchell at the age of 61.
Best known as the drummer and right-hand man for legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix, Mitchell died in a hotel room from natural causes mere hours after the final performance on his Experience Hendrix tribute tour.
According to the Oregon News, Mitchell had expressed difficulty in finishing the tour, chalking up his illness to the flu. He carried on until this last date yet could perform only one song for the sold-out crowd before needing to be escorted back to the Benson Hotel to rest. He was found dead at approximately three a.m. Both foul play and narcotics have been ruled out yet Portland officials refuse to release more details pending discussion with Mitchells wife and family.
Gaining notoriety in the late 60s and early 70s as the drummer for the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Mitchells fusion of rock and jazz is considered influential on countless generations of musicians. His fiery style has often been described as "lead drums, as opposed to simple time keeping, and he is responsible for the beats heard on virtually all classic Hendrix tracks.
He was the last surviving member of the original Jimi Hendrix Experience, Hendrix having died of a drug overdose in 1970 and bassist Noel Redding passing in 2003. Read More Here:
Mitchell performing with Hendrix in Sweden circa 1969
Best known as the drummer and right-hand man for legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix, Mitchell died in a hotel room from natural causes mere hours after the final performance on his Experience Hendrix tribute tour.
According to the Oregon News, Mitchell had expressed difficulty in finishing the tour, chalking up his illness to the flu. He carried on until this last date yet could perform only one song for the sold-out crowd before needing to be escorted back to the Benson Hotel to rest. He was found dead at approximately three a.m. Both foul play and narcotics have been ruled out yet Portland officials refuse to release more details pending discussion with Mitchells wife and family.
Gaining notoriety in the late 60s and early 70s as the drummer for the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Mitchells fusion of rock and jazz is considered influential on countless generations of musicians. His fiery style has often been described as "lead drums, as opposed to simple time keeping, and he is responsible for the beats heard on virtually all classic Hendrix tracks.
He was the last surviving member of the original Jimi Hendrix Experience, Hendrix having died of a drug overdose in 1970 and bassist Noel Redding passing in 2003. Read More Here:
Mitchell performing with Hendrix in Sweden circa 1969
