Queen’s official archivist Greg Brooks announced the passing of former Queen bassist Barry Mitchell, who has died at the age of 76. Mitchell was one of several bassists who played with the band before John Deacon joined. He performed alongside Queen between 1970 and 1971.
The announcement reflected on Mitchell’s contributions to the band’s early history and the personal connection he shared with fans and archivists over the years.
“Terribly sad news just received that early Queen bass player (circa 1970), Barry Mitchell, has passed away,” Greg Brooks said. “His anecdotes at the convention were fascinating and offered rare insight. He will be greatly missed.”
Mitchell’s brief tenure with Queen came during a formative period for the band, before Deacon’s arrival solidified their classic lineup. A closer look at his time with the group reveals just how central he was to that transitional chapter of Queen’s history.
Mitchell stepped in as the band’s second bassist following Mike Grose’s departure. He joined Queen in August 1970. Over the following months, he performed thirteen live gigs with the group, including a memorable show at Liverpool’s famed Cavern Club. He left the band on January 10, 1971, for personal reasons.
His exit paved the way for Doug Bogie, who briefly filled the role for two shows. John Deacon ultimately joined later that year and completed Queen’s iconic lineup.
Away from the stage, Mitchell settled into a quieter life in Northampton, where he raised two daughters. He remained a beloved figure among Queen’s dedicated fan community, often sharing firsthand memories of the band’s earliest days at fan conventions and gatherings.
Mitchell died on August 17, 2026. No cause of death has been publicly disclosed. Tributes have continued to pour in from fans and members of the Queen archive community, honoring his role in the band’s formative years and the rare insight he offered into its earliest chapter.
