Guitardoor

Hawkwind: A Legacy of Sonic Exploration and Cosmic Adventure

A continuation to the previous hawkwind articles to Read parts 1.2 and 3 or continue reading part 4.

It’s a statement of fortitude that we are looking at roughly 50 years of a band’s History and the incarnations of this band are still creating in their ways, no matter what Banner they fly and the Legacy of Sonic Exploration continues. 

Dave Brock is still Captain of the spaceship, Nik Turner is still making music at every available turn and other members of the past are finding their place in a myriad of projects.

Jimmy Fleming and Nik Turner from Hawkwind

HAWKESTREL is working on new visions of the past works of Lore and creating new music as well.

I mentioned in the many Albums of Hawkwind I personally had been out of synch as a listener and there was a Major Gap that was when Robert Calvert had a renewed influence in albums such as “Astounding Sounds Amazing Music: “ as well as a well-established a catalog of his albums and books. I began to catch up with his contributions later and Understood what a Prolific artist and Important individual Bob was.

Jimmy With Miss Maya Calvert Grandaughter of Robert Calvert The Continuing Legacy of Sonic Exploration

I am as I write this coming Full Circle. I had decided a decade ago I was going to write at least one article about the Full influence of Hawkwind, its friends, and relations. I began the research of what little I did not have in my memory banks by reaching out to people associated in some way with certain integral parts of it. I worked and worked and one day at random found an “Alexandra Calvert” who we affectionately know as “Maya” now. A few weeks went by and I got a reply from her.

She informed me that Robert was her Grandfather. In the course of talks, I asked if she was musically inclined. Her response was she did do a bit of singing but was more into writing lyrics and Poetry and would I look at them and give some feedback?  Ladies and Gentlemen we can Lovingly blame Miss Maya Calvert for a 10-year delay in you just now reading this because what I read combined with a voice sample she provided me caused me to throw down the pen and paper and pick up the guitar. There was to be no article what I saw now was a musical project. It was also a rollercoaster ride of alternative thought and recording.

What ultimately Became “Shotgun Pixie” was started by flying sound files back and forth from The U.K. to The U.S.  we had two constant pieces titled “Cells” and “Ode to the Others”.We made many attempts at making a record this way and had the patience of “Radio Ray” in trying to help, a few others attempted to Be part of it but for some reason, we were running into issues of all kinds for a couple of years. We stayed in touch and just took a pause. 

 I had my Life turned upside down in 3 different ways due to deaths, Marriage troubles, and health issues. I suffer from a rare Neurological disorder called “Dystonia”. 

By 2018 I found myself alone, uprooted, and luckily in a financial situation at the time I could pretty much do what I wanted. So I did just that.

The Only way we were going to get this album right was in the same room. Thus Maya Calvert came to Ohio and we Packed a year of living into 30 days. Fun and Productivity were the only things on the Calendar. We had ideas from years past but discovered almost immediately that the Muse was in play and we would wake up and by lunchtime have written a song or some days two songs that didn’t exist the day before.  “Cells” and “Ode” were the only 2 tracks that came from the past.

It was astonishing, this project almost wrote itself. My Partner in crime Mr. Matt Moon was our secret weapon in that he was able to take what we had recorded and augment the vibe be it keys, drums, and bass I had not already played, and help create The title track with beautiful mandolin work to go with the acoustic guitar. I tip my hat to his skills as an engineer, music nut, and general Madman of Pleasantry. 

We were able to make yet another contribution to the Legacy of Hawkwind through this project while honoring Maya’s wish to not just simply echo Robert. It stands as its work. She also held fast and commanded the stage at a music festival in North Carolina where with the help of Locals Chad Stout, Drew Ortman, and Josh Feldman as the backing band we debuted this music fittingly on 4/20.

I look back to my first conversation with Nik Turner. I was telling him how much joy he and all the other people who were in the earliest works had brought to our lives. It was inspiration at its best, and mind-expanding but most importantly simply a Joy. He replied “Well I should certainly hope so, That’s why we did it in the first place.” and gave me a big grin.

Keep your mind open and your attention tuned because you may find more and more new efforts by them all, and they are a gift to us all. Past present and future. 

If they haven’t got you yet if you haven’t learned that particular Magic. Take my advice, you are missing something you may not know you need…Hawkwind music is a gateway to the indescribable. They provide the Tribal, The Trance, and The Infinite. Bless them all. Onward Flies the Bird.

(You can find “The Calvert /Fleming Project  Shotgun Pixie”  at Soundcloud and at  https://amazingradio.us/profile/jimmyfleming.  ) or read about the Calvert Fleming Project here on Guitardoor.

Hawkwind Articles pt 3 of 4 The Hawkwind Live Experience.

Did you read part three? Click read part  4? or go back to parts 1 and 2

The excitement of getting Imported records and Fanzine Momentos as mentioned in pt 2 of this series still carries a Joyful weight today. Now imagine what you would never expect to fall into your world in that You discover yourself in front of the very people you have considered Mystical and elusive. The Magic you felt with the vinyl in your hands is suddenly and unexpectedly printed on a ticket in your hand. The Live experience of a Hawkwind show is life-changing musically, and the events that happen before during, and after with your audience brotherhood can sometimes be even more worth the price of admission. You are entering the Twilight Zone. Anything can happen and often does. The finest works of fiction pale in comparison to the realities you are invited into.

As has often been the case with me a sudden passing glance through a newspaper or drive past a venue will set something in motion you never forget. 

A Very small advertisement in print only said “Stache’s and Little Brothers present “Nik Turner’s Hawkwind” Tonight. Telephone, Ring Ring “Don? Jimmy, Nik Turner is in a bar on campus tonight. I’m coming to your house now see you in an hour.”

On a bitter cold Early February night in 1994  with some of the world-famous Ohio Black Ice on the Roads, we land in a place known for its Underground music not much Bigger than your local pub anywhere. The Place where you can smell the stale beer and the writings is not just confined to the bathroom wall. This we knew would be Very Special, but how special was not on our Radar just yet. 

We found a projection screen behind the Drumkit and These Large “GREEN” Amps on stage and were about to see instant Madness and be converted to a Band we had never heard of. That Band was called “SLEEP”. Images of outer space were now rolling and Three Weathered young men came onto the stage with no words. They Unleashed Part of a future song called “Dopesmoker” and I literally would have to say they were the Loudest Band I have heard to this day. DOOM, Sabbath, Chanted vocals, and unrelenting power. The Perfect Choice to Open on a Nik Tour. I have been to two other Sleep shows and hope to see more post-Covid. They are their own Animal, a three-headed Beast.

Now comes The time. The Thing we thought not possible and Luckily for us a small crowd as we are within a few feet of History. Black Clad bodysuit with dayglo symbols painted on it, the Half Dreadlock Half Unicorn hair and Painted Dayglo visor is RIGHT THERE. I Immediately realize as the sounds of “Ejection” are crashing through us that he can not see us. He’s seeing the colors Painted on his Visor and is illuminated by Black Lights. He Breaks into the first Saxophone exploration while I’m processing all this and realize Del Dettmar is playing a double bit AXE with a pickup and one String. I don’t mean the terminology of a guitar is an axe. I mean he’s GOT AN AXE!  The good Dr. Don and I are calling to each other predictions of the songs and we are getting them. Most Hawkwind Classics and some Inner City Units gems as well. Fun is not the word. Amazement sells it short.

Then …I find the Truth of the statement “There’s One in Every Crowd.”

The Good Dr. is very animated and having more fun than anyone. This is his general nature. It is not a bother to anyone..except “The Jock”. This guy was most likely a football player in high school, and is now an out-of-shape balding Certified Public accountant with a psychopathic wife and a mortgage and Car payment beyond his means and is miserable and locks himself in the bedroom closet and cries secretly. He has no interest in this music and has come out of trouble. I am 22 years old and in my prime. I have a history of being very passive and nonconfrontational. This is all about to change. I feel a tap on my shoulder and turn around and am told by “The Jock” “Tell your buddy to settle down”. I smile and say nothing and turn back to watch the band. Tap Tap again “I told you to tell him to calm down.” “Well man ya see it’s like this, we are having fun tonight with the exception of you. That man does nothing but work and he is going to continue to enjoy himself come to Hell or High Water.”

I take the short trip to get another bottle of beer, one because I liked beer and two this might escalate and since I can’t get Del’s woodchopper I need something to steady the nerves and also double as a tool should it be needed. 3rd tap on the shoulder and I didn’t even blink, I turn and look him dead in the eyes and issue the proclamation” I’m DONE with you. IF you open your mouth I’m going to bash your skull in and then throw your washed-up ass out the front door and into oncoming traffic….Have we now reached an understanding that you are 30 seconds from death if you don’t make yourself disappear from my world?” Problem solved. Still in the Books as one of the best musical moments in life. In the passing days, I thought well that kinda thing will never happen again. Not so.

Fast forward to 1995 I am Getting Married and see that Dave Brock’s version of Hawkwind is Playing Cleveland Ohio that week. This is another Miracle because I not only can see this group, I know the promoter and after a quick call, we are not only going to the gig at the Agora but backstage before the show. For reason’s unknown the band meet and Greet was only attended by Bassist Alan Davey so a brief one-sided conversation ensued. I was the only one speaking as if I was being looked through not looked at. Psychedelics? Well no, no not in that band. Regardless Brock, Davey, Richard Chadwick, and new member frontman Ron Tree put on a concert that could only be described as perfect, Solar light show was perfectly chosen to work that tour and after a 3 hour Drive home I am again thinking “well that was another once in a lifetime.”  My First Wife and I are married a few days later and off on our own.. Not quite finding exactly what we wanted to do I half-jokingly said “Hawkwind is in Chicago tomorrow night.” She replied, “I have an aunt very close outside Chicago I’d love to see, Let’s do it.” Hawkwind Honeymoon. Park West we are on the way.

This was to be not only a chance to really get in the zone of the band, and pay closer attention to detail about How they worked as a unit. It was also a collection of experiences and a study in human behavior. Earlier that day I was being physically thrown out of the Sears Tower and into it with a Police officer, not because I did anything because this was the moment the Oklahoma City Bombing happened and he wasn’t making himself clear enough. I avoided arrest because of his behavior, not mine.

There was some question would this show still happen? So we decided to eat and then survey the situation at the Venue. April 19th was a tragic day but in Chicago, the sun was shining and the freaks were gathering in the queue. Then we met our new friends for an hour. They stepped up in line behind us and they were the odd couple for sure. Picture Jim Martin from the band “Faith No More” and you have the visual on the husband. Almost 7 ft tall, Motorhead Tattoo on his forearm, Crazy eyes.

He is doing the Speedfreak boogie armed with a 5th of Jack Daniels and his wife was roughly 5 ft tall and had to have been on enough downers to kill a horse, Recall the Girl from the film “Up in Smoke” and this is fairly accurate visually and in speech. They were actually very cool people. We had timed it that the Police officer took approximately 5 mins to survey the crowd by walking completely around the building, so Jim Martin and I passed the Jack back and forth and had some botanical amusement on the sly about every four minutes. The conversation was about being newlyweds with Lady Jim Martin saying” Maaaan thaaaaaat is soooooo coooool, Yerrrrrrr from mmmm Ohiooooooo?????” Meanwhile he at 173 miles per hour “Have you gone to the petting zoo? No? Oh, God-man. Tell ya what we’ll take you tomorrow because YOU HAVE TO GO TO THE PETTING ZOOOOOOO!””  PETTING ZOOOOOOO!!! 

No folks you can’t make this stuff up. The Line progresses and we are moving into the Hall And we thought …ok they are gone now, as pleasant as they were, it got to be a little much. 

WRONG. Hey, have the seats right next to us with 2 empty seats being our distance. What we did not know was this reunion was to be short-lived, as they had made a plan and were going to achieve this plan no matter the cost. Hawkwind takes the stage in all their Glory once again and erupts in “Master of the Universe” song one. I  get elbowed by my wife and told to look to our right.

Their plan became clear to me and they were fully involved. You see the plan was to shall we say “Have Relations” and peak during the heights of the chaos of this song. Well, It’s ironic that I’ve been under Psychiatric care ever since, and they would have achieved this mission were it not for the 2 Chicago Police officers who proceeded to Drag them by the hair out of the building and had no interest in collecting their clothes. Yet another Hawkwind classic show with bonus features and now we left downhearted only in that the Petting Zoo was not meant to be.

I finally met Nik Turner in Cullman, Alabama in 2003 after asking the Promoter if I traveled 500 miles would he make that happen. Nik and I have been friends since that evening and The last time we spoke face to face was during the “Space Gypsy Tour” at Cleveland’s Beachland Ballroom in 2013. Always a Gentleman to me. 

There has been the same division as Roger Waters and Pink Floyd with Syd Barret, Brock on one side and Nik on the other for a considerable period. I hate to see this but I also respect both of their Reasons and Visions and I hope the prevailing thought of fans is that we all have had a great gift, so many of us it’s been a large part of our Lives.

Any incarnation of The band is of Value and those of us who have been lucky to see any of it are fortunate for it. There is nothing like that music, those songs especially live in the moment. The Best part is it is still ongoing, the legacy is still open-ended and active which I will explore in the final part of this series. To be continued…….

HAWKWIND PART 2 Masters to Bandits

Did you read part 2? Click read parts 3 and 4? or back to 1

With Hawkwind as an entity itself, one could talk for weeks about 30 studio albums, over 11 Live albums, and more than 15 compilation albums. Secondary to those you have such a wealth of Releases from ex-members Largely Nik Turner and Bob Calvert. I want to touch on certain periods and projects that Were seeds planted to Blossom often years after. 

Many Bands cite Hawkwind as the reason they formed their own band, many bands showed influence and may not even realize it. To Be brief The band was atmospheric in Varied ways. 

To quote Lemmy there were the days of the “Black Nightmare” In Keeping with the Culmination of tracks like “Born to Go” and “Brainstorm” and spoken-word pieces of Science Fiction Like ‘Sonic Attack” and “In the Egg” Roles being handled by Michael Moorcock, Robert Calvert and Nik Turner.

Born To Go By Hawkwing With Robert Calvert,Nik Turner and Dave Brock

The aforementioned “Space Ritual” is the best but not the only document of this. “Bring me the Head of Yuri Gagarin” and other bootlegs and compilations although not of great sound quality, nonetheless reach the Listener.

For myself my First experiences Hearing the Flicknife record compilation “Masters of the Universe” and the Live “This is Hawkwind Do Not Panic” from the Solstice at Stonehenge, and a second performance at The Lewisham Odeon Side 1&2 behind the drumkit you found no less than Ginger Baker. . I would have been content if these 2 albums had been the only 2 ever as they have been in my rotation now for 37 years. However, there were new gems to be discovered albeit out of timeline or by random chance.

I would be remiss to not mention Mr. Brian Tawn. He was not a Band member but his importance to them cannot be overstated. Hawkwind in the United States during my time of Discovery was still a cult following especially in Appalachian areas. I would have to special order projects and wait a month or more for Records to come into our local shop. I discovered Brian wrote “HawkFan” a  Fanzine in the U.K. and they were a major promotional tool. 

We began a long-distance friendship in that I would send him a relative amount of currency in the mail that may or may not have covered his cost on some occasions and I would wait for what Mr. Tawn termed “The Post Awful” to eventually place a small brown envelope in my mailbox. What he did was an extra effort, he would take his own copies and photocopy them for me so I had something very close to the Original. So I had Christmas several times a year thanks to Mr. Tawn. We even now in 2021 will give each other the Nudge Nudge wink wink say no more via Facebook. Still the Gentleman.

Somehow I suppose through my random huntings did not catch a large portion of time in the Bands Progress post-Lemmy in that I did not hear more of Robert Calvert‘s time of stepping up to bat. This would take a turn that I will bring to light in this set of writings later. I was finding Albums Like  “Out and Intake” that were leading me to realize more & more. 

About the value of Guitarist Huw Llyod Langton. With his stellar Lead guitar work that can in no form be compared to anyone and now him bringing his own songs like “Waiting for Tomorrow” from that album. I was spending the time on these albums, They were lived with on the turntable as part of my everyday life. So this was a slow discovery but deepest appreciation and study. 

1988 brought the first time I caught up to a record the year it was released. “The Xenon Codex” not only brings one of the most awesome album art and packaging, an astounding visual it also brings a new atmosphere. “The War I survived” opens the album with a post-punk and not exactly pop sense. It is part Retro and part futuristic, an enigma of 5 mins and 30 seconds. The Larger picture here announces itself in track 2 “Wastelands of Sleep.” and in combination with a few other tracks are still Hawkwind Trance but more ethereal and relaxing sounds.

The album however can lead you to there to the Alarm of Dystopian tracks “Mutation Zone” and “E, M.C” Prompting on more than one occasion to cause these sounds in conjunction with ingestion of certain Botanicals to bring fevered screams of “Shut it OFF, MAN!” Think of Benicio del Toro in “Fear and Loathing”. You took too much!

1990 Brought “Space Bandits” with the new vocal genius of Bridget Wishart. This was proof there were no doors closed to exploration and that this was a Group that was never going to rest on their Laurels. Three more albums came and by 1995’s “Alien 4” Album with new frontman Ron Tree, Arguably one of the Best ever…..Leads us to part 3 of this article  “Hawkwind Live” Holdin no shortage of tales of the weird and Glorious.    To be continued…….

Lemmy With Hawkwind: The Bassist Breakthrough

Ever heard of Hawkwind? If you’re a fan of Motorhead, you’re probably familiar with the legendary bassist, Lemmy Kilmister. But did you know that before he became the face of Motorhead, he was a crucial member of Hawkwind, a pioneering space rock band that influenced countless musicians?

Hawkwind’s music was a mind-bending blend of psychedelic rock, electronic sounds, and cosmic themes. Their live shows were legendary, often described as early raves, long before the term existed. In this series, we’ll delve into the band’s history, from their humble beginnings to their meteoric rise, and explore the iconic era led by the charismatic Lemmy Kilmister.

The Early Years

Founded by Dave Brock, Nik Turner, Mick Slattery, Dik Mik, John Harrison, and Terry Ollis, Hawkwind’s early years were marked by experimentation and a growing underground following. The addition of talented guitarist Huw Lloyd Langton solidified their sound and helped them gain recognition with their self-titled debut album.

One of the most pivotal moments in Hawkwind’s history was their appearance at the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival. Their performance caught the attention of Jimi Hendrix, who dedicated his set to “the guy with the silver face” – Nik Turner. Little did they know that one of Hendrix’s crew members would soon join their ranks.

The Arrival of Lemmy

In 1971, Hawkwind’s bassist was unable to make a gig, and Dik Mik drafted his friend, Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister, to fill in. Lemmy, fresh from his time as Jimi Hendrix’s roadie, brought his raw energy and powerful bass playing to the band. His contributions were instrumental in shaping Hawkwind’s sound and propelling them to new heights.

With Lemmy on board, Hawkwind released their groundbreaking album, “Space Ritual.” This live album captured the band’s intense energy and experimental spirit, cementing their status as pioneers of space rock.

The End of an Era

Unfortunately, Lemmy with Hawkwind did not work out and was cut short due to personal differences and band tensions. Despite his departure, his legacy within the band remains undeniable. His influence can be heard in their music and the countless bands that followed in their footsteps.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this series, where we’ll delve deeper into Hawkwind’s legacy, explore their post-Lemmy era, and discuss their enduring impact on music.

Pink Floyds Dead Diamond Syd Barrett

You can call some of the most original artists “Free Form” “Avant-Garde” and try to put it in a box of descriptions. People express the beauty of John Coltrain’s wonderous work. I am a fan of Outside music and Outside thinkers. I hope someday Syd Barrett is brought out of the Cult Following. That Cult is Larger every year, after Syd’s unfortunate death in 2006 and The Tribute given him by former bandmates of Pink Floyd at Live 8. 

Were we to stumble across the Two albums released the same year in 1970 “The Madcap Laughs” and “Barrett” and had no point of reference to Syd’s True first album being Floyd’s “Piper at the Gates of Dawn”, The name of the artist might not be as well known, but the Music contained would remain as important. Going back to “Piper”, That was Syd’s album as well. There would not have been a name “Pink Floyd” and possibly never a band.

It was a very English style of project full of Whimsical works and songs reminiscent of Children” fairy tales that could not be penned by any other.In Due respect Of the Floyd, they were harsh in his dismissal, but They rightfully and respectfully kept helping their childhood friend in the studio on the solo Syd Projects and made sure the remainder of his life he was paid his Musical Royalties.
The discussions that Syd was truly mad and unhinged I personally think are easier to state than what the Truth may actually have been. I think Syd Barrett did what he wanted to do by design. When you hear ” Here I go” it’s not the ravings of an Acid Casualty, it’s a well-crafted Love song, Highly structured and Melodic and Lyrically clear. In the dissonance of “No good trying” He is clearly saying “For I can tell that you can’t be what you pretend.” Yet He could be whatever he wished, and that may be the secret.

Syd as a Guitarist was eclectic. Be it the soundscapes of his Danelectro Electric on “Interstellar Overdrive” or any number of songs on acoustic from the Dark beauty of “Golden Hair” he made the guitar wear as many masks as were required for the play.
He was in the world of guitar an innovator. He was not a virtuoso for the only reason he didn’t want to be. That already existed in the Clapton’s and Beck era and those were the times he was a Captain of the ship in Pink Floyd. Who knows how good he truly was or who he truly was behind the locked door. He used the guitar to deliver what he felt necessary in creating music that would be written about today. He wasn’t the Guitar Hero, but the guitar was many tools to build the work. The Rhythm to the larger majority of work was set by the Guitar, the rest fell in after. The same approach in that The Stones followed the guitar of Keith Richards. For one called out of control he certainly was in control of the creative process. 

His Fender Telecaster was also a visual tool, with mirrored Circles to reflect light. Jimmy Pagehttps://guitardoor.com/speaking-the-language-of-guitar/ Employed this same thought. I’m not sure who did it first but regardless It speaks to the knowledge he had of the many facets a guitar can be. 
I think back to a preliminary meeting I had on my own career where Image was discussed. I was intrigued by the Gentleman’s suggestion that I be a “Mysterioso ” not all be known about me. I think Syd had this in his head from the moment of disillusionment with the Pop industry. Leave the scene possibly not as the old saying goes “Leave them wanting more” but perhaps “Leave them wondering why.”Do not forget when the term Mad Genius has used the Genius part.

After the death of Syd Barrett, I wrote a few words Which became the foundation for a piece I called “Dead Diamond”  Amber brightly shining, in your room darkly Divining. Treading the backward path, 25 a Madcap Laugh” The 25 I have no answer for. Again another mystery as to when you watch Led Zeppelin’s “The Song Remains The Same” Robert Plant is just randomly throwing “25” in during periods of “Dazed and Confused”. 

I’m not going to go so far as to say that there were no ill ramifications from Syd’s Use of Psychedelics, which by all accounts was pretty vast. Nor will I claim he had no mental issues. Truth is none of us knows.

The only one who knew was Syd himself. I think when the band talks about trying to film top of the pops or some similar program and he would be instructed to mime the song, he would cooperate during the rehearsal and when called “Action” for the real filming just stand there motionless, He knew exactly what he was doing. He was taking a stand against what he didn’t like.
By accounts, his Last contribution to the Floyd being “Jugband Blues” has been described as nonsense. I don’t find it totally accurate. When the very last words a man writes in a situation at an end as the Bands relationship stood are “And What exactly is a dream, and What exactly is a joke?” I think he is telling them and us something.

Locked in a room with Syd Barrett

For the Larger world, Syd Barrett will be unproperly defined in history as the tortured artist and drug casualty because it’s the easy way to be done with it. I think one does not look much more than the title of “The Madcap Laughs”. I believe he may have been so intelligent to know he had broken through and become an accomplished writer and an Icon and had established an income to sustain him his lifetime, and thought “I don’t have to do this anymore”. When he became artistically satisfied as himself in music, he moved into other works of art such as Painting where he was the decision-maker and could live by his own rules.

I think Syd Barrett has underestimated not only the works he left us, which I and so many enjoy and never tire of…I think he was underestimated in that he didn’t need to fake his own death to escape the confinement of the music industry, he just needed to find a way out by accentuating the already rumor mill of his mental state. I think the old boy, the Madcap, did exactly what he wanted and ultimately had the last laugh on the ones he wanted to. Exit stage left…. go for ice cream, and let the rest of them wonder Perpetually.