Hawkwind

Hawkwind are an English rock group from Ladbroke Grove, United Kingdom, formed in 1969 and active to the present day. They are closely associated with the early development of space rock and also work across classic rock, hard rock, progressive rock, psychedelic and psychedelic rock. Their music often uses science fiction and urban life as lyrical subjects, and they are also described as an influential proto-punk group.

History and line-up

The group begins with Dave Brock and Mick Slattery, who had previously played in the London psychedelic group Famous Cure, joining with bassist John Harrison after shared interests in electronic music. Drummer Terry Ollis joins after answering an advertisement, while Nik Turner and Michael “Dik Mik” Davies become involved through logistical and equipment support. The band first performs under temporary names including Group X and Hawkwind Zoo before settling on Hawkwind.

Hawkwind’s line-up changes frequently across its career, with many musicians, writers and performers contributing at different stages. Key former members and collaborators include Nik Turner, Huw Lloyd-Langton, Del Dettmar, Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister, Simon King, Robert Calvert, Michael Moorcock, Simon House and Ginger Baker. Dave Brock remains the only original member and the central figure in the group throughout its history.

Early recordings and breakthrough

Early sessions at Abbey Road Studios produce demos including “Hurry on Sundown”. After the departure of Mick Slattery, Huw Lloyd-Langton replaces him. The group’s self-titled debut album appears in 1970 and is produced by Dick Taylor. It has limited commercial impact but helps establish the band in the UK underground scene.

During this period Hawkwind play free concerts and festivals and develop a close association with the Pink Fairies, sometimes performing together as Pinkwind. In 1971, In Search of Space reaches number 18 in the UK Albums Chart and helps increase their profile.

1970s success and changing personnel

The band’s visual identity and conceptual approach develop through Barney Bubbles and Robert Calvert, while Michael Moorcock and dancer Stacia begin collaborating with them. John Harrison, Huw Lloyd-Langton and Del Dettmar leave and return at various points, and Thomas Crimble also appears in the line-up. Dave Anderson joins and later leaves before an album release.

The addition of Lemmy and Simon King marks a successful period. A live performance at the Roundhouse in 1972 leads to “Silver Machine”, which reaches number three on the UK Singles Chart and becomes the band’s best-known song. Doremi Fasol Latido supports the Space Ritual tour, an elaborate stage production combining multimedia and performance art.

“Urban Guerrilla” is withdrawn in 1973 after controversy and limited radio play. Further line-up changes follow, including the departure of Dik Mik, Robert Calvert and Del Dettmar. Simon House joins on keyboards and violin for Hall of the Mountain Grill, and Alan Powell becomes a second drummer during touring.

Warrior on the Edge of Time appears in 1975 in collaboration with Michael Moorcock and draws loosely on his Eternal Champion concept. Lemmy is dismissed during a North American tour after legal issues at a border crossing, and Paul Rudolph replaces him on bass. Lemmy later forms Motörhead with Larry Wallis.

The group signs with Charisma Records in 1976 and Robert Calvert returns as lead vocalist. Astounding Sounds, Amazing Music begins this period, followed by further instability and the departures of Nik Turner, Alan Powell and Paul Rudolph. Quark, Strangeness and Charm follows in 1977, and PXR5 is recorded in 1978 but released later. Around this time the band also performs as Hawklords and issues 25 Years On with a modified line-up.

1980s and later work

In 1979 the group reforms with Brock, Harvey Bainbridge and Simon King, later joined by Huw Lloyd-Langton and Tim Blake. They perform at early science fiction music festivals and sign with Bronze Records, releasing Live Seventy Nine and Levitation. Ginger Baker and Keith Hale take part in recording and touring before leaving.

During the early 1980s Hawkwind release Sonic Attack, Church of Hawkwind and Choose Your Masques, with further contributions from Michael Moorcock. They appear at Glastonbury and Donington while drummers change frequently. Robert Calvert returns as a guest and then rejoins for a period.

In 1985 the band releases The Chronicle of the Black Sword, based on Moorcock’s Elric series, and tours it as a theatrical production. The live album Live Chronicles documents this project. That year they also perform at a charity concert at Crystal Palace Bowl with several other artists.

The late 1980s bring more personnel changes. Huw Lloyd-Langton leaves, Richard Chadwick joins as drummer and becomes a long-term member, Simon House returns briefly, and the band tours North America again after a long gap. Bridget Wishart joins on vocals and appears on albums including Space Bandits and Palace Springs.

In the 1990s the band continues with albums such as Electric Tepee, It Is the Business of the Future to Be Dangerous and The Business Trip. They also use the name Psychedelic Warriors for material that differs from the main Hawkwind sound. Ron Tree later joins as vocalist, followed by guitarist Jerry Richards.

A 2000 reunion event at Brixton Academy under the name Hawkestra brings together current and former members and leads to further touring setups and releases such as Yule Ritual. Disputes then affect the use of the Hawkwind name in some related projects. The band also begins to organise its own festivals, including Hawkfest.

Recent activity

Hawkwind continue to tour and release albums through the 2000s and 2010s, including Take Me to Your Leader, Blood of the Earth, Onward and Stellar Variations. They appear in television documentaries and keep up a busy festival and headline-touring schedule. From 2016 onwards they release studio albums including The Machine Stops, Into the Woods, Road to Utopia, All Aboard the Skylark, Carnivorous, Somnia, The Future Never Waits and Stories from Time and Space, with later recordings also combining studio work with orchestral and acoustic elements and featuring collaborators such as Mike Batt and guest appearances from former members and other artists.

Brock and Richard Chadwick remain central figures in the band’s ongoing work.