Velvet Revolver star Matt Sorum has become the first star to pay tribute to legendary Jimi Hendrix drummer Mitch Mitchell, who was found dead in a Portland, Oregon hotel room on Wednesday morning.

The former Guns N Roses star has released a statement after hearing the sad news, calling Mitchell "an exceptional drummer" who "helped shape the sound of Hendrix."

Sorum writes, "I had the pleasure of meeting him a few times. I asked him once what he was thinking when he played the groove to "Manic Depression" - a jazzy, almost Latin-type feel… a circular, moving piece of music. He told me Hendrix said, 'Mitch, just think Africa, man.' He not only played with Hendrix but also greats such as Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, John Lennon and Muddy Waters. Next time you put on (Hendrix albums) Electric Ladyland, Axis: Bold as Love or Are You Experienced?, listen to the pure musicianship of one of the greatest drummers of all time. God bless Mitch Mitchell!"

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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)