Well it has to be said that after the high that was last weeks launch party the disappointment that Spirit Of The Age failed to chart on Sunday has been rather sobering.
However as a way of making you feel better have a look at these snaps that were kindly sent to me by Hawkfan Jim Skinner who was one of the lucky winners, for a change I've done them thumb nail style so click on the image for the full sized version, be warned some of them are big files so may be slow to download on some systems, however there are some corkers in there so please persevere, it's worth it!
I think most of the pictures are pretty self explanatory but just for the record, that's me in the "Billabong" t-shirt, looking a tad "tired and emotional", the young lady in the cowboy hat with Matthew Wright is his better half Caroline and congratulations are in order here as they announced their engagement on Matthews show "The Wright Stuff" only this morning, well done guys, ever considered having a band rather than a DJ at the reception, I reckon I might know one that's up for it ;-). No idea who the bloke with the Calvert goggles and his mate are whilst the last one is a snap of top hawkfans Rob, aka Dreamworker and his mate, who I think is called Mike.
Finally as mentioned elsewhere on the site, the guy in the "colourful" t-shirt getting his poster signed by Dave is my mate Mike, he kindly asked the captain if he would sign it to "Turtle Hawklord" - don't even ask!
Enjoy the piccys and below them are Jims thoughts on the day, thanks mate!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For a Hawkwind fan there's not much that can compare to spending the afternoon with the band. It all began in the queue a little before twelve where fans broke the ice and chatted to each other for a while, discussing gigs, festivals and other HW experiences. Alan strolled past nonchalantly a little later with the comment "Late as usual!" followed by calls of "Join the queue!" when Richard arrived a few minutes after (to which he did and spent some time chatting to the waiting fans!). As we entered the Borderline (really just a large stage bar with a low ceiling, decked out with psychedelic hangings) we heard the first play of the long awaited new album - and it sounded good. As we enjoyed a few cooling beers everyone relaxed and the talk seemed to come easily giving us all a good chance to meet old acquaintances and make new friends. As the afternoon passed many fans grabbed the chance to speak to the band and get CDs, posters and other paraphernalia signed and the crew were happy to oblige. Alan and Mr. Dibs seemed in high spirits, Richard milled amongst the crowd and Dave patiently sat, signed and chatted to us, sipping wine and waiting for his long-overdue lunch. Jason seemed to gel well with the Hawkfans, smiling and enjoying the atmosphere, and Matthew and his girlfriend, Caroline, were most pleasant company, very approachable and seemingly as happy as we all were (they seemed to be beaming broadly during the whole afternoon!). Pete P seemed happy to see his artwork in everyone's hands and more than a few copies of his excellent book were sold. There's not a lot you can say to your idols when you meet them. The Hawkwind experience seems to be as much about the life as it is about the music and I found myself at a loss when I met Dave Brock again. There was only one thing that seemed to come to mind and I just blurted it out - "You know we're very proud of you, don't you?" to which he simply smiled and said thanks. And that's the core of it - no false airs and graces or vanity from the band, they know how much we respect them and they acknowledge it with events like this and the Hawkfests. Spacehead put on a cracking set and, predictably, Hawkwind went down a storm with versions of "Brainbox Pollution" and "Paradox". Then all too soon the session was finished and it was all over and we all wandered into the blazing sunshine, our heads swimming with a beery, Hawkwind glow. Grateful thanks to all involved, you know who you are. |
