Edge Of Time That Influenced Mine - Nik Turner Tribute

Dear diary...during the summer of 1969 the year I left school, I had no idea a band was about to be formed that would change my life so completely. Much music that came out of the late sixties and early seventies gave me inspiration through those teenage years, also influencing the person I've now become.

I recall seeing Hawkwind playing Silver Machine on Top Of The Pops, and being blown away, deciding this was one of the bands that would have an impact on my life. Writing about the memories of festivals – music – nature, and spiritual beliefs has inspired this soul of mine, leading me to meeting many interesting people.

It was during my adolescent years while sitting up on Penpole Point observing the far reaching views of Shirehampton where I grew up, and recalling familiar smoke that trailed across the sky from factory chimneys in Avonmouth, that I made many plans during that time.

Romanticizing about meeting the boy of my dreams, though at the time had no idea it would be through rose tinted glasses. I would buy my Melody Maker music paper, gazing at bands like Genesis – Led Zeppelin – Deep Purple – Free – Pink Floyd, to name but a few.

But it was while reading the Want ads, that I came across a piece that read: Hawkwind Freak wants to meet other like minded, into traveling to festivals and concerts. I did answer the ad; and met a gorgeous guy from North Wales. This was where my journey on the hippy trail of music and fun began.

Before I'd seen the ad; venturing into our local woods with my dog was all the freedom I needed, inventing worlds that appeared real to me. I think Nik Turner would have understood my reasons for spending periods up here. I felt a connection with space and unity of nature, where time seemed to stop and leave me with peaceful thoughts.

My first experience of Hawkwind was at the free Windsor festival in 1972, sharing with other like minded, freedom loving people, our ancestors rituals of coming together and letting go, recalling getting intoxicated on music that changed me forever.

I was eighteen and feeling alive, tracing the love of other joined emotions, instincts that embodied a generation of hair waving highs, blocking out all realities of day to day problems...for the promised music washed away all troubles, we shared a primitive energy on the borders of space, consumed ethereal – symbolic sensations, shifting dimensions.

I was involved with strangers in a solstice glow that set me free. Wet grass beneath my feet, feeling closer to the earth in my time of need. Our youth bloomed rich in fragrances of incense, capturing ambience, Hawkwind took us on a voyage of discovery; finding out this was where I belonged.

When Hawkwind performed Space Ritual at our local Locarno in Bristol, it was like someone had magically flown me away to another world, not only with the music...but the light show too. Seeing the great Nik Turner – Dave Brock and Lemmy cloaking us in mysterious space sounds.

Then there was Stacia up there creating, not caring a toss about anything other than enjoying what she was generating...I just admired that woman so much.

Now I sit here listening to what I call my vintage vinyl, Space Ritual double album, gazing at the amazing inside cover, feeling glad to have experienced such an incredible time.

Tears just overwhelm me now while paying tribute to Co-founder of Hawkwind Nik Turner, born 26^th August 1940, died 10^th November 2022 at the age of 82. Bless you man for giving us some incredible cosmic music drifting through my mind in the here and now – memories that will stay with me forever. May You Rest In Peace.