Noel Redding Net Worth
Noel Redding was an English rock musician with an estimated net worth of about $2 million at the time of his death. He is best remembered as the original bassist for The Jimi Hendrix Experience, one of the most influential rock groups of the 1960s.
Although he started his career as a guitarist, Redding switched to bass in 1966 when he joined forces with Jimi Hendrix and drummer Mitch Mitchell. His straightforward playing style provided a steady rhythmic base that balanced Hendrix’s experimental guitar work and Mitchell’s jazz-inspired drumming.
The Jimi Hendrix Experience Years
Redding joined the band in 1966 despite having limited experience on bass. He adapted quickly, focusing on groove and consistency rather than technical flash. This approach became an important part of the band’s sound.
The group’s debut album, Are You Experienced, was released in 1967 and immediately gained critical acclaim, featuring iconic songs like “Hey Joe” and “Purple Haze.” The band followed with Axis: Bold as Love and Electric Ladyland, both now considered classics of psychedelic rock.
While Hendrix often received most of the attention, Redding’s disciplined bass lines allowed the guitarist to experiment freely with tone, feedback, and improvisation. His distinctive appearance also contributed to the band’s visual identity during live performances.
By 1969, tensions within the group had grown, and Redding became frustrated with the musical direction and leadership dynamics. He left the band that year, shortly before Hendrix dissolved the lineup and later formed Band of Gypsys.
Solo Projects and Later Career
After leaving the Experience, Redding formed Fat Mattress, which released two albums in the late 1960s. He later created the Noel Redding Band in the early 1970s. Although these projects did not achieve major commercial success, he maintained a loyal fan base and continued touring internationally for many years.
In 1991, he published his memoir, Are You Experienced?: The Inside Story of the Jimi Hendrix Experience, where he shared his personal perspective on the band’s rapid rise and internal conflicts. He also spoke openly about financial disputes, claiming he had sold royalty rights under unfavorable conditions earlier in his career.
Redding eventually settled in Ireland and lived there for many years. On May 12, 2003, he was found dead at his home in Clonakilty at the age of 57.
Early Life
Noel David Redding was born on December 25, 1945, in England. From a young age, he wanted to become a professional guitarist and was influenced by the growing British rock and R&B scene of the early 1960s. By his late teens, he was already performing in London’s competitive club circuit.
In 1966, he auditioned for a reformed version of The Animals but did not secure the role. However, the audition caught the attention of manager Chas Chandler, who was in the process of building a backing band for Hendrix in London. Chandler offered Redding the opportunity to join as a bassist, a decision that would ultimately define his legacy in rock history.
