As Monday arrived, we were greeted with news that Dale “Buffin” Griffin, the long-time drummer of Mott the Hoople has succumbed to Alzheimer’s at the age of 68. With the recent news of the high profile passing of David Bowie, Robert Stigwood, Natalie Cole, and a smaller list of lesser known artists, the passing of Dale Griffin is especially disheartening. The start to the new year has been filled with a dose of sadness. And if you were a Mott the Hoople fan, then this too is a moment of sadness.
Mott the Hoople is best known for its “All The Young Dudes” song from their fifth album (1972) featuring the same name. The song was written for them by an avid fan that went by the name of David Bowie. With the band in collapse, the song helped to elevate them to a higher status, thus guaranteeing their existence for, at least, another album with the original line-up intact. They released Mott in 1973, and The Hoople in 1974. After Mott, Mick Ralphs went on to form Bad Company. With The Hoople, the band fell victim to the departure of Ian Hunter. They continued on as Mott for two more albums (Drive On – 1975, Shouting And Pointing – 1976). Both albums had Dale Griffin on drums.
Over the years, Dale Griffin worked to bring Mott the Hoople back to the stage. When it finally happened in 2009, Dale was too ill to perform for the sold out UK shows, although he did appear for encores.
We will miss Dale Griffin because he was an essential part of Mott the Hoople. And it was his insistence that brought the band back together, however briefly.
“Buffin’s lost his child-like dreams…” – The Ballad Of Mott
Dale “Buffin” Griffin
RIP
1948-2016