If you follow Hawkwind closely, you’ll know their archive is rich with live recordings, many of which have surfaced as official releases over the decades. Even so, this new issue from Cherry Red Records stands apart. Captured at Queen’s Hall, Barnstaple on 23 December 1977, it documents a singular concert that has earned a special place in Hawkwind lore, and for good reason.
In late 1977 the show was billed not as Hawkwind but as an appearance by Dave Brock’s Sonic Assassins, a short‑lived side project featuring Brock, Robert Calvert, Harvey Bainbridge, Martin Griffin and Paul Hayles. In practice the Sonic Assassins would soon evolve into the Hawklords, who in turn morphed back into Hawkwind. This concert sits at the hinge point of that transformation.
It also followed a turbulent period for Robert Calvert. After a spell of severe mental ill health, culminating in a collapse after a Paris performance on 26 October 1977, he recovered sufficiently to return to the stage with renewed focus. Brock floated the idea of a side project, and Calvert seized the opportunity. The rest is, as they say, history.
This release consists of seven tracks, mastered by Ben Wiseman from the original tapes at Broadlake Studios, Hertfordshire. The sound quality is impressively strong, and the package includes a twelve‑page booklet with an essay by Mark Powell, photographs and track details. Three tracks from the concert were released in 1981 as the Sonic Assassins EP, however this album gathers all surviving recordings from the night.
Things get underway with two live staples Golden Void and Magnu, the latter coupled with Angels of Life. From the outset it’s clear that this was not just a cobbled together band as they were rehearsed and on the top of their game. Calvert’s commanding vocal authority is unmistakable, reaffirming his stature as the front man of the band. Next up are very good, early renditions of Freewill and Death Trap which are important in tracing the development of these songs.
The centrepiece of the album is an extended improvised section later titled Over the Top. Here Calvert appears not to have realised the band were launching into an improvisation and was expecting Masters of the Universe, which the jam eventually segues into. Yet his response is extraordinary. Beginning with audience interaction before starting to improvise lyrics, providing a stream of thoughts of his recent experiences, and Hawkwind related subjects. He clearly demonstrates his genius of lyrical construction. Behind him, the band conjure a shifting landscape of atmospheric, space‑infused textures. This is what made this event special, in my opinion, as Calvert transforms his personal turmoil into creative momentum. Over the Top is a unique listening experience, even by Hawkwind standards, clearly demonstrating a band that were able to work together and improvise to create a very listenable song.
This release is a perfect example of Hawkwind’s evolution during 1977 thus making this live album invaluable. The mastering is excellent, the performance compelling, and the historical context rich. For their loyal fan base it is essential; for newcomers, it offers a superb entry point into the band’s live history. Above all, it stands as a fitting tribute to the singular genius of Robert Calvert.
TRACK LISTING
01. Golden Void (8:09)
02. Magnu/Angels Of Life (9:25)
03. Freefall (8:15)
04. Death Trap (5:48)
05. Over The Top (7:35)
06. Master Of The Universe (5:25)
07. Welcome To The Future (2:24)
Total Time – 47:03
MUSICIANS
Dave Brock – Guitar, Synthesisers, Vocals
Robert Calvert – Vocals
Harvey Bainbridge – Bass
Paul Hayles – Keyboards
Martin Griffin – Drums, Percussion
ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: Cherry Red Records | Atomhenge
Country of Origin: UK
Date of Release: 24th July 2026
