Noel Redding

The bassist who swapped guitar for the low end to fuel rock history's most explosive trio.

David Noel Redding (25 December 1945 – 11 May 2003) was an English rock musician best known as the bass player for the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Born in Folkestone, Kent, he attended Harvey Grammar School and began his professional career at age 17 with bands like Neil Landon and the Burnettes. Upon arriving in England in September 1966, Redding switched from guitar to bass to join Jimi Hendrix, becoming the third member of the group after drummer Mitch Mitchell had already been recruited. Together they formed a power trio that recorded three landmark albums: Are You Experienced, Axis: Bold as Love, and Electric Ladyland. He also wrote and sang lead on 'Little Miss Strange' and 'She's So Fine'. His distinctive style utilized a pick, a mid-range trebly sound, and later, fuzz effects through overdriven Sunn amps.

Quick Facts

Birth name

David Noel Redding

Born

25 December 1945

Birthplace

Folkestone, Kent, England

Died

11 May 2003

Place of death

Clonakilty, Ireland

Instrument

Bass guitar
guitar
vocals

Genre

Psychedelic rock
folk rock
hard rock
blues rock

Years active

1963–2003

Lore & Background

Redding's tenure with the Experience began in September 1966 when producer Chas Chandler recruited him. Although Redding had played guitar previously, he switched instruments to become the third member of the group, joining after drummer Mitch Mitchell had already been recruited. His playing was defined by a pick and a trebly mid-range tone, evolving to include fuzz and distortion effects through Sunn amps in later years. A notable technical detail occurred during the recording of 'Red House' for Smash Hits, where Jimi Hendrix played the bass line on a normal six-string guitar, not Redding. Beyond his rhythmic duties, he contributed creatively by writing and singing lead vocals on two tracks: 'Little Miss Strange' and 'She's So Fine'. By 1969, tensions rose as Hendrix began performing with other musicians without consulting him. Redding quit during the American tour on 29 June 1969, returning to England. Although manager Michael Jeffery attempted a reunion in early 1970, Rolling Stone interviews revealed Redding was ultimately passed over for Billy Cox.

Reader's Guide

Redding's later career involved significant personal and professional shifts. In his book Are You Experienced?, co-authored with wife Carol Appleby, he revealed signing away royalties in 1974 for a one-off payment of $100,000 after being told no more Experience material would be released. He sold his original Experience bass to a collector in 1980 but tracked him down years later so Fender could inspect it; this led to the 1997 release of the Noel Redding Signature Jazz bass, based on his 1965 model, with a limited edition of 1000 units. In 1990, he and Appleby survived a car crash in Glounthaune that left her brain dead; she passed four days later after he made the decision to withdraw life support. He continued performing with Keith Dion's band '3:05 AM' across the US, releasing albums like West Cork Tuning. His final performance occurred at De Barras pub in Clonakilty with local musicians including Eric Bell and Les Sampson.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Noel Redding?

He was an English rock musician from Folkestone who joined Jimi Hendrix in September 1966 as the group's bassist. Originally a guitarist, he switched instruments to help form the power trio sound that defined the band's early success.

What role did Noel Redding play in the Experience?

Redding anchored the rhythm section for three landmark albums while also writing and singing lead on songs like "Little Miss Strange". His contribution allowed Hendrix and Mitch Mitchell to focus on their respective instruments within a tight three-piece lineup.

When did Noel Redding leave the band?

He remained with The Jimi Hendrix Experience until June 1969, after which he formed other groups including Fat Mattress and the Noel Redding Band. David Noel Redding passed away on May 11, 2003, leaving behind a legacy tied to one of rock's most famous trios.

What instruments did Noel Redding use?

His primary instrument was a 1965 Fender Jazz Bass, though he notably used a six-string guitar to play bass parts for tracks such as Red House. This adaptability demonstrated his commitment to fitting the specific musical needs of the Experience whenever required.