In Memoriam: Dale Griffin (1948-2016) and Glenn Frey (1948-2016)

Two musicians from two different bands have passed away yesterday and today. One of them is from a band I like and the other is from a band I don't like (no offense). Still, I feel they both deserve a proper obituary so I'm going to put them both in one post.

Terence Dale "Buffin" Griffin

October 24, 1948 - January 17, 2016

Dale Griffin, drummer and co-founding member of glam rockers Mott the Hoople, passed away yesterday from complications of Alzheimer's Disease. Griffin was 67. Griffin was one fifth of the original line-up for Mott the Hoope, who formed in 1969. The original line-up consisted of Griffin, guitarist/singer Ian Hunter, guitarist Mick Ralphs, bassist Pete "Overend" Watts and keyboardist Verden Allen. The band struggled to find any commerical success during the release of their first four albums. In 1972, singer/songwriter David Bowie came to the rescue and offered to produce their fifth studio album, All The Young Dudes. The album was a hit, thanks to the Bowie-penned title track. Mott the Hoople would continue to perform (with different line ups) until 1975 when Hunter left. The band would continue under the name Mott for two albums and then as British Lions for one album. Griffin, along with Watts, were the two constant members in all three bands from 1969 to 1980. After the break-up of British Lions,  Griffin would produce music for other artists. Mott the Hoople would reunite for several shows in 2009 and 2013, but Griffin was not present for the 2013 dates (Pretenders drummer Martin Chambers filled in for Griffin). Griffin was diagnosed with Alzheimer's at the age of 58. Until his death, Buffin was active in the press talking about the disease.

Glenn Lewis Frey

November 6, 1948 - January 18, 2016

Glenn Frey, guitarist and co-founding member of the Eagles, passed away today from complications of an intestinal surgery. Frey is said to have had rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis and pneumonia. He was 67. Frey was one of the original members of the Eagles, who formed in 1971. Frey and drummer Don Henley were the two constant members in the band's original run. The Eagles would become one of the most successful bands of the 1970's, releasing top-selling albums and hit singles such as "Hotel California," "Life in the Fast Lane," "Take It Easy," "Witchy Woman" and many others. The band originally split in 1980 but reunited in 1994 and had been touring ever since. Along with being in the Eagles, Frey had a relatively successful solo career- with hit singles such as "The Heat is On" and "You Belong to the City." 

Rest in peace to both Dale and Glenn.