TRIBUTES are pouring in for legendary musician and ‘all-round West Devon good-guy’ Martin Griffin who died last Monday (January 6).

Martin was best known for playing drums with rock band Hawkwind and spin off band Hawklords but locally it was his generous heart and infectious personality that drew people close to him.

Martin was a Westcountry lad through and through and lived most of his life in Yelverton, a village where his parents were very involved in the community.

He died peacefully, aged 69, surrounded by his loved ones, following a short illness. He leaves behind Sal, his best friend of 43-years, and children Jack, Ruth and Chris, who have been moved by the outpouring of love and affection from the everyone, far and wide.

In a statement, Martin’s family said he was a ‘true gentleman and friend’.

‘As is apparent from social media and the outpouring of emotion, Martin has touched many peoples lives and was loved and respected by all.

‘He was quite simply the most wonderful human being and will be deeply missed by so many. His family respectfully asks for privacy during this difficult time.’

Martin’s daughter Ruth and son Jack added: ‘He never had a bad word to say and was always wanting to help out. He was such a giving person and always wanted to help young musicians.

‘There was no “side” to Martin, you got what you got. He would invite people round and always opened up his house to anyone. He had so much love for everyone. I feel very lucky that he is my dad.

‘The whole community feels torn apart by this — everyone is in tears — and that shows the scale of someone when you feel that loss.’

Martin joined Hawkwind for two stints between the years of 1978 and 1982 and played on albums such as Sonic attack and Church of Hawkwind, as well as headlining with the band at Glastonbury festival’s Pyramid Stage in 1981.

Martin had worked in and around the music industry most of his life, playing drums alongside other artists such as Ark, Half Human band and Richard Strange.

He worked with many rising talents such as Elvis Costello and ABC at his recording studio in Cornwall and pioneered a successful music sponsorship company working with major artists around the globe.

In a tribute, his former bandmates said that Martin was an ‘irresistible force of nature’.

‘Martin became a member of Hawklords ‘78 after he and Harvey Bainbridge, the rhythm section from Ark, were signed up by Hawkwind (actually Bob Calvert) to record the 25 Years On album of that year.

‘A complete and irresistible force of nature, he was a very welcome participant at several Hawklords shows over the last 10 years and always a splendid guest when attending the many shows that we have played in the Plymouth area of the UK.

‘Martin was a fine officer and gentleman of the old school and a terrific drummer, with a style as thoughtful and equally laid back in its approach as he was.

‘He will be very much missed by those of us that knew him, by Harvey in particular and by the Hawk-Fraternity around the world. Fly high, Wing Commander. We Love You.’

Local folk musician and former journalist Geoff Lakeman and a close friend of Martin expressed his sadness on social media.

‘He was the most entertaining, erudite, bad-ass, rock’n’rollin, leather-clad, Cuban heel-booted, beer quaffing, chain-smoking dude in these parts — and I’ve known a few in my Fleet Street years, not to mention travels in the music world.

‘Another good ‘un done gone.’