All the rehearsals and preparations, for just one show! The 'full dress rehearsal' down in Seaton (Devon) the day before the London show was open to Hawkwind passport holders, giving fans the opportunity to see some behind-the-scenes activity - such as when they did several tests of the "Down Through the Night" intro, sandwiched between two run-throughs.
Anyway, Shepherd's Bush 22nd Feb was a great show, and demonstrates that the old buggers have still 'got it' - they performed "Space Ritual" in a 2014 way, rather than do some sort of note-for-note reproduction of the 1972 recording. That's similar in approach to their 2013 Warrior tour, where (for example) the performance of "Warrior on the Edge of Time" sometimes didn't have, nor need, a saxophone player.
One considerable difference between 1972 and 2014 was the proggy-type keyboards done by Dead Fred, formerly of Inner City Unit, giving it an exciting edge. And Sonic Attack was voiced by Brian Blessed (in absentia, though). And the main guitar sounds were split between several people. Also, the dancers were clad!
But it was Hawkwind switching on the cosmic energy, and that's what the audience wanted.
The event was billed as Rock4Rescue, in aid of various animal help-groups, including Team Badger and dog rescue organisations, and some addresses and promo films were shown at the event. Also, Hawkwind performed two sets.
The early one (at 8pm) included Sentinel, Opa Loka, Reefer Madness and Spirit of the Age. The main set was Space Ritual, from start to finish. And then Silver Machine as an encore. So that was well over two hours of Hawkwind, then!
Mr Dibs continues his development of 'Hawkwind front man' role, with a commanding stage performance. Tim Blake seemed busier than ever operating most of the 'swooshy bits' department. Richard Chadwick worked up a sweat on the drums, and also did some backing vox. Nial Hone did much of the bass in his enigmatic and non-flamboyant way. And Dave Brock was just Dave Brock, really.
A pretty special night, then!
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