ITP V.024 ONLY ONE PER COFFIN: R.I.P. MIKE HITCHEN (GUITARIST THE DROWNING)

 

 

 MIKE HITCHEN, guitarist for UK melodic, death doom warriors THE DROWNING died in a house fire 11/21/2024.

 

 THE DROWNING unleashed "THE RADIANT DARK", 11/8/2019 via TRANSCENDING OBSCURITY RECORDS,

 

FROM NYTYS PRODUCTIONS:

 

RIP Mike Hitchen

One of the most distinct and talented guitarists in the UK metal scene, Mike and Jason's twin guitar styles in The Drowning were one of the most notable features within the UK's doom metal scene. More than that, in the last 8 years or so Mike (like the rest of The Drowning), became a good friend and his loss is keenly felt. Since 2017 I've booked The Drowning a total of about 8 times give or take. More than any act other than Sidious (who I manage). Mike was often the engine that drove The Drowning and was often the one handling negotiations on his band's behalf.

I had hoped to announce in the next month or two that The Drowning and My Silent Wake (with Mike doing a rare performance with them for the first time since maybe 2017) would be appearing at 2025's 'One For Sorrow'. It is beyond heartbreaking to be writing this instead.

RIP Mike

- Dan Tregenna

Nytys Promotions

 

 

FROM PANTHEISTIC RAMBLINGS: 

 Such tragic and devastating news, Mike was a lovely gentleman. Please play some music of The Drowning today and raise a glass to Mike’s memory.

 

FROM MY SILENT WAKE: 

It is two days ago now since James, the original singer for The Drowning, rang me with the awful news that Mike had been in a terrible accident and was on life support, and now one day since he rang me with the news of his passing. To say we are devastated is an understatement.

I met Mike when we shared the stage in a small pub gig bringing doom metal to Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset back in 2007. We hit it off straight away and became very close friends. MSW and The Drowning had a close relationship from that day, but the personal relationship with Mike is something that is never going to be replaceable. He was a star in so many ways; absolutely generous, funny, kind, creative, hard working, a really sweet person, a unique character who was a pleasure to be around. I was meant to see him last month as he was due to stay with me and Sarah but due to me having covid, I had to cancel. The last time I saw him was in the summer. Mike had four cats who he was devoted to and he lived alone.

Many MSW fans will have seen Mike perform with us over the years. He was a live musician on guitar (and shared some growls) until Dave joined due to The Drowning becoming busier and Mike having less time. He can be seen on the video to 'And so it Comes to an End' and wrote the main riff to 'There Was Death'.

Mike was going to be playing with us again next summer in Plymouth as we were due to play a gig with The Drowning again.

I can't express how gutted I am to lose this beautiful brother in this tragic way.

Love you forever my friend. RIP Mike

Ian.

 

 

Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-R.I.P.