Barry Mitchell, Early Queen Bassist, Dies; Fans Recall His Influence

Barry Mitchell served as Queen’s bassist for a brief period before John Deacon joined the lineup. He performed on 13 live shows, including several concerts in England such as those in Liverpool. In a 2018 interview with *Rolling Stone*, Mitchell said the band dismissed him because they believed he was “useless,” but he later explained that his own lack of enthusiasm for their music contributed to the split. He also noted that, at the time, Queen had not yet achieved the cult status they later enjoyed.

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After leaving Queen, Mitchell exited the music industry entirely. He re-emerged in the 1990s as a member of the band Jayne Raydio, collaborating with Steve Ray, Frank Carter, and Darren Claxton. During his tenure with Queen, he helped establish bass lines and riffs on early tracks such as “Liar” and “Son and Daughter,” which later bassists, including John Deacon, adapted for live performances.

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Following news of Mitchell’s passing, fans shared condolences on social media platforms. Several attendees of Queen fan conventions recalled meeting him at events in 2009 and described him as an engaging speaker who contributed to the community’s camaraderie. Posts highlighted his kindness, noting that he was a “lovely man” and expressing sympathy for his family. One fan thanked him for the music he provided over the decades, wishing him “godspeed.”

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Although Mitchell’s stint with Queen was short, his early contributions to the band’s sound left a lasting imprint on subsequent bass arrangements. His later work with Jayne Raydio demonstrated a continued commitment to music despite an earlier departure from the industry. The outpouring of fan tributes underscores the personal connections he forged within the Queen fan community and the enduring appreciation for his role in the band’s formative years.

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