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Hendrix's drummer Mitchell dies Hendrix's drummer Mitchell dies
(about 4 hours later)
Mitch Mitchell, the British drummer in the seminal 1960s band the Jimi Hendrix Experience, has been found dead in his US hotel room, authorities say.Mitch Mitchell, the British drummer in the seminal 1960s band the Jimi Hendrix Experience, has been found dead in his US hotel room, authorities say.
Mitchell, 61, was found dead in the Benson Hotel in Portland, Oregon, in the early hours of Wednesday. The 61-year-old was discovered in the Benson Hotel in Portland, Oregon, in the early hours of Wednesday.
A medical examiner told Associated Press news agency the death appeared to be natural causes but that there would be an autopsy. A medical examiner told Associated Press news agency the death appeared to be from natural causes but that there would be an autopsy.
Jimi Hendrix died in 1970 and the band's bassist Noel Redding in 2003. Hendrix died in 1970 and the band's bassist Noel Redding died in 2003.
Mitchell had been touring with the Experience Hendrix Tour. Londoner Mitchell had been touring with the Experience Hendrix Tour.
'Rock 'n' roll hero'
Janie Hendrix, chief executive of the tour and step-sister of Jimi Hendrix, paid tribute to Mitchell.
"He was a wonderful man, a brilliant musician and a true friend," she said.
Mitchell drummed for Hendrix at his legendary Woodstock performance
He performed on Hendrix classics such as Are You Experienced? Electric Ladyland and Axis: Bold As Love.
The top session drummer also played with the likes of Eric Clapton, John Lennon, Keith Richards and Muddy Waters.
A musical pioneer, he is credited with helping to develop a "fusion" drumming style that combined rock with jazz.
He joined the Jimi Hendrix Experience in 1966 and backed the rocker for his legendary performance at Woodstock three years later.
Bob Merlis, a spokesman for the tour, said his death was "devastating".
He had seen Mitchell perform two weeks ago in Los Angeles and the drummer appeared healthy and upbeat, he said.
Blues-rock guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd, who is part of the tour, said Mitchell was to drums what Hendrix was to guitar.
"Today many of us have lost a dear friend, and the world has lost a rock 'n' roll hero," he said.
According to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the drummer was born in 1947 in Ealing, west London.