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.
