25 Years On

Returning to the UK after a tour of the US in Spring 1978, Dave Brock and Robert Calvert had a change of heart regarding Hawkwind; they jettisoned not only the band, but the band name and management as well. Perhaps the seeds were sown in late 1977 when, teamed with the Devon-based Ark-bassist Harvey Bainbridge, drummer Martin Griffin and keyboardist Paul Hayles-Brock and Calvert performed as the Sonic Assassins. The pair began new sessions in June with Bainbridge, Griffin and keyboardist Steve Swindells (previously in Pilot) under the moniker Hawklords. Released in October, 25 Years On sported not only a new name, but also a new image. Although the musical plot is similar to the previous couple of Hawkwind albums, the record evokes a slightly different feel. "Psi Power" and "Flying Doctor" contain a classic Calvert lyric, witty and sharp; yet the band, aided by Swindells's approach to the keyboards and a load of acoustic guitar, sound much more contemporary. "Freefall," co-written by Calvert and Bainbridge, offers an updated take on the classic Hawkwind sound, as do "The Only Ones" and Calvert's excellent "(Only) the Dead Dreams of the Cold War Kid." The album reached No. 48 on the UK charts and saw release on Charisma Records. Barney Bubbles had a large role in not only the album's art, but also in staging the subsequent tour, a massive 42-date endeavor; but it didn't last. Budget cuts continually curtailed its elaborate presentation; and by tour's end, both Griffin and Calvert had had enough. Subsequent sessions were aborted, and Swindells split when offered a solo deal. This would be the end of the road for Calvert and Hawkwind, with only a spattering of guest appearances in their future. His rather under-the-radar solo career did continue, however, until his untimely death at age 43 in 1988.