Queen fans have been left heartbroken after the death of bassist Barry Mitchell.
The former Queen musician has died at the age of 60, the band’s official archivist has confirmed.
He was Queen’s second bassist for six months between August 1970 and January 1971.
Mitchell’s influence is said to have continued with the iconic rock band during its rise to fame with Freddie Mercury and Brian May.
He reportedly played the original bass lines for songs like Liar and Son And Daughter.
Greg Brooks, the official archivist for Queen, revealed the news on a Facebook post with a black and white photo of the musician: ‘Terribly sad news just received that early Queen bass player (circa 1970), Barry Mitchell, has passed away.
‘His anecdotes at the convention were fascinating and offered rare insight. He will be greatly missed.’
Tributes have poured in from friends, fans and other musicians.
Gary Taylor wrote on social media: ‘RIP Barry Mitchell, Queen’s second bass player, who sadly passed away on August 17th.
‘He was a great guy, and a friend, and we had some very interesting chats over the years on the phone and in person. Here is one of the last photos I took of Barry playing live on stage at the Edinburgh Queen Day in 2018.’
A fan wrote: ‘So very sad. Another piece of living history gone.’
