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| NIK TURNER'S HAWKWIND - VENUE - tiina liimu photo |
The Venue - September 26, 2014
Space Ritualized:
Much to the chagrin of fellow original member, Dave Brock, there have been a few sects of Hawkwind. One of which is Nik Turner’s Hawkwind, not to be confused with "the" Hawkwind (which is fronted by Brock), who played to an eager audience of gamblers. A risktaking crowd, not sure what to expect.
Hawkwind’s backing band starting off the evening aka Oakland California’s, Hedersleben, who were no slouches in the psyche, ambient, space rock realm. When Nik joined these three guys and two girls, magic filled the Venue. Hit after hit from the early Hawkwind albums were assailed onto the startled audience. From classics like “Brain Storm,” to “Time That We Left The World Today,” which sounded bang on, considering Mr. Turner is a 74-year man.
The gent on low-end filled Lemmy’s bass lines and vocals to a “t.” The two female keyboardists set the mood and managed to do some freaky dancing around the Turner. The guitar work was executed by punk rock pioneer, Nicky Garrat of the UK Subs. The drums were nailed by Jason Willer of Cross Stitched Eyes’ proving that punk isn’t that far from Hawkwind’s style.
The highlight of the evening was when Nik Turner and company launched into “Silver Machine,” driving the crowd into frenzy. This reviewer is still nursing the goose egg after bashing his head into the monitor, as everyone dove into the mic to yell along.
Portland’s Witch Mountain played second, with their brand of stoner metal, hints of doom and NWOBHM. The frontwoman belted it, bringing to mind Candlemass, which pleased the growing crowd.
Purists who didn’t go, because of the “lack” of certain Hawkwind members, ie. Brock and Lemmy, should be ashamed.
- FOAT
