Mott the Hoople drummer Dale Griffin dies at 67

Mott The Hoople - Drivin" Sister (Live)

Known by the nickname Buffin,Griffin was also a producer and worked for the BBC on a number of JohnPeel sessions on Radio One including Nirvana, the Smashing Pumpkinsand Pulp.

Speaking in 2010 about his diagnosis, Griffin said the disease hadhad a huge effect on his life.

Supporting an Alzheimer"s Society campaign, he said: "I used tobe fearless, but Alzheimer"s has stopped me in my tracks. It is mydreadful little bug and I have to fight to keep it from controlling me.

"Alzheimer"s has prevented me from doing a lot of the things Ilove - like reading and writing - but I try to keep as relaxed andeasygoing as possible."

He told how people began to avoid him because they felt awkward.

He added: "It is really important for people to "remember theperson" and look beyond someone"s diagnosis of dementia. Many oldfriends now avoid me as they do not know what to say, which is really hurtful.

"I just wish they would realise that inside, I am still thesame old "Buffin" I always was."

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Paying tribute to the drummer, singer-songwriter Billy Braggrecalled being "made up" to find that Griffin was to producea session he was doing for the BBC in 1984.

Griffin leaves behind his long-term partner Jean Smith.

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/news/mott-the-hoople-drummer-dale-griffin-dies-at-67/

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Dale Griffin, Mott the Hoople Drummer and Co-Founder, Dies at 67

Mott the Hoople All The Young Dudes

Dale Griffin, the drummer and founding member of British glam rock band Mott the Hoople, died Sunday after a battle with Alzheimers disease. He was 67.

His label, Angel Air, announced the news on its website.

Griffin was born in Ross-on-Wye, England, and got his start by playing in local bands including Charlie Kingsley Creation, the Silence, the Shakedown Sound and the Doc Thomas Group.

After Griffin and his bandmates moved to London in 1969, they nabbed a record deal and met producer Guy Stevens, who gave them the name Mott the Hoople after the 1967 novel by Willard Manus.

The group would go on to score hits Roll Away the Stone and All the Young Dudes, the latter written and produced by the late David Bowie, who also sang backing vocals on the track.

Mott the Hoople released eight albums before breaking up in the mid-70s after vocalist Ian Hunter canceled its European tour, citing physical exhaustion. Griffin would go on to become a producer of BBC live music sessions.

The band reunited in 2009 for its 20th anniversary, but Griffin was already too sick to take part, having been diagnosed with Alzheimers only shortly before the reunion was announced.

Griffin is survived by his long-time partner Jean Smith.

Source: http://variety.com/2016/music/people-news/dale-griffin-matt-the-hoople-drummer-and-co-founder-dies-at-67-1201682390/

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