Hawklords
Where: Cheese & Grain // When: 20/02/2010
by
Jodie Humphries
Photo's by Simon Lawrence
Standing in front of me on the stage were seven men whose music I had grown up listening to. Over the years, I had seen most of them in different formations – Alan, Ron and Jerry in Hawkwind at various times, Harvey supporting Hawkwind, then Ron and Jerry again along with Nik in Space Ritual – so out of the seven men, it was only Steve and Dan I hadn’t seen before. I was really looking forward to this gig, having heard everyone say that it was like hearing old Hawkwind again – the real power which, to be honest was lacking off the last album – yes I know that will cause arguments if it ends up in certain places, but I’m a reviewer, I’m entitled to an opinion right?
It was a bit of a family outing for this particular gig, my Dad and myself were on the guest list thanks to Alan, and my Mum was there too, then you had Simon on photographer duty that night, who the band had also been lovely enough to guest list. We joined the many other people eager to see what this band could produce, without rehearsal, may I add, to the final night of the tour. Were we disappointed? Hell no! This was the essence of Hawkwind back up on stage, bringing back what many fans want, and doing it with grins on their faces as they played for two and a half hours, yes you read that right! It was one long jam session for them as songs bled into one and they fed of the enthusiasm of those in attendance at the gig – young and old alike.
As I said, there was no prior rehearsal for this tour from the band, as Ron had told me when I did his part of the interview before the tour, rehearsal for them was logistically impossible due to the fact they’re all up and down the country as Harvey said, “Every night was a rehearsal”. Was it obvious that there had been no rehearsal? For me no. Their set was all about jamming and being experimental, it was improvised space rock, as it should be. For those watching it meant they could expect the unexpected, and those who managed to make it to several nights of the tour, got something different each time. Each of these musicians have their own way of going about the songs, some have worked together previously, others haven’t, so it’s all about finding their groove, working out how the others prefer to work. A nod here and there from Alan and Jerry, and the direction for the songs finale was set.
Mixing various instruments with a light show and smoke, and you found yourself memorised by this bands’ performance. For the old fans, songs such as ‘High Rise’, ‘Master of the Universe’ and ‘Hassan I Sahba’ were instantly recognisable from the outset of the song. Each of the musicians seemed to have songs which they made their own. On ‘Masters of the Universe’, the power of the combo of Alan on bass and Dan on drums was clear. It was the first time I’ve seen Alan play up close, and you can really see why he got the nickname ‘Bass Monster’, watching him play the bass, you can’t keep up with his fingers moving across the strings, it’s like he’s playing lead guitar. While again, Ron made ‘Robot’ his own, a song which he was famous for when Hawkwind did the Alien tour back in 1995 – the first time I saw the band. One particular song I thought was impressive was ‘Sonic Attack’, the different layering of the vocals between Ron, Nik, Jerry, and Steve, who was putting on some funky electronic effects on his voice.
As musicians, you really couldn’t fault any of them in Frome, in fact, I think you’d miss each and everyone of them if they weren’t there – you’d miss Steve and Harvey’s synths slicing through the music, Nik’s flute, saxophone and vocals, Ron’s singing and inapt way of entertaining himself when he’s not playing, Dan’s power on drums, Jerry’s progressive guitar, and Alan is the Bass Monster, you can’t say anymore than that. And what had to be said about the gig, was it was great to see Mr. Richard Chadwick at the gig – especially seeing Alan go out and give him a hug. On stage, all the members of the band were pleased to see him, announcing, “Thanks for coming Richard.”
As the music climaxed on final song of the set, my personal favourite, ‘Silver Machine’, the fans wanted more, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the band wanted to carry on playing for another two and a half hours. Chatting to them after the gig, you could tell just how much they’ve enjoyed themselves being back out on the road, let’s just encourage them not to leave it too long before they’re back out there again.
Set list:
Born To Go
10 Seconds Forever
Orgone Accumulator
Sonic Attack
Master of the Universe
Steppenwolf
High Rise
Hassan I Shaba
Robot
Opa Loka
PSI Power
Aerospaceage Inferno
Brainstorm
Shouldn't Do That
Silver Machine
www.myspace.com/hawklordsinmyspace
