In Memoriam
Mitch Mitchell
July 9, 1946 – November 12, 2008 · aged 62
Psychedelic Rock · Jazz Fusion · Hard Rock
John 'Mitch' Mitchell was the rhythmic hurricane that powered The Jimi Hendrix Experience, forever changing the way drums were played in rock music. Born in England in 1946, Mitchell was heavily influenced by jazz legends like Elvin Jones and Max Roach. When he joined forces with Jimi Hendrix and bassist Noel Redding in 1966, he didn't just keep time; he engaged in a constant, explosive musical dialogue with Hendrix's guitar. His fast, snare-heavy, polyrhythmic playing style—often referred to as 'lead drumming'—can be heard driving the chaotic brilliance of tracks like 'Fire' and 'Voodoo Child (Slight Return).' He seamlessly fused the improvisational freedom of jazz with the raw volume and aggression of psychedelic rock, laying the groundwork for heavy metal and progressive rock drumming. As the last surviving member of the original Experience, Mitchell passed away in his sleep on November 12, 2008, at the age of 62, concluding a pivotal chapter in rock history.
Milestones
Voodoo Child (Slight Return), Fire, Hey Joe
Also remembered in 2008
- Bo Diddley (1928–2008)
- Eartha Kitt (1927–2008)
- Isaac Hayes (1942–2008)
- Richard Wright (1943–2008)