LIVE AT GLASTONBURY AND GUILDFORD FESTIVAL, 2002

It is obvious from the name alone that there are some Hawkwind connections going on, but it is just a bit more than that. It is possible to argue that the origins of the band go back as far as Group X in 1969. Their first gig on August 29th, 1969, included Nik Turner, Mick Slattery and Terry Ollis and here they are all back onstage together again. Also involved is Thomas Crimble, who was Hawkwind bassist from July 1970 to April 1971. Commander Jim Hawkman has also been playing with Space Ritual.Net and various other ex-Hawkwind luminaries have been involved, including Del Dettmar who joined them for the current tour. Even young Michael Moorcock has promised to put in appearance! This album was recorded at Glastonbury and Guildford last year.

So what about the music? There are two drummers (Terry is joined by his son Sam) but to say that they come across as classic Hawkwind seems to be stating the obvious. They resist the temptation to play "Silver Machine" followed by "Brainstorm" and instead concentrate on their own material, but it sounds as if classic Hawkwind are back. One song that is a notable exception is their version of Coltrane's "Blue Train" which shows that they have more than one string to their sax. The only thing that spoils this is the abrupt ending or interruption as the album moves from track to track but that may be just from playing it on a PC. It is a fun album with good sound and if you are a Hawkfan then you will definitely have to get this.

Originally appeared in Feedback #72, Feb 03