Episode 21 - Hawkwind - Space Ritual (1973)
In 1972, it was the golden age of a band which few are aware of in the US today, but to whom much is owed in the music world. A band which pioneered psychedelic stage shows, performance art, and the DIY ethic that would later define the punk generation. This band, of course, is Hawkwind. Often credited as the pioneers of the space rock genre, they were as much of a sci-fi novel come to life as they were a band, featuring dystopian poetry, liquid light shows, and body-painted interpretive dancers. Hawkwind's instrumental setup was unique at this time as well, featuring (in addition to the traditional rock instruments) saxophone, flute, synthesizer/keys, and audio generator. With lyrics inspired (and sometimes written) by sci-fi authors such as Michael Moorcock, and influenced heavily by 60's counterculture and LSD, the band was a force to be reckoned with, and at the time, something no one had ever seen before. Join us as we take a step outside of the Maze and take a look at