RIP: Mitch Mitchell, Drummer of Jimi Hendrix Experience [1947-2008]
November 13th, 2008 by Perry
Yesterday, the last chapter closed on one of the most influential bands in rock-n-roll history. Mitch Mitchell, former drummer and last surviving member of the original Jimi Hendrix Experience lineup, passed away at age 61.
While the original JHE was only around for about 3 and a half years, they produced numerous classics like “Hey Joe”, “Purple Haze”, “Foxy Lady”, “Fire”, “Little Wing”, “Spanish Castle Magic”, “All Along the Watchtower” and “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” to name a few.
While the tracks were remembered for Hendrix’s blazing guitar licks, Mitchell’s jazz-infused drum style was a trademark, and really stands out in songs like “Crosstown Traffic” and “Spanish Castle Magic.”
I can still remember the first time I heard Jimi Hendrix Experience. I probably played the CD about 20 times in a row, amazed by the amount of music produced by just Jimi, Mitch and bassist Noel Redding.
Redding passed away five years ago from complications of cirrhosis. Hendrix died in 1970 due to a sleeping pill overdose under circumstances that are still debated today. Mitchell was found in his hotel room in Portland while participating in the Experience Hendrix Tour, which matched up artists who played with Hendrix with artists influenced by him. Mitchell reportedly looked frail in recent months, and while an autopsy has yet to determine cause of death it is believed to be of natural causes.
RIP: Richard Wright, Founding Member of Pink Floyd [1943-2008]
September 16th, 2008 by Alex
Today is a sad day indeed…
Richard Wright, a founding member of Pink Floyd (one of the best bands in the history of music), has died.
I’m a huge Pink Floyd fan, so this one really sucks.
My Dad first introduced me to their epic sounds and they’ve been at the top of my playlist ever since. I was lucky enough to see Pink Floyd perform in Giant’s Stadium, New Jersey for their Division Bell tour. It was fucking amazing.
They had this massive stage, the trademark gigantic trampoline overhead with all types of imagery being displayed, and some of the craziest props and light work I’ve ever seen. During a song from Animals, a massive inflatable pig appeared out of the stage and into the crowd. When they were playing a track from The Wall, a life-sized plane came from above the stadium, guided by a steel wire and other safety gear, and shot through the air, exploding in the empty seats behind the semi-circular stage.
Then for the finale… man it was crazy… a gigantic disco ball appeared from the stadium floor, in the center of the crowd, and rose above everyone, then hundreds of lasers focused on it as the music pulsated, bathing the entire stadium in color. It was intense.
So, back to the point, this is a rough one to write. Pink Floyd are one of the most influential bands in the history of music, and this is just another reminder of the un-interrupting flow of time. We’ve lost a small chunk of music innovation forever.
Rest in peace Rick, I’m listening to Animals right now and hoping you enjoy the great gig in the sky.
