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Interview
by Poly 'D'Or' Eldridge
12-5-2003
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| Noel Redding RIP |
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In Memorium: Noel Redding
Jimi Hendrix's bassist is gone
The bassist with Jimi Hendrix Experience has passed on at the age of 57 in Co. Cork where he lived. No cause of death is known.
Noel Redding, born David on Christmas Day 1945 in Folkestone, Kent, was picked up by Jimi’s manager, ex-Animals bassist Bryan ‘Chas’ Chandler, after a contact re: a guitarist vacancy in The Animals, to be rhythm section with Mitch Mitchell (drums). From 1966 to 1969, they were the hottest performers on the planet, the rock God-like creatures who set the standard of the day. The internal problems – over royalties and pressure on Hendrix to form an all-black band – led to Noel’s quitting; the last show the trio played was on 29 June at Denver Pop Festival, Colorado.
Redding had already formed Fat Mattress, later followed by Road and The Noel Redding Band, all paling in comparison to what he’s done behind Hendrix. And, the old wounds were left bleeding and he was in the process of suing the Hendrix estate for $5 million (£3.26m) over unpaid royalties. His side of the story was published in the 1996 autobiography.
Toward the end of 1969 there was a report that Hendrix wanted to re-form Experience for six weeks of concerts in spring of 1970, called ‘Farewell Tour’, that would have also introduced Jimi’s follow-up outfit. The report at the time was that Fat Mattress had broken up but Redding was convalescing after a nervous breakdown. Nothing came of it, in the end.
Redding was a solid player who could never come out of the shadow of his frontman. It was of the colossal size, unfortunately for the Kent boy with an Afro that was envy of its day! Rock In Peace.
Poly 'D'Or' Eldridge
12-5-2003
David ‘Noel’ Redding: 25 Dec. 1945 – 11 May 2003
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