Jimi Hendrix Estate Gets Permission To Sue Sony Music

The estates of Mitch Mitchell and Noel Redding, former members of the Jimi Hendrix Experience, have received the green light to sue Sony Music Entertainment regarding a long-standing royalty disagreement.

Mitchell and Redding, both British musicians, actively participated in the creative process and played on all three albums of the band. While Hendrix was the main songwriter, they evenly shared the royalties during the band’s active years. However, after Hendrix died in 1970, Redding sold his rights share for $100,000, and Mitchell followed suit for $240,000.

Back then, they didn’t foresee substantial future earnings due to the industry’s limited growth. Consequently, the decision led to significant income losses that could have significantly impacted their lives.

After Redding passed away in 2003 and Mitchell in 2008, the artists’ estates filed a lawsuit in February 2022, claiming that the musicians “have not been compensated for their work and both died in relative poverty.”

Sony attempted to dismiss the lawsuit based on the signed paperwork. But on 29 January, Judge Michael Green of the London High Court gave the go-ahead for prosecuting the case.

Bringing Hope for Justice to Families

Lawrence Abramson from Keystone Law, representing both estates, expressed satisfaction, stating:

“We could not have got a better result. I am pleased that after almost two years of delay, the case will finally move forward, and we can hopefully obtain some justice for the families of Noel and Mitch.”

Edward Adams, a director for the claimants, added:

“Noel and Mitch died in penury despite being two-thirds of the Jimi Hendrix Experience and owning the copyright in the recordings jointly with Jimi. We see our case as carrying a torch for Noel, in particular, who spent over three decades seeking justice.”

While an official trial date has not been set, it is anticipated to commence in 2025.