Barry Mitchell, a former bassist for the iconic rock band Queen, has passed away at the age of 73. The news of Mitchell’s death was announced on Thursday, August 20, by Queen’s archivist, Greg Brooks, via a heartfelt post on social media.
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Mitchell was part of Queen during its earliest days, from 1970 to 1971, contributing to the band’s formative sound before being succeeded by Doug Bogie and later by John Deacon, who would eventually become the band’s principal bassist until 1997. His tenure with the band was short-lived, yet significant in the context of Queen’s development.
“Terribly sad news just received that early Queen bass player (circa 1970), Barry Mitchell, has passed away,” Brooks wrote, accompanying the message with a photograph of the late musician. “He will be greatly missed,” summing up the sentiments of many who have admired Mitchell’s contributions to the band.
During his brief time with Queen, Mitchell found himself performing at various venues across the UK, with Liverpool being a notable stop in their early concert circuit. In a 2018 interview with Rolling Stone, he reflected on those formative concerts, explaining that due to a limited repertoire of original songs, the band often relied on classic rock and roll covers to fill out their sets, a detail that showcases the nascent stages of Queen’s evolution.
Despite his early involvement, Mitchell’s journey with Queen came to an end when he felt a lack of enthusiasm for their evolving sound. He later described being “fired” from the band, stating that his bandmates believed “I was useless.” In retrospect, he recognised that his own lack of excitement for the direction the band was taking played a significant role in their decision to part ways.
“It’s crazy to say this now, but it’s the truth,” Mitchell admitted about his inability to appreciate the potential of what would become one of the most successful bands in music history. His comments reflect the understandable uncertainties and pressures that young artists face as they develop their craft.
After leaving Queen, Mitchell continued his career in music with various groups, including the bands Tiger and Crushed Butler. These experiences allowed him to further explore his musical identity away from the spotlight of one of the world’s most celebrated rock bands.
In the wake of his passing, tributes have started pouring in, paying homage to the influence he had both on Queen’s early music and on the broader rock genre. Fans, fellow musicians, and music historians alike have expressed their gratitude for the time Mitchell spent shaping the sound of one of the UK’s greatest musical exports.
As the music world remembers Barry Mitchell, his time with Queen serves as an interesting chapter in the band’s history, shedding light on the early struggles and evolutions that preceded their iconic status. His contributions, though short-lived, were undeniably part of the rich tapestry of a legacy that continues to inspire. Mitchell leaves behind a lasting imprint on the music scene, and he will be remembered fondly by those who knew him and enjoyed his work.