FAMILY, friends and fans remembered Mott the Hoople's drummer Dale “Buffin” Griffin in Usk today as they gathered to pay their last respects to a 'gentle, articulate and thoughtful' man.

Mr Griffin, who grew up in Ross-on-Wye, passed away in his sleep on January 17 aged 67 after suffering with Alzheimer's.

He was a founder member of Mott the Hoople which had a string of hits in the 70s and famously topped the charts with the Bowie track All the Young Dudes.

He later became a producer for the BBC and lived in Usk with his partner, Jean Smith.

More than 100 mourners attended his funeral at Priory Church of St Mary in Usk.

Mott the Hoople keyboardist Verden Allen paid tribute to his friend and bandmate. He said he was a gentle man with a nice smile.

He recalled being in London when Mott the Hoople had just been signed.

Mr Griffin said to him “I'm not cut out for this rock and roll business,” and Mr Allen replied, “I think it's a bit late for that Buff.”

He said he first met Mr Griffin when he was in Ross-on-Wye at the Hope and Anchor, where Mr Griffin was playing in a band with school friends.

He said they were called The Anchors, until they realised what sort of nickname they would get.

Mr Allen spoke about how Mr Griffin played the drums for the last three numbers at London's Apollo in 2009 for the band's 40th anniversary gigs. He had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's at this point.

He said he last saw him just before Christmas and added: “I think of him from the beginning in Ross at the Hope and Anchor. Goodbye to a good friend and colleague and a brilliant drummer. He will be sadly missed but not forgotten. Thank you Buff for the memories.”

Mr Griffin's partner Jean Smith said they first met at Ross Grammar School when she was 12 and he was 14. After they had left school they met each other again during a night out in 1967.

She agreed to go to one of his gigs, but her friend wouldn't go with her and his vehicle to the gig broke down, so both thought the other must have thought they had been stood up.

It wasn't until 2000 that they got in touch again through Friends Reunited.

In 2002 Mr Griffin came to live in Usk and she said the next four years were lots of fun until “the Alzheimer's came to call.”

She said the next few years were not easy but they had a lot of support from friends and family.

Ms Smith said he was gentle, articulate and thoughtful and added: “He was very special and I will miss him.”

Mike Chadwick read a poem he had written called “The Heavenly Band” and Mr Griffin's brother, Bill, read a bible passage.

Reverend Kevin Hasler said Mr Griffin's parents bought his first drum kit on hire purchase and supported him throughout.

He said Mr Griffin was very much a home-bird. He said he loved the cosy familiarity of his life with Ms Smith and their shared love.

Reverend Hasler said his legacy would not just be musical creative talent and success but a life of love and humility who faced Alzheimer's with fortitude.

The funeral procession left to Days by The Kinks. The church service was followed by committal at Gwent Crematorium.

There was a collection for the Alzheimer's Society.