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HAWKWIND A Brief Biography

Hawkwind were formed in 1969, originally as “Hawkwind Zoo” by former busker , although there have been numerous line-up changes throughout the years, he remains at the helm today and is know affectionately by many of the fans as the Captain of the ship.

In 1970, the band appeared outside the perimeter fence of the as a protest to the admission charge. was spotted in the audience. The same year they played at the first . These activities helped establish them as the people’s band, as well as being widely acknowledged with creating a brand new genre of music - space-rock. Also in that year the band’s first single, “”, was released followed by the self titled debut , ‘HAWKWIND’, 41 years on it remains a steady seller.

By 1972, the bands popularity had grown to such an extent that they could now headline venues such as the famous Chalk Farm in London. A gig billed as the “” at this venue in February was to be forever etched into Hawkwind folklore, as it was at this show that their trademark single “” was recorded. The track, which featured on vocals, brought the band to the attention of the wider general public after it reached number two in the UK charts in the June of that year.

The success of “Silver Machine” financed their famous ‘mind blowing’ themed tour, entitled ‘Space Ritual’. This show set the precedent for all future Hawkwind shows. The band’s wealth of creative talent, including contributions from the likes of sci-fi author , poet and visionary Bob Calvert, designer ‘’and lighting engineer ‘Liquid Len’ created the world’s first truly multimedia touring roadshow. The barrage of light, sound, dance and theatrics has since become a hallmark of all subsequent Hawkwind shows, making each gig a unique and spectacular event, rather than ‘another standard rock concert’.

Following the “Space Ritual” UK tour, the band went on to continue the tour in the USA coinciding with the of their acclaimed third album; “”, and then the live recording – “SPACE RITUAL ALIVE”.

In 1973, classic trained musician (electric violin) joined the band, and throughout the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, the World famous author Michael Moorcock often wrote lyrics for Hawkwind as well as recording and appearing with them. After a drugs bust in USA in 1975, Lemmy left the band and went on to form ‘MOTORHEAD’.

Throughout the 70’s Hawkwind released a series of classic including -

IN SEARCH OF SPACE DOREMI FASOL LATIDO SPACE RITUAL HALL OF THE MOUNTAIN GRILL WARRIOR ON THE EDGE OF TIME ASTOUNDING SOUNDS, AMAZING MUSIC QUARK STRANGENESS & CHARM PXR 5

In 1979, Dave Brock together with Huw Lloyd-Langton on lead guitar, on drums, Harvey Bainbridge on bass and former Gong keyboard player , recorded the album ‘LIVE 79’ which went straight into the top ten UK album chart. In 1980, replaced Simon King on drums recording the classic, ‘LEVITATION’ album. Showing its predecessor’s chart placing was no fluke this also went top 10

From 1979 to 1985 the band’s singles and albums were never out of the national, independent and heavy metal charts, long players included

LIVE 79 LEVITATION CHOOSE YOUR MASQUES CHURCH OF HAWKWIND CHRONICLE OF THE BLACK SWORD XENON CODEX

In 1985, the band performed the ambitious ‘CHRONICLE OF THE BLACK SWORD’, as a spectacular live show inspired by Michael Moorcock’s epic saga, ‘ELRIC OF MELNIBONE’.

In 1986, the band headlined at the Reading , with former member Lemmy turning up to make a guest appearance, their performance was transmitted live on national BBC Radio 1, and later released as the “FRIDAY ROCK SHOW SESSIONS”.

Around this period, the band also began reaching out to a whole new audience of both fans and musicians, who in turn would embrace much of the Hawkwind sound and ethos whilst at the same time adding their own twist. This would see the start of whole dance movement and rave culture towards the end of the decade. Acts such as , Future Sound of London and later on The Chemical Brothers and Leftfield openly acknowledging Hawkwind’s influence.

The band performed throughout the nineties on regular national and international tours and further officially sanctioned albums were released that included -

SPACE BANDITS ELECTRIC TEPEE IT IS THE BUSINESS OF THE FUTURE TO BE DANGEROUS ALIEN 4

Throughout their career the band also have continued to perform at numerous free concerts, most famously the STONEHENGE festival, and have supported many and various charities, including SHELTER, GREENPEACE, TRAVELLERS AID TRUST, BRAINSCAN, FREE TIBET CAMPAIGN, SAVE ENDANGERED SPECIES and SEA SHEPHERD CONSERVATION SOCIETY.

In 2001 Hawkwind appeared on the Top 10 show, having been voted in at number 8 on the Prog Rock band chart. The band would also appear on Australian television as part of the group’s first visit to the country. In August, Hawkwind headline Festival and employed the guest vocals of . A live CD of this concert featuring the singer was released in December 2002. The band finish the year in style, headlining a week of psychedelic themed shows at The Royal Festival Hall in London followed by a tour of sold-out venues across the country.

More releases followed in 2002, including “” which was recorded live at the London Astoria the previous year in front of a sold out audience. In July, the band headlined their own three-day festival in Devon, , featuring a host of space-rock and more mainstream bands. A double CD of festival highlights was released the following year. In October 2002, Hawkwind play The Wembley Arena as special guests of Motorhead. Arthur Brown was once again on vocal duties, with Lemmy adding his unique bass and voice to a rousing version of Silver Machine, much to the delight of the audience. Come December and Hawkwind once more venture out on their annual pre Christmas tour with both Arthur Brown and Tim Blake coming along for the ride.

In 2005 the band released studio album "TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER". Assorted guests added to the rich tapestry of sounds on the album, these included 70s punk songstress Lena Lovich, the iconic Arthur Brown and for many the most surprising being Channel 5 TV presenter Matthew Wright, a long time fan of the band. followed up in 2006 with a new format “dual disc” TAKE ME TO YOUR FUTURE", which featured video on one side, music on the other.

2007 Dave Brock marries long time partner Kris Tait in front of 1000 fans at their Hawkfest festival in Derbyshire UK.

2009. saw the band celebrating 40 years in the business playing to packed venues the length and breadth of the country with the highlights being a stunning headline set at the 2009 Beautiful Days festival in Devon which earned them a nomination at the UK festival awards followed by 2 sold out shows at the exclusive Porchester Halls in London, where they were introduced on stage by ’s . These shows marked the start of the 40th anniversary celebrations.

In December, joined by guest violinist Jon Sevink of the Levellers, Hawkwind play to sell out audiences on their Christmas UK tour.

In June 2010, Hawkwind were honoured with the MOJO MAVERICK AWARD to mark their influence and longevity in the music business.

June 2010 also sees the release of a new studio album, ”” released on the summer solstice.

Following a run of major festivals across Europe, Hawkwind return to the UK to mark both the end of their 40th anniversary celebrations, and also the 40 year anniversary of their iconic 1970 Isle of Wight appearance, by staging their own 3 day Hawkfest on the exact same site, the Hawkwind performance taking place exactly 40 years to the day of the original..

Hawkwind finished off 2010 with their traditional pre Christmas tour of UK venues.

Early in 2011, Hawkwind returned to Australia for festival and regional shows.

After the Australian dates, the band were due to fly straight out to Japan, however due to the terrible earthquake, these dates were postponed and will be added to shows scheduled for India and Singapore.

2011 Dave Brock presents "HERO" Mojo Award to John Lydon of the /PIL

Following headline slots at the and Hellfest in France, summer 2011 saw the recording of a new studio album, “ONWARD”, released in June 2012.

November 2012 saw the release of two further albums. A Dave Brock solo album, “LOOKING FOR LOVE IN THE LOST LAND OF DREAMS” and Hawkwind Light Orchestra, "STELLAR VARIATIONS".

The spring WARRIOR 2013 TOUR, launched at their HawkEaster event in Devon on 30th and 31st of March and included a full performance of the Warrior on the Edge of Time album to coincide with the long awaited re-release of the Warrior on the Edge of Time album, on the Cherry Red label. (Which entered the official UK album charts on May 29th 2013 at number 37)

September 2013 Dave Brock receives prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the Prog Rock awards at a ceremony in London's Kew Gardens.

October 2013 sees a new album release... "SPACEHAWKS" especially for the North American market.....

Hawkwind release an animated single of SONIC ATTACK with British acting legend .

On Feb 22nd 2014 at Shepherd's Bush Empire, Hawkwind performed a unique recital of THE SPACE RITUAL, with proceeds being divided between three animal charities. (Team Badger, Animals Asia and Doris Banham Dog Rescue) The event was entitled Rock 4 Rescue. (A DVD of this show was released to great acclaim in 2015)

April 2014 - Second annual HawkEaster takes place.

May 2014 - Wildlife Rocks charity concert with at Guildford Cathederal.

October 2014 - Hawktoberfest is launched at the Academy 1 in UK, followed by UK mini tour.

March 2015 - UK tour introducing aerial artist and dancer Eloise Currie.

April 2015, sees the third annual HawkEaster, a successful 3 day Hawkwind festival held in Seaton, Devon.

April 2015 - First Hawkwind concerts in Tokyo Japan.

May - July 2015 - Hawkwind return to Earth Studios in Devon to record new studio album based on a short sci-fi story by E.M Forster "THE MACHINE STOPS".

August 2015 - Completion of new solo album by Hawkwind leader Dave Brock entitled "BROCKWORLD" released November 2015.

October 2015 - Second Hawktoberfest with special guests Amplifier, Ruts DC and Prime Sinister..

November 2015 - New solo album released by Hawkwind leader Dave Brock entitled "BROCKWORLD".

Dec 2015 - Hawkwind Winter Solstice Christmas Party with special guest guitarist, at Shepherd's Bush Empire, London

Dec 2015 - Hawkwind add bass player Haz Wheaton.

April 2016 – New “concept” studio album, "THE MACHINE STOPS" tops the Prog and Rock charts and enters the top 30 of the UK charts upon release, followed by UK and European tour dates.

May 2017 – Release of a follow up studio album, “Into the Woods” To be released by on May 5th, followed by UK tour.

HAWKWIND supports "SEA SHEPHERD CONSERVATION SOCIETY" - "ANIMALS ASIA" - "TEAM BADGER" - "DDA WATCH" - "DORIS BANHAM DOG RESCUE" -

CONTACTS:

All media and interview requests to:

HAWKWIND MANAGEMENT

PO BOX 28 HONITON EAST DEVON EX14 1PB E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.hawkwind.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/HawkwindHQ Twitter: @HawkwindHQ