In this fascinating interview, Nigel Carr speaks with Keith Dion who has been instrumental in bringing a court case against Sony Music Entertainment UK Ltd on behalf of Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell, former members of the Jimi Hendrix Experience. The case, which has concluded hearings examining performers’ rights, copyright ownership and unpaid royalties, including streaming revenues, tied to recordings made between 1966 and 1970 (Are You Experienced, Axis Bold As Love and Electric Ladyland).
The verdict is expected on 16 February 2026 with legal and industry observers calling this one of the most significant music rights cases in history. A ruling in favour of Redding and Mitchell estates could set a precedent affecting hundreds of legacy artists whose contracts predate the digital age.
Jimi died on the 18th of September 1970 of barbiturate-related asphyxia while intoxicated with wine and Vesparax sleeping tablets. Various conspiracy theories abound, but Keith Dion has gained access to, among other things, former manager Mike Jeffrey’s British Army records, and is ready to dispel more than a few wild theories in his book on the subject! Dion has also chased down rare recordings made by Noel Redding which feature Jimi Hendrix!
” This case isn’t just about Jimi Hendrix, says Dion. It’s about whether the musicians who helped create some of the most important recordings in history are finally recognized and compensated fairly in the digital age”.
Words by Nigel Carr. More writing by Nigel on Louder Than War can be found in his Author’s archive. You can find Nigel on Twitter and Facebook. Nigel is also the Producer of New Dawn Fades – A Play About Joy Division and Manchester
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