Written by: Alex Green

Keith Mitchell, the drummer for Mazzy Star has died.

Mitchell, who had been with the group since their inception, died of unknown causes this past Sunday (14 May).

Mitchell, along with Hope Sandoval and David Roback, formed Mazzy Star back in 1989.

Roback and Mitchell had previously played in the L.A. band Opal, which featured former Dream Syndicate member Kendra Smith on vocals. A talented drummer, Mitchell also played with Green On Red and Monitor.

Mitchell played drums on all four Mazzy Star albums and his deft touch and dark finesse behind the kit helped give the band their signature sound.

In a statement issued on social media, Sandoval and Roback had this to say of Mitchell: “Our hearts are broken…We have lost the much beloved Keith Mitchell, a very talented and amazing drummer that we have had the privilege to work with for many years, he will live in all of our hearts forever…. We’ll miss you, Big Fella.”

It’s believed that Mitchell was in his mid-fifties.