Hawkwind’s Mick Slattery dies aged 77: Guitarist passes away ‘peacefully at home’ after a short illness
- The founding member died peacefully on St Patrick’s Day
Hawkwind guitarist Mick Slattery has died at the age of 77.
The founding member of the legendary space rock band passed away ‘peacefully at home’ on March 17 following a short illness.
Slattery’s bandmate Dave Brock – who co-founded the band, originally called Group X, in 1969 – shared the news in a touching Facebook post as he reflected on their ‘fond memories’.
He did not specify the illness Slattery had been suffering from.
Slattery and Brock formed Hawkwind in Ladbroke Grove, London, enlisting bassist John Harrison, drummer Terry Ollis and keyboardist Michael ‘Dik Mik’ Davies.
RIP: Original Hawkwind guitarist Mick Slattery has died at the age of 77. The co-founding member of the legendary space rock band passed away ‘peacefully at home’ on March 17
They are best known for their song Silver Machine, which became a number-three UK hit single in 1972 and scored further hit singles with Urban Guerrilla and Shot Down in the Night.
Brock, 81, announced the death of his bandmate in a Facebook post that read: ‘We are sorry to share the sad news that our old friend, and Hawkwind founder member, Mick Slattery passed away peacefully at home yesterday, St Patrick’s Day, 17th March 2023, aged 77, after a short illness.’
He continued: ‘Me and Mick played together in a band called Famous Cure in 1967, touring Holland before going on to form Hawkwind in 1969.
‘I have lots of fond memories from our younger days, playing together in Holland and hanging out in Richmond at the L’Auberge Cafe and Eel Pie Island.
‘In the late 60s, we used to rehearse in my upstairs flat in Putney and also in the basement of Bob Kerr’s music shop in Gwalior Road, playing loud music, much to the annoyance of our neighbours. Fly free old friend.’
TV presenter Matthew Wright was quick to share his condolences, penning: ‘Had the great pleasure of shaking Mick’s hand when he came backstage at london Astoria I think.
‘Good to see the twinkle in his eye. RIP Mick and condolences to his family and many friends x’
The musician was with Hawkwind for a brief time, leaving in the same year they formed and was replaced by Huw Lloyd-Langton.
Tribute: Slattery’s bandmate Dave Brock – who co-founded the band, originally called Group X, in 1969 – shared the news in a touching Facebook post as he reflected on their ‘fond memories’
Memories: TV presenter Matthew Wright was quick to share his condolences as he reflected on one of their meetings
Bandmates: The musician was with Hawkwind for a brief time, leaving in the same year they formed and was replaced by Huw Lloyd-Langton
He is featured on the demos Hurry On Sundown, Bring It On Home, Kiss of the Velvet Whip and the Pink Floyd track Cymbaline.
However, he went on to record with Space Ritual, Hawkwind’s late saxophonist and flautist Nik Turner’s band. He was also part of bassist Alan Davey’s supergroup Hawkestrel.
Turner sadly passed away just four months ago at the age of 82.
A statement read in November: ‘We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Nik Turner – The Mighty Thunder Rider, who passed away peacefully at home on Thursday evening.’
Hawkwind also included synth player Dik Mik Davies and the late Lemmy before he joined Motorhead in 1975.
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