November 18, 2008 12:37

Strokes drummer Fab Moretti pays tribute to Mitch Mitchell

'He was more then a drummer', says Moretti

Photo Gallery: The Strokes

The Strokes' drummer Fab Moretti has paid tribute to the late Jimi Hendrix Experience drummer Mitch Mitchell, who died on November 12 aged 61.

Mitchell died in Portland of what officials believe are natural causes while on the Experience Hendrix Tour.

Moretti told NME.COM that Mitchell was a large influence on him.

"When I was told, 'You’re going to play the drums' [in The Strokes] I was like, 'Bummer', until I realised how cool you could be as a drummer, through Mitch Mitchell.

"It's difficult to say something about such an important icon, because it's difficult to say something new that everybody doesn't already think.

"We all know that he was a spectacular drummer, that he was more than a drummer, that he made the songs in the Jimi Hendrix Experience transcendent, and as much as Jimi played like a badass, he did too.

"I got a bunch of text messages [on the day of Mitchell's death] from a bunch of fellow musicians. There was a communal sad vibe, but I'm sure he's somewhere great right now, playing the baddest drumkit you have ever did see."

For tributes to Mitchell from members of Muse, Babyshambles, Razorlight and Johnny Marr, see the new issue of NME, out tomorrow (November 19).