Hawkwind guitarist Mick Slattery has died at the age of 77.
Slattery was the co-founder of the legendary space rock band and its original guitarist.
Bandmate Dave Brock, shared the news in a heartfelt Facebook tribute as he reflected on their ‘fond memories’.
He wrote,
”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.”
”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”
He announced that Slattery died “peacefully at home” the previous day (March 17), following a short illness, it has not been specified further.
The band 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.
However, Slattery left Hawkwind in 1969 and was replaced by Huw Lloyd-Langton. He still continued to make music after this.