RATT drummer Bobby Blotzer has paid tribute to his "main influence" Mitch Mitchell, drummer for the legendary JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE of the 1960s, who was found dead in his Portland hotel room this morning (November 12th) at 3AM:

"I just found out about this....so sad. Mitch Mitchell, drummer of Jimi Hendrix Experience was one of my earliest influences and role models. He was the reason I wanted to play drums. He always remained a hero and an icon. Nobody played like Mitch. He was a true pioneer. Before anyone else had even thought of 'fusion', Mitch was playing ripping jazz shit all over the Hendrix stuff. The first album is off the hook that way. And then on Electric Ladyland, he smoothed everything out, less intense and manic, very fluid. I still get chills hearing it. The Cry Of Love record really is a great piece of work by Mitch as well. I still use a particular fill that he wrote on the song 'Freedom' till this day in the Ratt show, and everytime I do it, I think of Mitch. Thanks Mitch! Your unparalleled legacy remains."