Keith Mitchell

Keith Mitchell (June 16, 1951 — May 14, 2017) was an American musician, best known as the longtime drummer of Mazzy Star. He was previously a member of Opal, and its predecessor Clay Allison. While Mitchell first played guitar and tuba, it was the drums that became his instrument of choice as he played in a wide range of bands throughout his career.

Early life Keith Mitchell was born in Long Beach, California. He attended both Millikan and Wilson High Schools, and was an active member of the Boy Scouts and the Tribe of Tahquitz — experiences that nurtured his adventurous spirit and early exposure to music. According to his son Paul Mitchell, Mitchell's musical journey began at a young age. He played several instruments including guitar and tuba, but it was during his time as a Boy Scout that he picked up the drums, sparking a passion that would define his life's work. His enthusiasm for music was matched by a lifelong curiosity and love of learning, qualities he carried with him both on and off the stage.

In the early '80s, Mitchell joined the Romans, a band that started as a thrash punk outfit and later evolved into what many consider the first alt-country band. With his ability to adapt, skill and versatility, Keith was compared by his bandmates to "the Buddy Rich of punk rock." He is survived by his sons Paul Mitchell and Kieran Matias, his mother Charlotte Mitchell, his siblings Craig, Brian, and Mary Ellen Mitchell, and a large extended family including five grandchildren. A celebration of his life was held on June 17 at Rancho Los Alamitos. In his honor, a memorial fund was established to support the percussion program at Cal State Long Beach's Bob Cole Conservatory of Music.