Former Hendrix drummer found dead in Portland

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 Portland hotel room early Wednesday. He was 61.

Mitchell was a powerful force on Are You Experienced?, the 1967 debut album of the Hendrix band, and the band’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 portion of the tour.

Hendrix died in 1970. Noel Redding, bass player for the trio, died in 2003.

A Benson Hotel employee called police after discovering Mitchell’s body, said Sgt. Brian Schmautz.

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

“He was a wonderful man, a brilliant musician and a true friend,” Janie Hendrix, chief executive of the Experience Hendrix Tour and Jimi Hendrix’ stepsister, said in a statement. “His role in shaping the sound of the Jimi Hendrix Experience cannot be underestimated.”

Bob Merlis, a spokesman for the tour, said Mitchell had stayed in Portland for a four-day vacation and planned to leave Wednesday.

“It was a devastating surprise,” Merlis said. “Nobody drummed like he did.”

He said he saw Mitchell perform two weeks ago in Los Angeles, and the drummer appeared to be healthy and upbeat.

Merlis said the tour was designed to bring together veteran musicians who had known Hendrix, like Mitchell, and younger artists, such as Grammy-winner Jonny Lang, who have been influenced by him.

Blues-rock guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd, who is 31 and was part of the tour, said Mitchell was to the drums what Hendrix was to the guitar.

“Today many of us have lost a dear friend, and the world has lost a rock ‘n’ roll hero,” he said in an e-mail to the AP.