FOUNDER member of the internationally famous rock band Mott The Hoople, Dale Griffin, has died, aged 67.

The drummer, known by his nickname of Buffin, and who hailed from from Ross-on-Wye, had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease 10 years ago.

The band had many worldwide hits, including the iconic All The Young Dudes, which was written for them by David Bowie, apparently to stop the band from splitting up, as well as Roll Away The Stone, and many other chart topping tracks.

Latterly, Buffin worked for the BBC as a producer, working on live music sessions, including some for the John Peel Show, which included Nirvana, Pulp, Smashing Pumpkins, and Billy Bragg, among many others.

He delightedly joined Mott The Hoople on stage again for the encores after they reformed for a series of London shows in 2009, the main drumming duties for the shows being taken by his friend Martin Chambers, of The Pretenders – another chart topping band from Ross.

He leaves behind his long-term partner Jean Smith.