Jimi Hendrix bandmates died in poverty' as labels raked in millions, court told

"The estates of Jimi Hendrix's former bandmates, Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell, are pursuing legal action against Sony Music Entertainment UK (SMEUK) in the High Court, alleging they "died in relative poverty" while the music they created now generates a "lucrative source of revenue" for major labels through streaming. The dispute centres on copyright and performers' rights for three iconic albums by The Jimi Hendrix Experience: Are You Experienced, Axis: Bold As Love, and Electric Ladyland, all recorded in the 1960s."

"Simon Malynicz KC, representing the estates of the bassist and drummer, told the court at the start of the trial on Tuesday that the band, formed with Hendrix in 1966 and disbanding shortly before the legendary guitarist died following a drug overdose in 1970, was "one of the most commercially successful acts of its era". He contended that Mr Redding and Mr Mitchell, who both died in the 2000s, "were excluded early on in their lifetimes" and "died in relative poverty", even as the recordings continued to be a significant income stream in the digital age."

The estates of Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell have launched legal proceedings against Sony Music Entertainment UK in the High Court over copyright and performers' rights for Are You Experienced, Axis: Bold As Love, and Electric Ladyland. The estates allege Redding and Mitchell were excluded early and died in relative poverty while the recordings now generate substantial streaming revenue for major labels. The estates claim that successors entitled to inheritable property rights have been consistently excluded. The estates attribute marginalisation to administrators of Hendrix's estate, subsequent legal proceedings, and a multinational refusal to recognise or remunerate performers' rights. Recorded songs involve distinct copyrights for composition, sound recording, and performance.

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