HAWKWIND were formed in 1969, originally as Hawkwind Zoo by former London busker Dave Brock, although there have been numerous line-up changes throughout the years, he remains at the helm today and is know affectionately by many of the fans as the Captain Of The Ship.

In 1970, the band appeared outside the perimeter fence of the Isle of Wight Festival as a protest against the admission charge. Jimi Hendrix was spotted in the audience. The same year they played at the first Glastonbury Festival.

The bands first single Hurry On Sundown was released later that year followed by the bands debut album. By 1972, the bands popularity had grown to such an extent they could headline venues such as the famous Chalk Farm Roundhouse in London in a gig billed as the “Greasy Truckers Party”.

This venue was forever etched into Hawkwind folklore, as it was where their trademark single Silver Machine was recorded.

The success of Silver Machine financed their famous ‘mind blowing’ themed tour, Space Ritual.

This show set the precedent for future Hawkwind shows.

The barrage of light, sound, dance and theatrics has since become a hallmark of all subsequent Hawkwind shows, making each gig a unique and spectacular event, rather than ‘another standard rock concert’.

The band have continued through the last four decades releasing a string of classic albums and maintaining a popular following on the rock circuit.

There’s a chance to catch them at Cardiff Coal Exchange on April 2, visit coalexchange.co.uk for further information.

● Don’t miss next weeks Guide for an interview with Hawkwind frontman Dave Brock.