The band was formed in 1969 by visionary Dave Brock and although it has been subject to numerous line-up changes it is still led by him. The early line-up featured Dave Brock on vocals and rhythm guitar, Huw Lloyd-Langton on lead guitar, Terry Ollis on drums, Thomas Crimble on bass, Nik Turner on Saxophone and Dik Mik on synthesizer.
The band became established as a space-rock underground band with their renowned concert at the Glastonbury Rock Festival 1970 when they set up in an alternative field and played a free concert, pulling crowds away from the main event. Their debut album, the self titled ‘HAWKWIND’, was released by EMI and to this day still sells steadily. In 1970 they appeared at the Isle of Wight Festival where Jimi Hendrix was spotted in the audience. He was asked to get up and join the band and he replied ‘No I don’t want to spoil it!’ Huw Lloyd-Langton remained with them until late 1971. The band shot to fame in 1972 with their hit record ‘Silver Machine’ featuring Lemmy (now of Motörhead fame) on vocals. (This record featured in the soundtrack of a recent TV Mazda advert in the UK). In 1973 Simon House (Electric Violin) joined, and throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s, the renowned World famous Sci-fi author, Michael Moorcock often recorded and appeared with them.
Lemmy was sacked from the band in 1975 after a drugs bust in USA, and went on to form ‘MOTORHEAD’, named after the last track he wrote for the band, a slang term for speed freak. Huw Lloyd-Langton joined Leo Sayer in 1974 and then in 1975 went on to form supergroup ‘WIDOWMAKER’ WITH Steve Ellis (Love Affair), Luther Grosvenor (Mott The Hoople), Paul Nicholls (Lindisfarne) and Bob Daisley (Ozzy Osborne). In 1977, Simon House joined David Bowie. Dave Brock and poet Bob Calvert tour as ‘HAWKLORDS’, performing the stage show ‘METROPOLIS’. Throughout the 70's, Hawkwind released a series of classic albums; ‘IN SEARCH OF SPACE’, ‘DOREMI FASOL LATIDO’, ‘SPACE RITUAL’,
‘HALL OF THE MOUNTAIN GRILL’, ‘WARRIOR ON THE EDGE OF TIME’, ‘ASTOUNDING SOUNDS, AMAZING MUSIC’, ‘QUARK STRANGENESS & CHARM’ and ‘PXR 5’. In 1979, Dave formed another nucleus with Huw Lloyd-Langton on lead guitar, Simon King on drums, Harvey Bainbridge (from Hawklords) on bass and Tim Blake from ‘Gong’ on keyboards.
Their live album ‘LIVE 79’ went straight into the national top ten charts chart. In 1980 Ginger Baker replaced Simon King on drums and they recorded their classic album ‘LEVITATION’. Once again, the release went straight into national top ten album chart. Tim Blake and Ginger Baker remaied with the band until after the Christmas Tour 1980. From 1979 to 1985 the band’s singles and albums were never out of the national, independent and heavy metal charts, with albums such as ‘SONIC ATTACK, ‘CHURCH OF HAWKWIND', 'CHRONICLE OF THE BLACK SWORD, 'LIVE CHRONICLES' AND 'XENON CODEX'. Nik Turner who left the band in 1975 briefly rejoined the band 1982-1983 for the ‘CHOOSE YOUR MASQUES’ tour. In 1984 Alan Davey replaces Harvey Bainbridge on bass and Harvey moved over to keyboards and synths. In 1985 the band tour with the spectacular ‘CHRONICLES OF THE BLACK SWORD’, a stageshow portraying music and images based on Michael Moorcock’s epic saga, ‘ELRIC’. During this period the band reached a new audience with the emergence of ambient acts such as The Orb openly acknowledging Hawkwind’s influence.
Huw Lloyd-Langton remained with the band throughout the end of the 80s, departing in 1989 followed
shortly after by Harvey Bainbridge. The band continued to perform live throughout the nineties, and had
some noteable album releases such as, 'SPACE BANDITS', 'PALACE SPRINGS', 'ELECTRIC TEPEE',
'IT IS THE BUSINESS OF THE FUTURE TO BE DANGEROUS', 'THE BUSINESS TRIP', 'ALIEN 4',
'LOVE IN SPACE' and 'DISTANT HORIZONS'. During their entire existence the band have performed numerous free concerts, notably STONEHENGE and have supported various charities, which include SHELTER, when in 1977 at the Blackheath Concert Halls they raised thousands of pounds for the homeless, and even released a charity single version of the Rolling Stones' "Gimme Shelter" with Samantha Fox guesting on vocals. N.A.S.A. in the USA have also used sound tracks from the ‘LOVE IN SPACE release. In 1997 they headlined the ‘1ST SPACEROCK FESTIVAL USA’. In 2000, the band staged the highly successful ‘HAWKESTRA’ event at the London Brixton Academy, which saw many past members reunited on stage with a nucleus of Dave Brock, Ron Tree, Jerry Richards, Hugh Lloyd-Langton, Simon House, Richard Chadwick, Alan Davey and Tim Blake. In 2001 they were voted the 8th top progressive band in the country on Channel 4 TV. The band have recently released a double live cd recording of their Xmas 2000 'Yule Ritual' show at the London Astoria, as well as the Arthur Brown helmed 'Out of the Shadows' in 2007.The concept of a Hawkestra, a reunion event featuring appearances from all past and present members, had originally been intended to coincide with the band's 30th anniversary and the release of the career spanning Epocheclipse – 30 Year Anthology set, but logistical problems delayed it until 21 October 2000. It took place at the Brixton Academy with about 20 members taking part in a 3+ hour set which was filmed and recorded. Guests included Samantha Fox who sang Master of the Universe. However, arguments and disputes over financial recompense and musical input resulted in the prospect of the event being restaged unlikely, and any album or DVD release being indefinitely shelved.The Hawkestra had set a template for Brock to assemble a core band of Tree, Brock, Richards, Davey, Chadwick and for the use of former members as guests on live shows and studio recordings. The 2000 Christmas Astoria show was recorded with contributions from House, Blake, Rizz, Moorcock, Jez Huggett and Keith Kniveton and released as Yule Ritual the following year.
In 2001, Davey agreed to rejoin the band permanently, but only afiter the departure of Tree and Richards.
Meanwhile, having rekindled relationships with old friends at the Hawkestra, Turner organised further Hawkestra gigs resulting in the formation of xhawkwind.com, a band consisting mainly of ex-Hawkwind members and playing old Hawkwind songs. An appearance at Guilfest in 2002 led to confusion as to whether this actually was Hawkwind, sufficiently irking Brock into taking legal action to prohibit Turner from trading under the name Hawkwind. Turner lost the case and the band now perform as Space Ritual.
An appearance at the Canterbury Sound Festival in August 2001, resulting in another live album Canterbury Fayre 2001, saw guest appearances from Lloyd-Langton, House, Kniveton with Arthur Brown on "Silver Machine". The band organised the first of their own weekend festivals, named Hawkfest, in Devon in the summer of 2002. Brown joined the band in 2002 for a Winter tour which featured some Kingdom Come songs and saw appearances from Blake and Lloyd-Langton, the Newcastle show being released on DVD as Out of the Shadows and the London show on CD as Spaced Out in London.
In 2005 the long anticipated new album Take Me to Your Leader was released. Recorded by the core band of Brock/Davey/Chadwick, contributors included new keyboardist Jason Stuart, Arthur Brown, tabloid writer and TV personality Matthew Wright, 1970s New Wave singer Lene Lovich, Simon House and Jez Huggett. This was followed in 2006 by the CD/DVD disc Take Me to Your Future.
The band were the subject of an hour-long television documentary entitled Hawkwind: Do Not Panic that aired on BBC Four as part of the Originals series. It was broadcast on 30 March 2007 and repeated on 10 August 2007. Although Brock participated in its making he did not appear in the programme, it is alleged that he requested all footage of himself be removed after he was denied any artistic control over the documentary.. In one of the documentary's opening narratives regarding Brock, it is stated that he declined to be interviewed for the programme because of Nik Turner's involvement, indicating that the two men have still not been reconciled over the xhawkwind.com incident.
June 2007 saw the departure of Alan Davey, who left to perform and record with two new bands: Gunslinger and Thunor. He was replaced by "Mr Dibs", a long-standing member of the road crew and bassist for the bands Spacehead and Krel (who had supported Hawkwind during 1992). The band performed at their annual Hawkfest festival and headlined the US festival NEARfest and played gigs in PA and NY. At the end of 2007, Tim Blake once again joined the band filling the lead role playing keyboards and theremin. The band played 5 Christmas dates, the London show being released as an audio CD and video DVD under the title Knights of Space.
The band's official Website is to be found at www.hawkwind.com
HAWKWIND and solo projects: Dave Brock, Nik Turner, Inner City Unit, Lemmy, Motorhead, Huw Lloyd Langton Group, Robert Calvert, Alan Davey, Bedouin, Michael Moorcock Deep Fix, Harvey Bainbridge, Agents Of Chaos ,Space Ritual, Spiral Realms,ect.A truly prolific act !
Fall Of Earth
Hawkwind Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Occasion of great importance. For it was said by some that Earth City
Had somehow uncovered a single time sleeper from the time before
Although the cryptic writings upon his tomb were now faded beyond
Decipherable reading, it was said, by the disembodied members of the
Ruling kind, that the entombed was from that time on Earth before the
City stretched its metal web from pole to pole leaving green things only
Upon the third revolution after its arrival, the tomb that slept without
Life was removed for inspection. The day was programmed for a clear dome
Above, with a mild breeze wafting from the central weather post, below
Throngs of class three occupants were gathering from various sectors to
Observe the opening, as per standard procedure, their data input
Stations were fed appropriate propaganda so that their reports would
Coincide with what the rulers had predetermined
And so it was upon that day of opening, his spirit did appear and confuse
Once again. It was evident to all that what lay within was not of mortal
Composure. Thoughts emanating from deep within its dimensionless cave
Conveyed this belief to all within the medi-dome.
What is this apparition now amongst our kind?
Quickly thereafter, all pressure was released from within the stillness.
Earth City, unknowingly at that time, was about to enter a new phase of
Its existence
Violent quaking began to shake the towers of sector 63, manifestations
Of melting speed its wings over the structure until once again, ancient
Soil kissed the sky
And the beginning of the end swept all that was into its eternal grasp
The lyrics of "Fall of Earth" by Hawkwind depict a significant event in the fictional world of Earth City. The song introduces the concept of a time sleeper, a person who has been preserved from a time before the City existed. It is believed by some that this time sleeper holds knowledge and secrets from the past, as indicated by the faded writings on their tomb.
After three revolutions (years) of the arrival of the time sleeper, the tomb is finally opened for inspection. The atmosphere is carefully controlled to create a sense of importance and anticipation. The class three occupants, likely residents of Earth City, gather to witness the event and report back to the rulers with predetermined narratives.
When the tomb is opened, the spirit of the time sleeper emerges, causing confusion and fascination among the onlookers. It becomes evident that this being is not of mortal origin, and its thoughts and presence emanate from a dimensionless cave. It is unclear what exactly this apparition represents or signifies to the people of Earth City.
Following this revelation, a violent earthquake ensues, shaking the towers of sector 63 and causing the structures to crumble. The lyrics metaphorically describe this destruction as ancient soil kissing the sky, symbolizing the end of the current existence of Earth City. The song implies that this event marks the beginning of a new phase for Earth City, hinting at the potential transformation or downfall of the civilization as they know it.
Overall, "Fall of Earth" explores themes of uncovering the past, encountering the unknown, and the potential consequences of disrupting established systems or beliefs. The lyrics leave room for interpretation and invite listeners to reflect on the implications of such events in their own lives and societies.
Line by Line Meaning
News had drifted on the wind of many minds that this was to be an Occasion of great importance.
Rumors had traveled widely and everyone was aware that something significant was about to happen.
For it was said by some that Earth City Had somehow uncovered a single time sleeper from the time before
There were claims that Earth City had discovered a person who had been asleep since a time long before.
Although the cryptic writings upon his tomb were now faded beyond Decipherable reading, it was said, by the disembodied members of the Ruling kind, that the entombed was from that time on Earth before the City stretched its metal web from pole to pole leaving green things only In the wells of immortal minds
Although the inscriptions on the tomb had become faded and unreadable, the ruling class maintained that the person buried there belonged to a time when Earth was untouched by the city's metal structures, and where nature flourished only in the memories of immortal beings.
Upon the third revolution after its arrival, the tomb that slept without Life was removed for inspection. The day was programmed for a clear dome Above, with a mild breeze wafting from the central weather post, below Throngs of class three occupants were gathering from various sectors to Observe the opening, as per standard procedure, their data input Stations were fed appropriate propaganda so that their reports would Coincide with what the rulers had predetermined
After three years, the lifeless tomb was finally taken out for examination. The day was planned with clear skies and a gentle breeze, while crowds of lower-class citizens assembled to witness the opening. Their data input stations were manipulated with propaganda to ensure that their reports aligned with the predetermined narrative set by the rulers.
And so it was upon that day of opening, his spirit did appear and confuse Once again. It was evident to all that what lay within was not of mortal Composure. Thoughts emanating from deep within its dimensionless cave Conveyed this belief to all within the medi-dome.
On the day of the opening, the spirit of the entombed person emerged, creating bewilderment among the spectators. It was clear to everyone that the being inside was not simply human. Thoughts originating from the depths of its unfathomable consciousness conveyed this conviction to everyone in the dome.
What is this apparition now amongst our kind?
Everyone was perplexed by the presence of this supernatural figure among them.
Quickly thereafter, all pressure was released from within the stillness. Earth City, unknowingly at that time, was about to enter a new phase of Its existence
Suddenly, a sense of tension was released, signifying that Earth City was unknowingly entering a new and transformative stage in its existence.
Violent quaking began to shake the towers of sector 63, manifestations Of melting speed its wings over the structure until once again, ancient Soil kissed the sky
The towers of sector 63 started shaking violently, and the destructive forces swiftly enveloped the structures, causing the ancient soil to resurface and reclaim its place in the sky.
And the beginning of the end swept all that was into its eternal grasp
The commencement of the end engulfed everything in its everlasting hold, sealing the fate of Earth City.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DAVE BROCK, HARVEY BAINBRIDGE, HUW LLOYD-LANGTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Greg Walters
Been a long time ....i forgot this nice one
Ulrik Jørgensen
no comment ok hehe best part of the trip the best part I really like.jim morrison says...
David Forshaw
👍🍄🗝🧩