Barry Mitchell, who played bass guitar for Queen during the band’s formative years, has passed away. While his exact age remains uncertain, sources suggest he was between 76 and 80 years old.
Greg Brooks, the official archivist for Queen, broke the news on social media. In a heartfelt post on Facebook, he expressed his sorrow: “Terribly sad news just received that early Queen bass player (circa 1970), Barry Mitchell, has passed away. His anecdotes at the convention were fascinating and offered rare insight. He will be greatly missed.”
Barry Mitchell’s Journey with Queen
In a 2018 interview with NME, Mitchell reflected on his time with Queen, revealing, “We played quite a few concerts in England, notably in Liverpool.” He candidly shared that during those early days, the band was not yet the iconic group known today. “At the time, they weren’t at all the cult band you all know,” he recalled, admitting that he lacked enthusiasm for the music and was ultimately let go. “I didn’t see the potential. It’s crazy to say this now, but it’s the truth.”
Early Days and Musical Contributions
Barry Mitchell was not the original bass player for Queen. When the band formed in London in 1970, Mike Grose was among its founding members alongside Freddie Mercury, Brian May, and Roger Taylor. However, after just three live performances, Grose departed, paving the way for Mitchell.
Mitchell played with Queen during a brief but significant period, participating in 13 shows between August 1970 and January 1971. After leaving the band in January 1971, he was succeeded by Doug Bogie for a couple of live performances before John Deacon officially joined the group. Notably, Queen’s self-titled debut album, released in 1973, featured two songs—”Liar” and “Son and Daughter”—that included bass lines reportedly written by Mitchell.
Life After Queen
Following his departure from Queen, Barry Mitchell continued to pursue a career in music. He played with various bands, including Tiger, which was previously known as Crushed Butler, and Jayne Raydio. His contributions to the music scene, while perhaps less recognized than those of Queen’s later members, were nonetheless significant in shaping the early sound of rock.
Conclusion
The passing of Barry Mitchell marks the loss of a musician who played a critical role during the early days of one of the world’s most famous bands. His insights and experiences provide a glimpse into a time when Queen was still finding its footing. As fans and fellow musicians mourn his loss, Mitchell’s legacy will be remembered for his contributions to rock music and the stories he shared of a band that would go on to achieve legendary status.
FAQs
What was Barry Mitchell’s role in Queen?
Barry Mitchell served as the bass player for Queen during the band’s early days, performing 13 shows between 1970 and 1971.
How long did Barry Mitchell play with Queen?
Mitchell played with Queen from August 1970 until January 1971.
What did Barry Mitchell contribute to Queen’s music?
He is credited with writing bass lines for the songs “Liar” and “Son and Daughter,” which appeared on Queen’s self-titled debut album released in 1973.
What bands did Barry Mitchell play with after leaving Queen?
After his time with Queen, Mitchell played with bands including Tiger and Jayne Raydio.
When did Barry Mitchell pass away?
The exact date of Barry Mitchell’s passing has not been disclosed, but the news of his death was shared on social media recently.
