Hawkwind at 50

Hawkwind at 50

By Pete Clemons

When I realised that Hawkwind were touring to celebrate 50 years of the band, my first thought was, wow, where did that go. After all, I and countless others, have followed the band for a good proportion of that time.

Hawkwind, of course, were pioneers of giving you more than just performing a set of songs. They brought drama and lights. Stage dancing and stage creations.

But it has not been an easy ride for Hawkwind. Despite charting albums and well attended gigs they seemed to lumber from one financial crisis to another. Some of it their fault, like wasted money. Some of it not like the time they lost a load of uninsured kit, leaving the band equipment less.

The gig itself, teleported to The Empire – the old Paris cinema - after the demise of the Leamington Assembly (which, I am glad to report, has now reopened), was career defining and evoked some wonderful memories, as Hawkwind found time for many old crowd favourites.

They opened with 'Motorway City'. I remember seeing Hawkwind perform that one at Tiffany's when Ginger Baker was in the drum seat.

'Silver Machine' was also given an outing. As was 'Born to Go'. This was originally a part of the Space Ritual set that kind of broke the band to a whole new level back in 1972.

Following an incredibly busy touring, schedule that included a couple of gruelling tours of the US, the band returned to the UK to tour Hall of the Mountain Grill album during 1974. This included a visit to Coventry Theatre and I remember there being a lot of interest in the gig. So much so that I spent a night outside the box office, in a sleeping bag, in search of tickets.

'Spirit of the Age' was another old fave. This time however, I popped across to Birmingham to see that particular supporting tour. I can still see Bob Calvert providing the vocal to this incredible piece of Hawkwind history.

'Assault and Battery/The Golden Void' from the Warriors on the Edge of Time album wrapped up the set before the band returned to the stage for their encores.

These included 'Hurry on Sundown', from Hawkwind's very first album release and 'Master of the Universe'. 'Hurry on Sundown' was one tune which I, personally, cannot recall ever hearing live before.

All Hawkwind tours have a concept, and this one is no different. Gone are the lavish stage productions of old but the lighting and backdrops were still quite impressive throughout. The theme and visuals for this particular one is based around extinction. And in-between the above mentioned classics is a good selection of songs from the recent chart entering album 'All Aboard the Skylark'.

A totally enjoyable evening for many reasons. And, given the healthy audience size, Hawkwind proved that they can still create a lot of interest. Thanks for the memories and here's to the next 50 years.