Noel Redding, bassist with Hendrix, dies at 57

Noel Redding, the bass player with the Jimi Hendrix Experience, has died at his home in Ireland. He was 57.

Redding and the drummer Mitch Mitchell, both Britons, backed Hendrix on the group's classic 1967 debut album, Are You Experienced.

With songs such as "Purple Haze", "Hey Joe" and "The Wind Cries Mary" and a hybrid sound that mixed hard rock with blues and soul, the album was one of the defining musical moments of the Sixties.

Redding's death was announced on his manager's website. The bassist's partner, Deborah McNaughton, said: "Noel was an extremely gentle and gracious soul. He had a kind of chivalry and nobility about him and he was kind to everyone bar none." The cause of death was not given.

The Experience recorded several more albums after Are You Experienced until Hendrix dissolved the band shortly before his death in 1970. Redding, who was born in Folkestone, Kent, later had difficulties obtaining royalties for his work.