Noel Redding was a member of the Jimi Hendrix Experience from its formation in 1966 until he left in 1969. He was hired in as a bass player, reportedly due in some part to his look (a huge afro and his trademark granny glasses), despite his real desire to continue as a guitarist. In addition to his work in the Experience, Redding formed and played guitar in Fat Mattress, who released two albums in the late '60s and early '70s, and was involved in Road and the Noel Redding Band. In the mid-'70s, the Noel Redding Band did two albums for RCA, three tours of Holland, two tours of England, one tour of Ireland, and a ten week tour in America. Residing in County Cork, Ireland, in a house purchased from his Experience earnings, however, he claimed to no longer receive payment for his time with the band. "I was forced to sign away my royalties in 1974," he said, "I even had to sell the bass I used during that time, for $16,000." Redding has since written a book which has been compiled over the years from his diaries and legal files, entitled "Are You Experienced?'' It was published in 1996 by a small London firm called Fourth Estate Books, and includes some previously unpublished photographs. In May of 2003 Redding was found dead in his home, he was 57. ~ Zac Johnson, All Music Guide