Check out these new and used Hawkwind vinyl records LPs for sale. We recommend starting your Hawkwind vinyl collection with the essential albums This Is Hawkwind, Do Not Panic, Space Ritual Vol. II and Bring Me The Head Of Yuri Gagarin. Our inventory is always changing, so check back often, or browse our list of vinyl records for sale from rock musicians.

Hawkwind: Sonic Voyages through Space and Time

Birth of Hawkwind (1969-1970)

Formation of the Band Hawkwind, a British space rock band, emerged during the late 1960s as a unique musical entity. Formed in 1969 by vocalist and saxophonist Dave Brock, the band embraced a fusion of rock, space-themed lyrics, and experimental sounds.

Self-Titled Debut Album (1970) Hawkwind’s self-titled debut album, released in 1970, introduced the world to their cosmic sound. Tracks like “Hurry on Sundown” and “Mirror of Illusion” set the tone for the band’s experimental and space-oriented approach.

Key Tracks:

1. “Hurry on Sundown”
2. “Mirror of Illusion”
3. “Be Yourself”

Space Ritual (1972): A Cosmic Journey

Live Exploration of Space Rock “Space Ritual” (1972), a live double album, captured Hawkwind’s dynamic live performances. With its expansive tracks and cosmic improvisations, the album became a cornerstone of the space rock genre.

Key Tracks:

1. “Space Is Deep”
2. “Orgone Accumulator”
3. “Master of the Universe”

Lemmy’s Stint and “Silver Machine” (1971-1972)

Lemmy Kilmister’s Inclusion Motorhead’s iconic frontman, Lemmy Kilmister, briefly joined Hawkwind in 1971 as a bassist and vocalist. His unique style added grit to Hawkwind’s sonic palette.

“Silver Machine” (1972): Breakthrough Single “Silver Machine,” released in 1972 with Lemmy on vocals, became Hawkwind’s breakthrough single. Its success marked a shift toward a more rock-oriented sound.

Key Tracks:

1. “Silver Machine”
2. “Seven By Seven”
3. “Born to Go”

Innovative Studio Albums (1974-1977)

“Hall of the Mountain Grill” (1974): Fusion of Styles “Hall of the Mountain Grill” (1974) showcased Hawkwind’s ability to fuse various musical styles. The album featured the atmospheric “The Psychedelic Warlords (Disappear in Smoke)” and the melodic “D-Rider.”

Key Tracks:

1. “The Psychedelic Warlords (Disappear in Smoke)”
2. “D-Rider”
3. “You’d Better Believe It”

“Warrior on the Edge of Time” (1975): Conceptual Brilliance The conceptual brilliance of “Warrior on the Edge of Time” (1975) is evident in tracks like “Assault and Battery” and the intense “Kings of Speed.” The album showcased the band’s versatility in crafting complex narratives.

Key Tracks:

1. “Assault and Battery”
2. “Kings of Speed”
3. “The Golden Void”

“Astounding Sounds, Amazing Music” (1976): Sonic Experiments “Astounding Sounds, Amazing Music” (1976) continued Hawkwind’s sonic experiments. The album featured the electronic sounds of “Reefer Madness” and the spacey “Back on the Streets.”

Key Tracks:

1. “Reefer Madness”
2. “Back on the Streets”
3. “Kerb Crawler”

Transition and Evolution (Late 1970s-1980s)

Lineup Changes and “Quark, Strangeness and Charm” (1977) The late 1970s saw lineup changes, and Hawkwind’s sound evolved. “Quark, Strangeness and Charm” (1977) marked a departure with tracks like the title song and the punk-influenced “Spirit of the Age.”

Key Tracks:

1. “Quark, Strangeness and Charm”
2. “Spirit of the Age”
3. “Hassan I Sabha”

1980s: Ever-Changing Lineup Throughout the 1980s, Hawkwind experienced frequent lineup changes, with Dave Brock as the consistent driving force. Albums like “Levitation” (1980) and “Choose Your Masques” (1982) showcased the band’s resilience.

Influence on Progressive and Space Rock

Prog-Rock Contemporaries Hawkwind’s impact on the progressive rock scene is evident through bands like Porcupine Tree and Ozric Tentacles. The genre’s emphasis on experimentation and concept albums owes a debt to Hawkwind’s pioneering spirit.

Space and Psychedelic Revival Hawkwind’s influence extends to the psychedelic and space rock revival of the 1990s and beyond. Bands like Ozric Tentacles and Gong incorporated similar cosmic themes and experimental sounds into their music.

Later Years and Ongoing Legacy (1990s-2021)

Resilience and Consistency Hawkwind’s resilience and consistency over the decades have solidified their status as space rock pioneers. Despite lineup changes and evolving musical landscapes, the band continues to release albums, including “All Aboard the Skylark” (2019).

Key Tracks:

1. “Flesh Fondue”
2. “Net Curtains”
3. “Last Man on Earth”

Space Ritual Sundown (2021): A Nod to the Past “Space Ritual Sundown” (2021), a live album, pays homage to the historic “Space Ritual” performance from 1972. It showcases the enduring power of Hawkwind’s live performances.

Key Tracks:

1. “Earth Calling”
2. “Space Is Deep”
3. “Orgone Accumulator”

Hawkwind’s Odyssey Continues

Hawkwind’s odyssey through space and time remains an unparalleled journey in the realm of rock music. From their early space rock experiments to their enduring influence on progressive and psychedelic genres, Hawkwind’s sonic voyages continue to resonate with fans old and new. As they navigate the cosmos, their legacy as space rock pioneers is firmly cemented in the celestial tapestry of musical exploration.