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| Version 3 | Version 4 |
|---|---|
| Hendrix's drummer Mitchell dies | Hendrix's drummer Mitchell dies |
| (about 3 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. |
| The 61-year-old was discovered 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 from 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. |
| Hendrix died in 1970 and the band's bassist Noel Redding died in 2003. | Hendrix died in 1970 and the band's bassist Noel Redding died in 2003. |
| Mitchell, from Ealing in west London, had been touring with the Experience Hendrix Tour. | Mitchell, from Ealing in west London, had been touring with the Experience Hendrix Tour. |
| 'Rock 'n' roll hero' | 'Rock 'n' roll hero' |
| Janie Hendrix, chief executive of the tour and step-sister of Jimi Hendrix, paid tribute to Mitchell. | 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. | "He was a wonderful man, a brilliant musician and a true friend," she said. |
| Mitchell drummed for Hendrix at his legendary Woodstock performance | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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". | 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. | 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. | 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. | "Today many of us have lost a dear friend, and the world has lost a rock 'n' roll hero," he said. |
| Mitch Mitchell: Your memories | |
| What are your memories of Mitch Mitchell? Did you see the British drummer perform? Did you ever meet him? | What are your memories of Mitch Mitchell? Did you see the British drummer perform? Did you ever meet him? |
| Send your comments using the post form below, or text 61124. | Send your comments using the post form below, or text 61124. |
| In most cases a selection of your comments will be published, displaying your name and location unless you state otherwise in the box below. | In most cases a selection of your comments will be published, displaying your name and location unless you state otherwise in the box below. |