Mike Mitchell ex-Kingsmen RIP

[Ned]

No doubt one of the greatest guitar breaks of all time and an iconic influence on the things we discuss here is the creation of Mike Mitchell during the chaotic rendering of Richard Berry's great "Louie Louie" by the Kingsmen. There was hardly a band in 1966 that did not include this side in their live sets. Not a household name, and I don't think his name has ever popped up here in the past. Mr. Mitchell has passed on.

 

[greenfuzz]

Sorry to hear. RIP

 

[bosshoss]

One of the 5 greatest lead breaks I've ever heard. And super-hard to play with many unconventional twists and turns. Also the overall syncopated timing is insane. No wonder so many garage band guitarists tried to copy it on records (I counted more than 100 direct rips before giving up). All failed to get it right, but many succeeded in creating interesting variations. Amazing that Mike Mitchell was not widely regarded as one of the great r&r guitarists of all time.