Hawkwind.....a brief history (the 1970's)

One of the organisers of the event in Notting Hill Gate was Doug Smith from 'Clearwater Productions'. Suitably impressed by what he saw, he took them on board. Shortly after, the band named themselves 'Hawkwind Zoo', started gigging and recorded a demo tape in order to secure a record contract. This proved a wise move, as in November 1969 they gained a deal with 'Liberty Records' and shortened their name to 'Hawkwind'.

Hawkwind's first major recordings came about in the Spring of 1970, when they entered the studio to record the single 'Hurry On Sundown' and their debut album simply entitled 'Hawkwind' with the assistance of Dick Taylor (formerly with The Pretty Things). But it wasn't until the release of their second album 'X In Search Of Space' in October 1971 that Hawkwind set off on a course for outer and inner space.

By this time the band had earned themselves a huge cult following that travelled around to see them whenever they played. The band's free shows at the Isle Of Wight Festival in 1970 had really been the beginning of the grass roots community following, along with hanging out and playing in Notting Hill, which was a happening place at this time.

Hawkwind were gigging almost every day and gaining much publicity, not only from the press, but also the attention of the law enforcement community. It was no secret that the band, or more to the point, their whole show benefitted visually by swallowing certain illegal substances.
Needless to say this was noted