Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Dale Griffin: Mott the Hoople drummer dies age 67

Griffin was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2009 when in his late 50s

Olivia Blair
Tuesday 19 January 2016 11:30 EST
Comments
Mott the Hoople: Peter Watts, Verden Allen, Mick Ralphs, Ian Hunter and Dale Griffin (far right) in 1972
Mott the Hoople: Peter Watts, Verden Allen, Mick Ralphs, Ian Hunter and Dale Griffin (far right) in 1972 (REX Features)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Dale Griffin, the drummer for the rock band Mott The Hoople, has died aged 67.

He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease a decade ago and died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, Peter Purnell from the band’s label Angel Air Records told the BBC.

Hailing from Ross-on-Wye in Hertfordshire, Griffin co-founded the glam rock band in the 1960s. Originally called Silence, the band changed their name in 1969.

The band found success with their biggest song 'All The Young Dudes', which was written for them by the legendary David Bowie, who died from cancer just over a week ago.


Griffin in 1975

 Griffin in 1975
 (REX)

Other notable songs included "All The Way From Memphis" and "Roll Away The Stone".

The group split in 1974 but Griffin, along with band members Peter Watts and Morgan Fisher, played for another two years until 1976.

Following this, he worked for the BBC, serving as a producer for John Peel’s iconic Radio 1 sessions from 1981 to 1994.

Mott The Hoople reformed in 2009 for five reunion shows, but by then Griffin was too ill to perform and only joined the band for encores. His friend and fellow drummer Martin Chambers from the band the Pretenders filled in on stage.

Griffin is survived by his long-term partner, Jean Smith.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in