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The last surviving member of the Jimi Hendrix Experience is now dead. Drummer Mitch Mitchell, of natural causes.

Boy, could he play the drums.

As a tribute to Mitch Mitchell, NME magazine has an open thread commentary on Mitchell’s obituary page. Go here. And a photo gallery as well, here (see sample photo above). Also, the Jimi Hendrix site has its own tribute: www.jimi-hendrix.com

Musicians from all over are leaving their condolences online, including a really nice, heartfelt one from hair metal drummer Bobby Blotzer of RATT:

“I just found out about this…. so sad. Mitch Mitchell, drummer of JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE was one of my earliest influences and role models. He was the reason I wanted to play drums. He always remained a hero and an icon. Nobody played like Mitch. He was a true pioneer. Before anyone else had even thought of ‘fusion,’ Mitch was playing ripping jazz shit all over the Hendrix stuff. The first album is off the hook that way. And then on ‘Electric Ladyland’, he smoothed everything out, less intense and manic, very fluid. I still get chills hearing it. The ‘Cry Of Love’ record really is a great piece of work by Mitch as well. I still use a particular fill that he wrote on the song ‘Freedom’ till this day in the RATT show, and everytime I do it, I think of Mitch. Thanks, Mitch! Your unparalleled legacy remains.

Up until his death, Mitch Mitchell was dedicated to keeping the music and legend of Jimi Hendrix alive all these years. He was even touring with the Experience Hendrix Tribute tour upon his death.

Janie Hendrix, step-sister of Jimi and chief executive of the Experience Hendrix Tribute tour, had this to say about Mitchell:

“He was a wonderful man, a brilliant musician and a true friend. His role in shaping the sound of The Jimi Hendrix Experience cannot be underestimated.”

R.I.P.

Michael Crichton, the award-winning author of such books as The Andromeda Strain, Congo, and Jurassic Park, died last night in Los Angeles after a battle with cancer. He was 66.

Mr. (Richard) Blackwell, perhaps the world’s most famous fashion critic, has passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 86-years-old. Mr. Blackwell died from an intestinal infection.

In 1960, Mr. Blackwell started his annual “Worst Dressed” list and continued to do one every year. His last list was in 2007. Posh Beckham has the honor of being his last victim. He had this to say about her: “Forget the fashion spice — wearing a skirt would suffice! In one skinny-mini monstrosity after another, pouty posh can really wreck ‘em.”

He’s ripped on everyone from Britney Spears to Madonna to Sophia Loren.

Here’s just a few of his gems:

Sharon Stone: “An over-the-hill Cruella DeVille.”

Barbra Streisand: “She looks like a masculine Bride of Frankenstein.”

Britney Spears: “Her bra-topped collection of Madonna rejects are pure fashion overkill.”

Queen Elizabeth: “From her majesty to her travesty.”

Bjork: “She dances in the dark — and dresses there, too.”

Courtney Love: “When push comes to shove, no one’s fashion is tackier and wackier than funky, punky Love!”

Madonna: “From Ghetto Glam to Rhinestone Cowgirl to Mrs. Guy Ritchie. Any way you label it, she’s still just kitschy, kitschy, kitschy.”

Christina Aguilera: “Is she a boring and body-baring bungle—or just auditioning for ‘Sheena, Queen of the Jungle?’”

Mary Kate Olsen: “She resembles a tattered toothpick trapped in a hurricane.”

Mr. Blackwell is survived by his partner of over 60 years, Spencer.

Rest in peace, Mr. Blackwell… We will keep your legacy alive by continuing to tell these Hollywood whores how busted they look.