Remembering Barry Mitchell: Early Queen Bassist Passes Away

In a somber moment for rock fans, Barry Mitchell, who played bass for Queen during their formative years, has passed away. While his exact age remains unclear, reports suggest he was between 76 and 80 years old.

Greg Brooks, Queen’s official archivist, shared the news on Facebook, expressing his sadness over the loss of the early band member. “Terribly sad news just received that early Queen bass player (circa 1970), Barry Mitchell, has passed away,” he wrote. Brooks also highlighted Mitchell’s fascinating anecdotes that provided rare insights into the band’s early days.

Mitchell’s tenure with Queen was brief but significant. He joined the band in 1970, replacing Mike Grose, and played 13 shows before leaving in January 1971. His contributions included bass lines for tracks like “Liar” and “Son and Daughter” from Queen’s self-titled debut album, released in 1973.

Reflecting on his time with the band, Mitchell once admitted in a 2018 interview, “I didn’t see the potential. It’s crazy to say this now, but it’s the truth.” His departure paved the way for John Deacon, who would go on to become an iconic member of the band.

Barry Mitchell’s legacy, though overshadowed by Queen’s monumental success, will not be forgotten by those who appreciate the band’s history.

Source: ultimateclassicrock.com

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