HAWKWIND — ADVENTURES IN SPACE AND TIME

Ian Abrahams explores the vast, much-bootlegged recorded history of a great British institution.

Imagine one of those Any Dream Will Do or How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? TV programmes. Hawkwind’s legions of exmembers compete for places in an ultimate band line-up. There’s a panel of expert observers: Matthew Wright, TV and radio presenter and guest vocalist for Hawkwind’s recent Spirit Of The Age single. Novelist Ian Rankin, who never misses an opportunity to work Hawkwind references into his hard-boiled Rebus novels. Vic Reeves, whose recent autobiography manages to cram in the mentions of his teenage love for the hoary old space rockers. And Hawklording over the proceedings, the omnipresent Dave Brock, a founder member and the only remaining original Hawk.

What it would reveal would be the adaptability of what has become something of an institution. Put a collection of Hawkwind fans in a muddy festival field and see if they could decide on a definitive version of the band. One would cite the early 70s; Silver Machine and Space Ritual, Nik Turner’s honking saxophone and Lemmy’s pile-driving bass. Another might identify them circulating on the fringes of the new wave; Bob Calvert’s sci-fi-flavoured visions coloured with Quark, Strangeness & Charm. Heavy Metal enthusiasts could claim their RCA albums; Huw Lloyd-Langton’s searing lead guitar, Sonic Attack and Angels Of …

by Ian Abrahams
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