Happy 80th birthday to guitarist Dave Brock – the Godfather of Space Rock!
Having founded the genre's quintessential band in 1969, he is the only Hawkwind member to have remained on board during its wild ride over the decades and remains firmly in the Captain's seat to this day.
Emerging from the melting pot of London's psychedelic music scene at the tail-end of the '60s, Hawkwind took a trip on the dark side and rapidly evolved with a distinctly heavier, yet equally spaced-out sound. Mangling electronic oscillators with grinding electric guitar hooks and hard-rocking rhythms the band became a hit on the UK's underground gig circuit, adored by those on the fringes of popular music.
Like a British equivalent of Grateful Dead, Hawkwind are revered by the cult following that continues to pack out venues across their homeland. As one of the country’s most beloved bands they remain a benchmark of authentic British psychedelia (not to mention the soundtrack to many a misspent youth!)
Hawkwind’s new album – Somnia – is due out on September 10 and is available here.
