TTAB Schedules HAWKWIND Hearing for April 24 at Silicon Valley USPTO
The Board has scheduled an oral hearing on April 24th at 3PM at Silicon Valley USPTO, California Room, Rm. 109 (lobby level), 26 S. Fourth Street, San Jose, CA 95113, in Dave Brock v. Nicholas Turner, Opposition No. 91214199., involving Nik Turner's application to register the mark NIK TURNER'S HAWKWIND for "Entertainment services, namely, live musical performances by an individual or musical group." Opposer Brock claims ownership and priority of use of the mark HAWKWIND, likelihood of confusion under Section 2(a), and false association under Section 2(a).
Dave Brock alleges that he co-founded the band HAWKWIND in 1969 and has been the only person who has been a member of the band continuously since its founding. Brock asserts that he has controlled the style and quality of the band's music, that he is therefore the owner of the mark HAWKWIND, and that the mark is famous and is entitled to a broad scope of protection.
Applicant Nik Turner claims that HAWKWIND is not famous, but just an obscure "cult" band, that Brock is not the prior user in the United States, and that Brock has abandoned any rights he may have had.
Read comments and post your comment here.
TTABlog comment: Thoughts? Any HAWKWIND fans out there? Wikipedia explains how the name was chosen.
Text Copyright John L. Welch 2017.
posted by John L. Welch @ 4/17/2017
302 comments
302 Comments:
Can we now schedule oral arguments anywhere the PTO has an office?Or is this tied in with a conference or other event?
Yeah Wikipedia ..that bastion of accuracy
The notion that Turner has any claim to the name Hawkwind is preposterous. He was acrimoniously sacked from the band over 30 years ago and has had a career with no relation to Hawkwind other than to play a few old numbers he wrote while in the band. While the real Hawkwind has gone on to have a very successful career, releasing many high selling albums and packed out tours in the UK and worldwide. To say that they are a 'cult' band is a ridiculous insult. Hawkwind have worked hard to earn a strong reputation and a devoted following from their fans. Turner is hoping to maximise his ancient membership of the band by using the name that others have earned their good reputation by. He has caused much upset and confusion by deliberately timing his tours of the USA to conflict with the real Hawkwind, sometimes even using advertising posters showing the original band. While the real Hawkwind play large theatres and venues, Turner plays to half empty bars and back rooms so who is the one that can barely maintain a cult following? Turner has his own band called Space Gypsies. They are good. He should develop them and earn his dues with them, and not try to steal Dave Brocks hard earned name.
As a fan of 35 years who's seen the band play at auditoria and large festivals across the UK for over 35 years to thousands of fans (starting 12 years after their inception and 9 after a chart hit that receives worldwide airplay to this day) I can categorically state that they are not a cult band.
Furthermore, a quick peek at the band name reference on Wikipedia points back to .... an interview with Nik Turner.
Turner's claim the band aren't famous is a blatant attempt to hijack intellectual property that he's had no control or interest in for 4 decades (except losing a court case in the UK and being ordered not to use the name or anything like it when he attempted the same thing some years back).
As a US fan off the band Hawkwind, I have been saving my money for a year to travel to the UK next month to see Hawkwind live. I have seen Mr Turner's version recently over here and it is nothing near comparison to the real band - more like a cheesy rip-off cover band. I joined the 13,000+ member Facebook group devoted to the real band 2 1/2 years ago and I must say that their loyal fanbase are some of the most devoted (and kind) people I have ever met (this coming from one who followed the Grateful Dead for 8 years.) Dave Brock is the Captain of the Spaceship Hawkwind - he always has been and always will be. I have followed the trademark case from the beginning and would call Mr Turner's calim to the name Hawkwind preposterous.
Dave Brock quite obviously owns the name Hawkwind, this whole thing is just sad
Hawkwind have had a huge influence over music and musicians down through the years. They have a very large discography, plus books and specialist internet sites dedicated to their music of which Turner is a very minor part. Dave Brock has spent years building and maintaining Hawkwind the Band and name through good times and hard and i believe he deserves the protection he seeks.
I have been a fan since 1979 and have seen them numerous times. I have seen them with Nik Turner on a few occasions but many times without. They were better without, and the band clearly are lead by Dave Brock. I don't known any fans who would consider the band as Hawkwind without Dave. The vast bulk of their material is written and played by musicians other than Turner so how can he claim to have any rights to the name? Hawkwind are a community, a collective, and are defined by their extensive fan base who come from all sides of the musical spectrum. I am a heavy metal fan, but many of my fellow fans are not. Common sense and logic dictates Turner's claim to be rediculous.
Let's face facts. Turner was sacked from Hawkwind not once but twice and since his last sacking has launched a personal vendetta against David Brock despite his platitudes. He has blatantly flaunted US law here using the Hawkwind brand name on at least 3 tours after stating that he knows of no band using the name Hawkwind in his application affidavit. In my opinion he has made a false claim to the US trademark. It is very clear that there is malicious intent here and the bitterness from Turner toward David Brock shows in abundance. While David Brock has handled this case with quiet dignity, Turner has flaunted it where and where ever he could. Turner has used the Hawkwind name in the US blatantly to provoke a reaction that he and his legal team could play on and have used social media reaction to justify their case also. Despite all of this David Brock has taken Hawkwind on tour in several countries in Europe, Japan and toured Hawkwind extensively in the UK. Hardly the activity of a cult band that aren't famous. Hawkwinds last album the Machine Stops is recognised as a masterpiece in the music media and their current album is receiving the same accolades as is the tour. Hardly the response to a band that are not famous as Turner asserts. This trademark should not be granted to Turner at all as he is a bit part player in Hawkwinds long and illustrious career and to rob a man such as David Brock of his life long work is downright despicable and shows the vindictive nature of a very bitter and twisted old man in Nik Turner.
Surely there is only one winner in this case? A person that has become Hawkwind? Who always was Hawkwind? Who is still, very successfully, evolving the name of Hawkwind? Dave Brock. He is Hawkwind, and if that name was taken in vain, I, for one, would feel a little bit robbed of what I believe in. Couldn't care less in which country. Nobody steals something, that's just wrong.
Mr Dave Brock is Hawkwind all the way.. And we thank him for that.�� �� ��
Hawkwind constant...Dave Brock, not only has he been the constant and founding member of the band, his unique guitar style is a signature sound of Hawkwind throughout the bands exsistence....he is, and always will be, HAWKWIND
Hawkwind are not a 'cult' band. They have a mult-generational appeal, are part of the musical establishment of the UK and are acknowledged as major influences on musical styles, such as punk and trance and musical stars such as John Lydon and Jello Biafra. Motörhead's Lemmy Kilmister was a major member of the band in the 1970s and included his songs for Hawkwind on early Motorhead albums. I have been following the band for 43 years and have attended many concerts and 'Hawkfests' with my family - both my sons now play in bands, inspired by these musical experiences. One has achieved some measure of success in China, the band is signed to a label and they are producing an album. Over the years I have also attended concerts by Nik Turner. These in my view could never be compared to the Hawkwind experience. Although entertaining and engaging, they are in my experience not comparable with Hawkwind's show. Mr Turner's performances should be enjoyed on their own terms and not confused with Hawkwind performances, which are polished and extremely well organised. In recent years Hawkwind have had a renaissance, have achieved respectable album sales - particularly with the last release 'The Machine Stops' and are performing to very large and diverse audiences - in Manchester UK, for example the venue is always packed. In short, these are different acts with their own different merits and to allow the name 'Hawkwind' to be used for both will confuse fans and damage the integrity of the brand.
Is plainly obvious who deserves to keep the name Hawkwind and that's Dave Brock and the rest of the hard working members. Hawkwind has been Dave Brock's life from the out go right up to the present. He and the band have a loving fan base which is the strongest I know and the devotion goes both ways.
Simple facts: David Brock formed the group in 1969 and has been the only constant member to this day - a total of 48 years.
Nik Turner joined the existing group in 1969 and was a member until 1976 (7 years) and again from 1982 to 1985, so for 10 years in total.
Mr Turner has not been a member of the group for the last 32 years, yet the group continues to tour in the UK and Europe to this day and continues to release new albums containing wholly original music (viz "The Machine Stops" in 2016) and are about to release a further new work next month ("Into The Woods").
Clearly, Mr Turner has made no contribution to any of this activity.
I have no personal axe to grind with either of these gentlemen - both have entertained me, both on record and in concert for many years now, but ask ANYONE with even a rudimentary knowledge of Hawkwind and their story: there is only one Captain of "Spaceship Hawkwind" - and that man is David Brock.
I fail to see how it could be considered either right or just for Mr Turner to be granted the trademark for something which he has not been involved with for more than three decades of its continuing existence; Mr Turner was only part of the group for approximately 20% of its existence!
It should also be noted that Hawkwind is primarily a UK-based group and that both Mr Brock & Mr Turner are of UK origin: in the UK, Mr Turner is legally prohibited from using the name "Hawkwind" for any purposes of trade - my understanding is that this has been the case for 15 years now (a longer period of time than the total of Mr Turner's membership of the group).
Whilst appreciating that the above relates specifically to the UK and this case is for North America (specifically the USA) therefore an entirely independent ruling, the UK case does, in my view, provide legal precedent.
It should be noted that several friends of mine live in North America and all view the legitimate group to be only that which includes Mr Brock among its membership; this is also the view of the vast majority of UK and European-based friends and acquaintances.
I reiterate - there is no personal dispute on my part with either Mr Brock or Mr Turner but I would respectfully ask for the above to be strongly considered before any judgement is made in this case.
Having followed Hawkwind in their various incarnations for nearly forty years and attended over a hundred concerts, the common thread throughout has been the vision and driving force from original founding musician Dave Brock. Whilst Mr Turner's contribution for about six consecutive early years and on two much shorter occasion s was initially significant as a writer and performer, in my opinion this diminished over time and he has no credible claim to use the band name in connection with his own projects. The Brock fronted Hawkwind has played and recorded consistently for nearly fifty years and deserves legal protection from unscrupulous people attempting to profit from the goodwill and reputation developed over a long period.
Being a fan since 1983 I can only see one person having the right to perform under the name Hawkwind and that's D.Brock, I've met the fella and the devotion to the fans is second to none, with Hawkfest and Hawkeaster being yearly events and a number of charity gigs. It goes without saying who keeps the name Hawkwind and I can't see why N.Turner gets a look in these days. Turner can go back playing as Space Ritual and things can go on happily as they were....Dave Brock IS the spirit of Hawkwind.
It is a matter of simple fact that the band led by Dave Brock is Hawkwind, any other pretender is a pale imitation at best.
There is no comparison between Dave Brock and Mr Turner, Turner is a charlatan who left the band 40 years ago and has lived off the back of other musicians ever since. He got lucky this time by securing the backing of a record label and attorney who specialise in acquiring trademarks and back catalogues from musicians who are not in a position to defend themselves....He took the wrong step with Hawkwind...They are legends!
I never ever thought of that fact until you mentioned Dave Brocks search for that one killer power chord that would sonically do your mind. The Brock chord is the one and only Hawkwind sound. Not a toot or parp or furt on a sax!
Couldn't have put it better
Hawkwind aren't famous according to Turner! Since I left Britain 7 years ago Hawkwind have been very famous all over the world from East to West with albums titled Blood of the Earth, Onwards, The Machine Stops and the new Into The Woods.
I believe Nik does require some consideration considering Hawkwind was his nickname but it all very sad this could not be settled amicably.
Hawkwind is and always has been the brainchild of Dave Brock. The man is a constant driving force behind the band, to award the trademark to anyone else would be a perversion of justice.
One Hawkwind One Captain...... DAVE BROCK.
Hawkwind who were formed by Dave Brock and who have evolved organicall, musically and diversely around Dave Brock, are a hugely influential part of music culture and the name should duly remain firmly with Dave.
To take any other form of action is both dishonouring his work and decidcation to the music and fans since 1969, but also to dilute the legacy moving forward. Hawkwind is Dave Brock.
Hello i am a Hawkwind fan, and while Hwkwind at its creation was a group of musicians. In latter years and by that i mean 30+ years it has been, directed by Dave Brock. He is known to the collective following quite simply as 'the captain' he drives spaceship Hawkwind to where ever he wishes to take it. There have over the years been many musicians in Hawkwind, but none have contributed and given as much to tbe Hawkwind cause than Dave Brock. To grant parasitic individuals that have attempted to hijack the Hawkwind name purely by association or past involvement, ownership of the name should be avoided.
Hawkwind is quite simply Dave Brock, and Dave Brock is Hawkwind.
The body of work under the Hawkwind banner spanning the decades has one name constantly attached to it, that should speak for itself. Brock is my Captain.
The body of work under the Hawkwind banner spanning the decades has one name constantly attached to it, that should speak for itself. Brock is my Captain.
Dave Brock is the captain of the rock band Hawkwind, I have been following them for many years since 1974, and seen them many times, I saw the tour that Nik Turner was sacked from, quite rightly, as he would not play as a band member and despite having his own 'solo' interludes insisted in playing over the other members of the band, creating an almost un-listenable noise, I have continued to follow Dave and Hawkwind for many years as they have continued to entertain large audiences with the spectacular sound and light shows that they are renowned for with a massive following. Their last album , The Machine Stops' was in the British music charts for many months and their new album, soon to be released, and now being toured, has a massive pre release order. - Quite Simply Dave is the only person that people regard to have the right to the name Hawkwind.
Pete Moyes.
There is only one true Hawkwind and that belongs to Dave Brock! So very sad it has come to this! Good luck!
As others already said- hawkwind was co-founded by
Dave Brock in 1969, nik turner left the band finally in 1985. Stating that hawkwind is 'just a cult band' is completely irrelevant and degrading to Dave Brock. Nik Turner and Hawkwind parted ways 32 years ago. Nik Turner should stop using the name 'nim turner's hawkwind' just to attract people - he has a band with the name 'space gypsies'. There is only 1 Hawkwind and that is the one with Dave Brock!
I have been a hawkwind fan for over 40 years . in the last year I have collected 100 signed cards of musicians ,artists,lighting crews and former managers etc who have played ,performed and worked with hawkwind with dave brock at the helm since 1969, this includes former member nik turner . these 100 signed cards have been placed in a large frame with three hawkwind album logo's spanning the 47 years above the 100 signed cards . some time in the not to distant future this item is to be raffled and all proceeds will go to animal welfare charities .although I have not yet had the opportunity to discuss this with dave brock, I have made everybody who has signed their cards fully aware that I am hoping to raffle this item at a future hawkwind event in the uk and support the charities that dave and kris brock have supported and worked alongside such as sea sheppard and animal asia . during the course of this project I have developed good friendships with many former musicians etc , I have avoided discussing this dispute but one thing is most clear... everybody has been more than willing to sign for a good cause and have been informed where I hope the raffle will take place... at a hawkwind event. I feel that all those who have signed are proud to have been a part of this fantastic legacy. dave brock is the FIRST NAME on the board and the ONLY NAME that has either played alongside ,or employed every other name on the 'autograph shield' .wolfie .
I have been following Hawkwind since 1972,and seen them live over 200 times,with Dave Brock the only member performing on every gig, it is quite obvious that Dave Brock should own the trademark to Hawkind wordwide,I hope common sense previails and the correct and right decision is made.I would imagine 95% of Hawkwind fans would agree.with me on this.
I have been following Hawkwind since 1972,and seen them live over 200 times,with Dave Brock the only member performing on every gig, it is quite obvious that Dave Brock should own the trademark to Hawkind wordwide,I hope common sense previails and the correct and right decision is made.I would imagine 95% of Hawkwind fans would agree.with me on this.
Hawkwind is the vehicle that Dave Brock has been steering since 1969.
That is a fact.
Dave Brock is the only member of Hawkwind to oversee it's entire history.
This too is a fact.
Nik Turner claims that he is the 'Spirit of Hawkwind'.
This is NOT a fact. This is supposition.
Nik Turner has been sacked from Hawkwind twice.
This is another fact.
Nik Turner has not featured as a member of Hawkwind since 1984 (33 years ago).
Quite a crucial fact.
Hawkwind have just completed their 5th HawkEaster festival in Seaton, Devon UK.
Incidental fact.
Hawkwind are releasing their 29th studio album on 5th May 2017 entitled 'Into The Woods'
Another, quite impressive, fact.
Nik Turner wasn't a member of Hawkwind at their conception back in 1969. He was a roadie.
Probably the most important fact of all.
A fact is a thing that is known or proved to be true.
Good luck Dave/Hawkwind. You, at least, have the truth on your side.
Nik is NOT Hawkwind. Never was. Hawkwind is a widely followed, record charting band from the UK led by Dave Brock. A quarter of a million fans worldwide know this.
Hawkwind has been the name of a group with Dave Brock in it continuously since 1969. He is the only consistent factor in a band which has otherwise involved about 50 other musicians who have come and gone and sometimes come back again. Nik Turner has been sporadically a member of the group and has guested with the group playing alongside Dave and various musicians but for the majority of the time he has not been involved.
Legally I don't know what the definitions are, but in the mind of consumers of albums and tickets for concerts in the UK and elsewhere, buying something with Hawkwind on it involves music by a group with Dave Brock in it. I've never met anyone who would disagree with that.
Only one person's name has been associated with Hawkwind since day one, and that is Dave Brock. Nik Turner's claim to the name is ludicrous, he was a member for only a fraction of the band's 48 year history. Dave Brock is still at the helm today!! As for being a cult band? Cult bands don't have top 20 albums, put on annual festivals and sell out tours every year. Please come to the only logical conclusion on this matter.
I have been a Hawkwind fan since 1977 which incidentally is the year Nik Turner left the band. Dave Brock IS Hawkwind. I have also seen Nik Turner play 'pretending' to be Hawkwind and play so badly that audience members who haven't seen Hawkwind previously were making comments about how rubbish they were, thus damaging the reputation of the real band. Dave Brock has captained the band since its inception and worked very hard for 48 years writing and producing new material and touring once or twice a year. It is preposterous to think that a member who left the band 40 years ago and has contributed nothing since could possibly have a claim to the name.
I cannot see how it could be considered either right or just for Mr Turner to be granted the trademark for something which he has not been involved with for more than three decades of its continuing existence.
It should also be noted that Hawkwind is primarily a UK-based group and that both Mr Brock & Mr Turner are of UK origin: in the UK, Mr Turner is legally prohibited from using the name "Hawkwind" for any purposes of trade - I believe that this has been the case for 15 years now (longer than the total of Mr Turner's membership of the group).
Dave Brock is the Captain of Hawkwind.
I trust the hearing will make the right and proper decision.
This has been tearing the band and fans apart for far too long. Dave Brock has been the only constant member in Hawkwind but 'Hawkwind' was Nik's nickname. So why can't Dave use HAWKWIND and Nik use TNT HAWKWIND? That way everyone is happy and the fans will know what's what.
I have been a fan of Hawkwind for over 30 years. During that time Hawkwind has maintained an organic constantly evolving trajectory which is entirely due to the vision of one man, namely Dave Brock. Dave is the founder and only permanent member of the group throughout its long history and I would say that there is no Hawkwind without Dave Brock. I have also been a fan of Nik Turner's various bands since he was sacked from Hawkwind. I have no issue with Nik whatsoever but he is not, nor will he ever be Hawkwind, and I can find no justifiable reason why he should be granted any claim to the name
This has been a cynical attempt to wrest the identity of Hawkwind from Dave Brock by unscrupulous U.S. lawyers amongst others. Brock has been the constant guiding influence and force behind the band throughout its long history and any ruling that he cannot use the name of his own band will be a grave injustice.
Having followed the band for years and being friends with all parties. I find this whole trademark court case absolutely ridiculous. Hawkwind for years has had Dave Brock as a core member of the band. The current line up has been fairly stable for a number of years. Mr Turner and his record company lawyers make a mockery of the whole trademark. Personally my opinion is he was a member of the band but Dave Brock's lineup of hawkwind which has been stable for a while should keep the trademark. This whole situation has caused Mr Brock a lot of health problems over the last few years. He is 76 in August. Please if you can find it in your hearts grant Mr Brock full trademark control.
I have been following Hawkwind since 1972 and seen them live over 200 times,Dave Brock is the only member that has performed in every one of these gigs.If common sense prevails Dave Brock will own the Hawkwind trademark worldwide,I would also say the majority of people who
know the history of Hawkwind would agree.
Hawkwind is has had so many people in it and made so many albums, but ultimately when you boil it down, Hawkwind is Dave Brock - end of.
This should be an open and shut case. Nearly every Hawkwind fan I know of resents Turner's constant egotistical request to plagiarise the Hawkwind brand. He has not earned that right - at all! He had a minimal input to the band, has been sacked from the band on occasions, and has left the band so long ago I'm aghast he has the audacity to even remotely claim the Hawkwind brand name. He should trade as Nik Turner and be done with it. Any other result would a travesty for the band and indeed the fans. We don't need the confusion. Is that what you really want? Is that what the promoters want? Absolutely want. Let's see some common sense and leave it as 2 separate entities - Hawkwind and Nik Turner. Turner hasn't earned the right. Dave Brock has. End of.
Could you only keep my last comment as phone was playing up earlier.
I am a long time Hawkwind fan, for over 35 years, and have followed their work for that time. Dave Brock has been the driving force for all this time. He has written the most songs and has controlled the artistic direction of the band. He also rightly holds the copyright to the band name in the UK. He is synonymous with Hawkwind.
I am also a fan of Nik Turner's music. However, although Nik was also a founder member, and wrote or co-wrote two of the band's standard songs (Dave by comparison has written or co- written most of the rest), he was only a member for 6 years and later for a short unproductive spell. The res t of the time he has been involved with various projects, which, whilst interesting enough, were not very successful.
In the absence of any commercial success he has twice to to kick start his career by using the Hawkwind name. In my opinion he has no right to do so.
what a sad state of affairs that it has come to this , im a fan of some 40 years and in that time there has been only one constant MR DAVID BROCK he is and always will be the spirit of hawkwind
Although Nik was in the band in the early years, he is certainly not by any stretch of the imagination entitled to use the name of the band. Hawkwind alwayss have and always will be synonymous with Dave Brock. He is the only one who has the right. I have been a Hawkind fan since 1974,they have influenced many genres of music and are they are very relevant up to the present day. I cannot stress enough how much of a travesty of justice it would be to allow Nik Turner to have the rights to something that he had no more than a passing part in. Dave is the only original band member, it is his band and his alone
I have enjoyed much of Nik Turner's music, including the songs he wrote as a member of Hawkwind, but he has no claim on the name of the band. Dave Brock was the leader and founder of Hawkwind in 1969 and the one constant in every subsequent formation. Hawkwind has continued to produce new albums under Brock's supervision, with no Turner influence whatsoever.
Dave Brock's alleged continuous unbroken membership from foundation is fact.
The band Hawkwind toured the United States long prior to Nik Turners acrimonious split from Hawkwind. At this time Hawkwind did not flounder but continued.
Hawkwind has always been transient in nature. The members of the band has included many musicians,poets and performers and has a very rich history for it. Nik Turners was but one of these transients.
Dave Brock has Captained Space Ship Hawkwind for nearly if not, 50 years.
Nik Turner took the wrong step years ago and while deserving the rights to his own material, this is not enough to claim any moral or factual rights to the name Hawkwind.
I am not anonymous.
Luke Spiel
Hawk fan since 1981
I'm glad to see this trial coming to fruition. I've been a Hawkwind fan here in the U.S. for many years. Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to see them live, as I was too young (or in one case, not even born) when the band came through in the 70's, and unable to travel to see them in the 90's. Me and my wife had booked train, hotel and bought advance tickets in 2013 to see them about 5 hours away from our hometown. We then got the sad news that the tour was canceled, due to Mr. Turner working under the name. Hotel and travel plans down the drain, not to mention the show itself. It's hard for me to understand why a former member that briefly rejoined the band in the 80's (who has admitted to joining then only for a paycheck) would feel any attachment to the band at this point. Not to mention, he already has done the exact same thing in the 90's!
1969–76 and 1982–84: Hawkwind[edit]
Main article: Hawkwind
Turner, owning a van, had originally offered his services as a roadie to the newly formed Hawkwind. However, when the band discovered his passion for the saxophone he was offered a position in the band to add to the overall weirdness of their sound.[3]
Nik Turner (1974)
Of his playing, Turner admitted that "it's the overall feel rather than the individual parts of the music that we're interested in. I don't have any illusions about my technical ability. I tend to use it as an electronic medium rather than an instrument".[4] He became an active and vocal member of the band, pulling in friends such as Dik Mik, Calvert and Barney Bubbles, and involving the band in community and charity projects, sometimes to the chagrin of the others.[1]
“ We wanted to play the Windsor Sex Olympics but only half the band turned up. ”
NME – September 1972[5]
He was a member of the band during their most commercially successful and critically acclaimed period, writing or co-writing some of their most popular songs such as "Brainstorm" and "Master of the Universe". However, complaints about his playing over other members of the band despite numerous requests to modify his behaviour eventually led to his dismissal in November 1976.[6]
In 1982 during the recording of Choose Your Masques, Brock invited Turner to the recording sessions and he was asked to front the band for the album's tour. Turner's second stint in the band lasted just over 2 years and although some live albums and videos were released, the band did not undertake any studio recording. At the end of 1984 while preparing material for The Chronicle of the Black Sword album, he was sacked once again................How can one claim the trademark name when the band have sacked him twice? Brock is Hawkwind and Turner was a bit part player. please find in favour of Brock.
Don't really see the sense in this at all. Mr Turner will alienate the vast majority of hawkwind fans if he hasn't already done so. I've been following hawkwind since the early 80s and there is only one man who can carry this bamd ONWARD... Dave Brock, The captain. Onward flies the bird.
To me Dave Brock is Hawkwind lovedavidxxx
Surely the right to the name Hawkwind belongs to the one constant member in the history of the band Dave Brock. it should be that simple.
Dave Brock is Hawkwind through and through and is the only person to have contributed to this band in it's 48 years. The Hawkwind name legally belongs to Dave in the UK and this should be respected across the world as he has toured extensively promoting Hawkwind.
I have followed Hawkwind for the last 37 years. The one constant has been Dave Brock. Nike Turner has been no more than a bit player in the band's story in this time. For him to assert that Hawkwind are no more than a cult band is a distortion of the facts and also serves to belittle his own contributions to the band during his intermittent membership. The only just outcome of this hearing is to find in favour of Dave Brock
Nik Turner clearly has no claim to the name Hawkwind having been sacked twice.
Hi
Have been a Hawkwind fan for over 40 years and seen the band in many incarnations all feature Dave Brock. There is no doubt Nik Turner was a key figure in the early years of the band but the pre-eminent role was occupied Brock. Many would argue, mainly non ardent fans but general rock fans, that Turner was not secondary to Brock in shaping the band but came behind other band members such as Lemmy and Bob Calvert. In fact Lemmy asserted in his memoir that Hawkwind is Brock's band. So much for ancient history. Hawkwind are more than a cult band, they currently achieve chart status for album releases, sell out national tours in the U.K. and regularly quoted as influences to new and emerging bands. I am not aware of Nik Turner, in any capacity, touring in venues larger than small clubs or pubs unless as a support act e.g. Recently to Gong (a cult band that has never charted).
From a musical perspective there is a distinct difference in approach Nik Turner opts for a more retrospective set using a array of musicians with a low key show matching the size of the venue. Dave Brocks approach requires more investment as it is more technical and usually based in new recordings as well as some band standards. There is a real risk that show would never make it to the US and US fans if there were to market place confusion. There are already a number of Hawkwind off-shoots featuring former members, such as Hawklords, I think Nik was associated with them but is no longer. That needs clarification. The point is there are a number of band names that Nik Turner could use that have a clear association with Hawkwind i.e. Space Ritual. Nik Turner already uses this. It is an excellent name. On a purely selfish level I would like to see both artists play live but it is unlikely if there continues to be confusion with the names.
I have been following Hawkwind since first seeing them live in Hull in 1984, ironically with Nik Turner in the line-up. That was his last period of time in the band. Since then it has been & will always continue to be Dave Brock at the helm. I've seen countless members come & go throughout the 33 years since that first gig & with 1 exception when he was unable to make the tour Dave has been central to the existance, spirit, ethos & meaning of the name Hawkwind. To suggest that anyone else has the right to operate under that name is ludicrous in the extreme. I hate to see this happening as it undermines a mans lifework. Sadly money talks & greed blinds the eye. The lawyers that are representing Nik Turner must surely be aware of the feelings of the vast majority of fans worldwide & should be listening to their voices instead of the voice of the dollar. If they choose to ignore that then Nik may well find any remaining credibility he has destroyed completely.
Hawkwind is Dave Brock and Dave Brock is Hawkwind, simple fact, enough said .
Dave Brock has always been the Captain of Hawkwind. This action of Mr Turner's has done nothing but cause confusion among the casual Hawkwind fans. Mr Turner has not been a member of the band for 32 years. There have been so many records released since his departure.
Have followed Hawkwind since '72,at the tender age of 13.Saw them most recently on 4/16,and they were a force to behold.Fact is,Mr Turner has had very minimal involvement since leaving in the laste 70s,rejoining for a couple of tours in the 80s.Recently he has achieved success and a good following for his band Space Ritual,and more recently Space Gypsies.In fact,when told of his intent to pursue this action,my exact words weresomething like"Why? We all know Nik's band's called Space Ritual,it's all been going well for them,why would he want to rock the boat?" Dave Brock has led Hawkwind from strength to strength over the decades since Nik Turner's departure,regularly producing albums and shows of astounding excellence.The current line-up is like a force of nature,strong,powerful andmore classically true to the Hawkwind sound,established over decades,than anything I've heard from Mr Turner in quite a while.In my opinion,this should (a) never have happened,or (b)never have got this far.There is only one Hawkwind,and Dave Brock'sthe captain. Long may they fly.
Nike Turner played a bit part in the orchestral musical journey that is and was Hawkwind... dave brocket was the lead instrumentalist, composer and driver of the bus taking that orchestra to the people.
Nik Turner played a bit part in the orchestral musical journey that is and was Hawkwind... dave brocket was the lead instrumentalist, composer and driver of the bus taking that orchestra to the people.
I have followed Hawkwind since the early 70's, and while Nik Turner was in the band at the beginning, he was sacked for his erattic behavior, during one particular tour , insisting on playing over all the other members solos with his rather loud and tuenless sax, drowning out everyone else and spoiling the gig for everyone, Dave has kept the band together through various lineup changes, and is fondly known as The Captain by the many thousands of followers that the band has, the last album was in the British album charts for some time and the one that is due to be released next month has a large number of pre release orders and is eagerly awaited by both those who have got to see this recently , highly acclaimed tour and those who have not. There is only one Hawkwind- and that is the one captained by Dave Brock'.
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It is obvious why Mr Turner wishes to use the Hawkwind name; after all, how else would he be able to launch a brand onto the US market with such instant recognition and commercial appeal? He's been trying for over a decade to achieve that with Space Ritual, but has not managed to become a success on his own merits.
Instead, he seeks to use a well-established and known brand belonging to a band he has not contributed to for over 30 years.
It is interesting that last time Mr Turner tried this tactic within the UK (in 2002), Mr Brock objected and a court decided that Mr Turner must not trade under the name of Hawkwind.
I fail to see that any new evidence may have come to light since then that would support his case. One ruling has already been made and the details should be examined to inform this panel.
For a man who was sacked from hawkwind over 30 years ago to claim the name hawkwind is plainly ridiculous hawkwind have toured all over the world almost every year since mr turners sacking not for the first time but twice has mr turner been sacked from hawkwind far from the band being a cult band hawkwinds last studio album went top 30 in the uk album charts and the new one due out in may is expected to do the same.as stated by other people mr turner plays to very small audiences in the uk small clubs are typical whereas hawkwind play to full venues from one end of the uk to the other
. i have been a hawkwind fan for over forty years seen the band well over 100 times so lets see justice done dave brock is the only person with a claim to the name hawkwind.
I've seen Nike Turner play under his own name... he wants the Hawkwind name as he cannot get audience on his own merits... Roger Water can without Pink Floyd... Hawkwind IS Dave Brock and he's continued to tour relentlessly under it... if I bought Hawkwind tickets that is who I'd expect, not Nik Turner...
Dave Brock is Hawkwind.
Since 1969 has been the only member to have flown the Hawkwind flag on every record released under the Hawkwind name.
There have been many members of the band come and go and their input has been invaluable over 48 years but none of them have remained as a constant throughout those 48 years other than Dave Brock.
Dave Brock is Hawkwind. Simple Truth.
Dave Brock & Co should have the rights to carry on with the name of the band Hawkwind, as they have done so for many years! Nik Turner left the band in the 80's in an attempt to perform different types of music to that of Hawkwind. As an individual, Mr Turner doesn't have the skills of a musician, & has had very little success under the different names he has used.
Mr Turner is well aware that Hawkwind have been far more successful than any of the attempts he has made since the 80's, & is now going back to performing the material he was most successful under. However, Nik Turner is by no means a singer, & most of the material he has released is very poorly produced, unlike that of Hawkwind.
Someone who leaves a band nearly 40 years previously & has very little success because of that decision, should not be allowed to steal the name from a band that has gone on successfully as a band without him?
When a band is not far off it's 50th year, and a constant member, Dave Brock, is still at the helm, still writing and contributing to the sound and direction of the band after being VERY influential in its conception and earliest classic songs, it stands to reason that he is entitled to use the name exclusively. Sure, a lot of other people have been involved in the band over time, and have made their own contributions, but Dave Brock has kept the band going when others have gone their separate ways. The band still pack out venues in the UK and when playing other venues around the world. Nik Turner was a part of the original band, and had a brief return as a guest for a couple of years, but has since done many diverse solo projects. While I feel he is entitled to play the Hawkwind songs from his time and associations with the band, using the Hawkwind name gives him a connection to the many, many songs and sounds that have been created under the Hawkwind name since that he has not been a part of. It will cause a connection to the real Hawkwind band that promotors and agents will no doubt exploit for their own benefit, with fans of the true Hawkwind losing out. Nik Turner has created so many interesting musical projects over time he should devote his time to continuing and growing these and not to harming the real Hawkwind.
Dave Brock is Hawkwind, the captain of the ship who has steered this band from day one.
Dave Brock is Hawkwind.
Dave Brock is and always has been Hawkwind. Nik Turner is just another ex member of the band. No one but Dave Brock should have the right to be called Hawkwind.
Simply put - Hawkwind is Dave Brock. Nik Turner left the band 35 years ago and should have no claim on the name.
I've seen Turner's band and also Brock's band, and it's obvious which of the two is entitled to operate under the name of 'Hawkwind'. All Turner has achieved thus far is to tarnish his reputation. -Graham, aka SonicHawk.
Dave Brock formed the band in the late 1960s and Nik Turner joined it. Turner is one of many musicians to have played in, and contribute creatively to Hawkwind but none other of these musicians attempt to stake a claim to the name Hawkwind, so why should Turner? Hawkwind is and always has been the band lead by Dave Brock, he is the one who has put the work in to keep the band going over the decades, not Turner who was in the band for a small part of their history. Hawkwind play in concert halls, Turner plays in bars, fans should know which band they are paying to see, so Turner should not be allowed to trade under the name of somebody else's band he was once a member of.
As a fan of the group Hawkwind since the early 1970s I can say without doubt that every fan considers that Dave Brock is Hawkwind and has been for nearly 50 years. The British courts have recognised this. Nik Turner played a part in the group's early success but has not been involved in the group in any form for more than 30 yrs. It therefore defies logic that he can have any claim over the name Hawkwind and the case should be thrown out without further consideration. The group has been in continuous existance under Mr Brocks leadership since it's inception and continues to tour and release new music very successfully to a wide and ever-growing fan base.
Dave Brock is the rightful person for the hawkwind name. He has been the captain of hawkwind from his original conception to current. Band members have come and gone but Dave Brock has remained. Mr Turner needs to let go of the past and fly on with his own brand and format, not use a name which is not his to use to boost his sales from a band he is no longer with. It is a real shame that this is occurring, and I wonder how much of this is a labels desire to fleece money off those who have put in decades of work because they don't have enough faith in Mr Turners current work.
I have been a Hawkwind fan for 30+ years. I have seen them since the age of 15, and seen them perform over 100 times. I never saw Mr Turner as part of the band line up, as he had left before I started watching them live. How can a 6 yr contribution years ago have any legitimate claim the the Hawkwind name now or over the last 30-40yrs? Mr Turner has not contributed to the band for decades, how can he state a claim to something he has not been part of for so long?
Hawkwind is Dave Brocks'. It is Dave Brock that has kept the hawkwind name alive and ever progressive. It is Dave Brock who puts all the hours in and kept Hawkwind going and producing music over all these decades. Hawkwind is and ever will be Dave Brocks'.
As mentioned above David Brock formed the group in 1969 and has been the only constant member to this day - a total of 48 years.. I personally really also like Nik Turner's contribution and solo/other group endeavours however regard Dave Brock's band as Hawkwind re name and legacy.
I was lucky enough to first see Hawkwind in the early 70's at Windsor festival and have seen them many times since. Don't get me wrong I've enjoyed seeing the many offshoots of Hawkwind but the only constant has been Dave Brock. Therefore to me the name Hawkwind rightfully belongs to Dave Brock.
Must be costing them lots of money, couldn't they have agreed on something. Think it should go Dave's way personally.
I think the board need to consider Hawkwind’s ever changing membership since it’s inception in 1969. The only member on board since ’69 to the present day is Dave Brock. He alone has captained the ship through thick & thin,creatively & financially. The analogy of Champagne vs fizzy white wine is entirely appropriate but I feel the board should look at a musical analogy & one that has direct links to Hawkwind. Ex Hawkwind member Lemmy formed Motorhead in 1975. There have been numerous ex members of this band over the decades. None of whom have ever tried to steal the Motorhead name for their own puposes either before of after Lemmy’s passing.This is simply because Motorhead WAS Lemmy. In exactly the same way Hawkwind IS Dave Brock. Nik Turner is an entertaining performer & musician but he simply is NOT Hawkwind.He has not been a member for 32 years.The fans know the real deal from the counterfeit.I hope good sense & the correct moral decision is made.
Brock is Hawkwind... Hawkwind is Brock. Seeing as Nik Turner has done nothing with the band for ages, it's just a money making venture for him. So sad. Please leave OUR Hawkwind alone.
Best wishes
A Hawknerd xxx
I think the board need to consider Hawkwind’s ever changing membership since it’s inception in 1969. The only member on board since ’69 to the present day is Dave Brock. He alone has captained the ship through thick and thin. The analogy of Champagne vs fizzy white wine is entirely appropriate but I feel the board should look at a musical analogy and one that has direct links to Hawkwind. Ex Hawkwind member Lemmy formed Motorhead in 1975. There have been numerous ex members of this band over the decades. None of whom have ever tried to steal the Motorhead name for their own puposes either before of after Lemmy’s passing.This is simply because Motorhead WAS Lemmy. In exactly the same way Hawkwind IS Dave Brock. Nik Turner is an entertaining performer and musician in his own right but he has not been a member of Hawkwind for 32 years and therefore simply is NOT Hawkwind.The fans know the real deal from the counterfeit.I hope good sense and the correct moral decision is made.
Regards,
Vim Dowdeswell.
Hawkwind is Brock & Brock is Hawkwind. Seeing as Nik Turner has done nothing with the band for ages, this is just a grasping moneymaking venture on his part. Leave OUR Hawkwind alone.
Best wishes
A Hawknerd xxx
I was born in 1954, and since 1970, Hawkwind have existed with Dave Brock as the main front man. Other bands created by ex members have come and gone, but in all these years, there has only ever been one Hawkwind. This is understood by fans and the general public alike, and is borne out by the significant number of albums released by the said Hawkwind, all bearing the name of Dave Brock as a member. For anyone else to create a band and assume the name Hawkwind is tantamount to theft.
Dave Brock IS HAWKWIND always has been always WILL be. Nick Turner was a member in the early days and ruined several LIVE PERFORMANCES by playing(badly may i add) over other band members solo's and was eventually asked to leave. He has continued to try to ride on the back of Hawkwinds FAME even tho he tries to dismiss the band as a mere 'cult band' when infact they are STILL playing UK & Global tours and releasing Albums that sell like hot cakes. Dave Brock is STILL steering Spaceship Hawkwind and the fans are STILL flocking to see them from young families to golden oldies with walkingsticks :) Dave Brock ever evolving Hawkwind <3
Hawkwind are a way if life for many of us a ever evolving band musicians come a go the driving force being Dave Brock who is the true spirit of hawkwind.
It is a great shame that it has come to this. Nik Turner was one of many who have contributed to the band at certain points in its history, but the one person who has devoted his life and art to the band over the full period of over 40 years is Dave Brock. Not only has he led the band, he has written the vast majority of their songs, put much of his own money into developing the high level of quality of both recorded works and performances and acted as a mentor to many of the gifted musicians who have passed through the band's ranks. Since his departure, Nik turner has gone on to develop his own identity through bands such as Inner City Unit and it is a pity that he has not devoted his energies to this work. Instead, by identifying his current work with the quality associated with the name Hawkwind as maintained through Brock over the decades, he seeks to draw in a wider audience than his 'cult' bands would attract. This is often misleading to both promoters and audience in the USA. To see Nik Turner's band that operates misleadingly under the name 'Hawkwind' is to see and hear a rather amateur, underrehearsed bar band as opposed to the professionalism of the real Hawkwind as maintained by Dave Brock. Hawkwind have a reputation for forward looking innovation and high production values both in the studio and in the theatre. It is not right that an ex-member of group could independently sully that reputation after an absence of thirty years.
I was born in 1954, and since 1970, Hawkwind have existed with Dave Brock as the main front man. Other bands created by ex members have come and gone, but in all these years, there has only ever been one Hawkwind. This is understood by fans and the general public alike, and is borne out by the significant number of albums released by the said Hawkwind, all bearing the name of Dave Brock as a member. For anyone else to create a band and assume the name Hawkwind is tantamount to identity theft.
Seems very simple - Nik Turner made valuable contribution a long time ago, but left the band and has had many bands of his own since. Dave Brock has kept the band going from strength to strength from 1969 to now, clearly with no input from Nik Turner. It would be completely unfair and misleading for Turner to be able to use the name Hawkwind
Hawkwind and Dave Brock are the same thing. The band has been led by Dave Brock since it began. Turner did write some songs on the first few LPs but has not to my knowledge contributed/recorded with the band on new material since 1976 (41 years ago) when he was sacked for deliberately sabotaging the performance of songs by playing over other musicians/members and singers. Hawkwind are definitely not a 'cult' band and are famous, being regularly invited to various prestigious events and festivals across europe each year. The band tour the UK every year and release new material via a record label, the last being released in April 2016, with a new album due out in May of this year. Should Turner win this case then the public in USA will have been let down by those making the judgement. There is no case - if Mr Turner believes he has any claim on the name Hawkwind he is sadly deluded.
There has only ever been one constant whilst others have come and gone. That constant is Mr Brock.
I have been a fan of Hawkwind way back since I first saw them back in 1972. They have had many changes in line-up since then, but Dave Brock, as founder and leader of the band has been the consistent member. He has driven the musical direction of the band and in many ways, IS Hawkwind. Nick Turner, whether sacked or left of his ow volition, certainly has no claim to the name. And to suggest that the band are not famous but an obscure "cult" band is ludicrous. Their last album reached no 29 in the music charts (http://www.officialcharts.com/search/albums/the%20machine%20stops/) which doesn’t not suggest they are an obscure band.
I agree with the statement that allowing a band to be called ‘Nick Turner’s Hawkwind’ will cause confusion. They are very much an inferior act to Hawkwind. To allow the trade mark would not only be damaging to Hawkwind’s reputation but also result in fans who went to seem them coming away disappointed at not having seen the real thing.
Without Dave Brock there is no Hawkwind. He is the glue that has bonded the band together since 1969.
I'm saddened that Mr Turner has chosen to try and damage an institution that is the British equivalent of your very own Grateful Dead. It's not just a name, it's a way of life, created and maintained by Dave. Please, when weighing up the effort of a man to keep it afloat since 1969, against someone who as there for only 7 years of the past 43, I urge you to do the right thing.
David Anthony Brock is Hawkwind.
Apologies if I am repeating myself; I'm not certain if my previous comment is stuck in moderation or, as I suspect, vanished into the aether.
To myself, and I believe all other Hawkwind fans in the UK, this dispute verges in the nonsensical. The claim made by Mr Turner is completely untrue and, what is worse, he must KNOW it is untrue. Since Turner was fired from the band over thirty years ago Hawkwind have released 18 or so albums, and to this day continue to play to pack concert venues; I have attended two such concerts this year myself. There is no doubt or confusion in any of our minds who the 'real' Hawkwind are; Dave Brock IS Hawkwind, Nik Turner is simply someone who, like many others, used to play in the band.
We have been aware of Turner's use of the 'Nik Turner's Hawkwind' label in the States but this is universally seen either as, charitably, a glorified tribute band or, less charitably, as a cynical attempt to cash in on the name of a band whose direction and 'sound' have been exclusively directed by Brock for over thirty years. Even prior to Turner's first departure Brock was the driver of Hawkwind, and from my admittedly outside knowledge, the only other member who contributed material input into how the band's sound developed was not Turner, but another band member, Robert Calvert (now sadly deceased).
Hawkwind is NOT, as Mr Turner is fully aware, an 'obscure cult band'. I trust evidence provided by or on behalf of Mr Brock will prove that in short order. Turner has no claim to the name, or right to profit from the work of others. I trust the hearing will reach the right decision, following the clear precedent set in the UK and Europe.
As a lifelong fan of the band with a huge amount of respect for Mr Brock and Mr Turner it’s very sad that it has to come to this. Hawkwind is Dave Brock’s band, he has been the constant member throughout the decades and the trademark should belong to him.
Nik Turner played on the first six albums from 1970-1976 and a single track on 1982’s Choose Your Masques with fewer than ten writing credits to his name. Dave Brock has performed on all thirty studio albums and contributed to the lion’s share of song writing.
If Inner City Unit had been as successful as Hawkwind are now, this would not be happening. I feel that it is wrong of Nik to insist on using the name of the band due to his minimal input and total absence from the group for the last thirty five years.
That said I wish both Mr Brock and Mr Turner well and hope Nik records and tours under Nik Turner’s New Space Ritual in the future.
Dave Brock is Hawkwind. Nik Turner was a member of the band who did a lot in the early years but then left the band. The band has continued with Brock since then. It's preposterous that Turner can claim the name as his own trademark.
Nik Turner has had no part in Hawkwind for 30 years. That alone should be sufficient to preclude his use of the band's name. Many fans still have a soft spot for the old fellow because of his part in the early history of the band but it was just that - ancient history. His attempt to cash in on the continuous hard work and creativity of Dave Brock and Hawkwind over the past three decades is, in my opinion, contemptible.
Nick was one of many guest players in the long history of Hawkwind, Dave is the founder, leader and only permanent member, Dave IS Hawkwind, it's inspiration and it's future.
There is only one Hawkwind and Dave Brock is the Captain. Ed and Claire
There is only one Hawkwind and Dave Brock is the Captain. Ed and Claire
Nik Turner has been no part of Hawkwind for over 30 years. In his time with the band he wrote and co-wrote various songs and will quite correctly receive royalty payments for this work. He is 100% entitled to this. In the time since Nik was removed from the band, Hawkwind have continued to be a valid creative British, musical institution with contributions from a huge number of musicians both short and long term. The creative force and director of this musical institution has always been Dave Brock. Nik Turner has no right whatsoever to the Hawkwind name when you judge his creative input alongside that of Dave Brock and should not derive any financial benefit for the work that has gone on in the band when he has not been part of it. He has his own projects so should be respectful to Hawkwind fans and keep producing his own music albeit as a bit of a cult musician. Nothing wrong with being a cult band but the institution of Hawkwind is a bit big to be a cult band. Ask the fans
Nik Turner has not been a me,bed of Hawkwind for three decades after being sacked for a second time. There is no doubt that he contributed to the early sound of the band, but he was not an original founder member, as has been claimed, and nor has he contributed in any way to the multitude of releases by Hawkwind made since his departure. He is not Hawkwind and to decide otherwise would be a travesty.
I would just like to add my support to Mr. Brock's claim to ownership of the trademark name Hawkwind. Mr. Turner was an important member of Hawkwind in the early part of the groups history. Mr. Brock's importance is far far more important. It is Mr. Brock who has continued to work constantly with Hawkwind to provide a musical legacy almost without peer. The name Hawkwind is well-known all over the world, and is certainly not a "cult" band. Mr. Brock has made Hawkwind his life's work, and their current position of having tours, festival appearances throughout Europe, interviews and reviews in mainstream magazines is testament to that. Mr. Turner has contributed nothing to the Hawkwind name or legend for more than 25 years. His own musical output is interesting and enjoyable, but it is not Hawkwind. Without wishing to sound rude to Mr. Turner, it seems to me that he wishes to appropriate the disputed name for purely selfish financial reasons. The name Hawkwind sells more tickets than Mr. Turners other band names. His shows however, are on a far smaller scale than the real Hawkwind shows, and this is obviously very confusing to fans.
Hawkwind are and always will be travelling through time led by Mr.Dave Brock. Not a certain Mr. Turner who left the band of his own choosing. As for the name of the band it was not his nickname that named the band. As long as I have a hole in my bottom Hawkwind will and will always be the band and vision created by Mr Dave Brock.
Mr Turner was sacked from Hawkwind. Sacked. He is deluded if he thinks he runs or somehow has any right to use the band name. End this debacle and end his claim on the name Hawkwind. He is trying to steal Mr Brocks life's work.
Turner was asked. Sacked . He has no right to use another man's work for profit and neither do his record label. End this debacle and safeguard Dave Brocks ownership of Hawkwind.
Good luck on Monday, ludicrous that it's come to this. Only one Hawkwind.
I have been going to see Hawkwind since 1981. Nik Turner was part of the band for a couple of years then. Hawkwind has seen many members come and go. Nik Turner is just one of those ex-members. However, for the last 30 odd years that I have followed them, Dave Brock has very much been the captain and steered the band. The Hawkwind I know and love, have constantly written new music, brought out many albums and toured throughout this period enjoying a charting album, 'The Machine Stops', just last year.
Far from a cultish band, Hawkwind regularly draws crowds of hundreds. I have already seen them twice this year and have tickets booked for another two concerts. Dave Brock is the captain of Hawkind!
Number of official Hawkwind albums featuring:
both Dave Brock and Nik Turner = 6
Dave Brock but not Nik Turner = 34
Nik Turner but not Dave Brock = 0
"You do the math!"
Dave Brock is Hawkwind, Hawkwind is Dave Brock! They are inseperable! I don't think anything else has to be said! The only constant member of the band for nearly 50 years and long may it continue!!
Nik Turner's claims are completely ridiculous. Hawkwind is and always will be Dave Brock, that's just obvious. Who is headlining at Hellfest, one of the biggest euro festivals, this year ? Dave Brock's Hawkwind, not anything by Mr Turner. And it was the same when they played there in 2011. NO ONE cares about what Nik Turner thinks, Hawkwind is Dave Brock.
Every musician who has played with Hawkwind are part of the Hawkwind family. They are looked at with love and respect by all Hawkwind fans. If they are indeed a family then Dave Brock is the undisputed father of that family and Nik Turner takes the role of Black Sheep. I have followed Hawkwind since 1971 and have seen them countless times. They released a number of singles in the 1970's and 80's and have made a large number of albums, most of those albums show a different line-up of participating musicians. The one constant in all this time has been Dave Brock. I have seen Nik Turner a number of times and enjoyed much of his music at those events, especially when he plays the old Hawkwind songs from the early 1970's. Hawkwind moved on from those days though, and have created a vast repertoire of songs that show their evolution from those early years. Dave Brock has always been the driving force behind this progression. Also, the idea that Hawkwind are a relatively unknown cult band is entirely erroneous. They have provided inspiration to many well known musicians over the years and are copied in their 'Space Rock' style by many other similar bands across the world.
Dave Brock is the ONE person who has always been there keeping the Hawkwind name going. The popularity of the band has had it's ups and downs, much like any other of those few legendary groups from the 60s/70s that actually managed to survive through to the next century (And by the way, mere "cult" bands don't tend to keep going for 48 years!). But despite the inevitable ebb and flow of fashions and tastes over nearly half a century, which at times may have taken their toll on the group's popularity and sales, Hawkwind have kept going. This is primarily down to the driving force of Dave Brock who has been creating and promoting new material for his band Hawkwind constantly over this time. In recent years Hawkwind's creative output and commercial success have been increasing notably, and as well as touring regularly, the band can be seen playing at and even headlining festivals in the UK (Ramblin´Man, Blue Dot and Mello festivals) and further afield (headliners of the Reverence Festival in Portugal in 2014 for example).
Nik Turner's direct contribution to Hawkwind was during the periods 1969-76 and 1982-84. Outside of those years he has been involved in many solo projects and bands in his own right. It seems to me that as Hawkwind's success has grown, Nik Turner's interest in using the Hawkwind brand name to promote his own bands, has increased proportionally, and to such an extent that it has caused confusion amongst the fans, particularly in the USA. Fans going to see a Nik Turner band which uses the word "Hawkwind" in the name or publicity often think they are going to see Hawkwind or something like Hawkwind, and must come away with a shock. From the lamentable videos of Nik Turner's recent concerts that I have seen on youtube, I think that he is not only abusing the Hawkwind name but also damaging it.
i've been following Hawkwind for 35 years seeing them on every tour. I've also seen Nik Turner's bands many times and enjoyed his work. In my mind there's only one authentic Hawkwind and that's Dave Brock's band, he started the band and it's been his driving force and passion to keep the band going through all these years, he does not deserve someone to come in and use his band's name after all his hard work
I was on the same bill as Nik Turners All Stars for many years throughout the 90's with Tarantism, from first hand experience didn't play, or have any interest in space rock for at least 10 years, then it started to become popular again. Magnus Martin
I was on the same bill as Nik Turners All Stars for many years throughout the 90's with Tarantism, from first hand experience didn't play, or have any interest in space rock for at least 10 years, then it started to become popular again..
If Hawkwind are an unknown cult band as Turner claims, then why does he want the name? Is it because it's the only way he can get an audience? I'd also refer to a quote in Ian Abrahams book Hawkwind,Sonic Assasins where in an interview a former member of the band says of Hawkwind "It's Daves band." That person was Nic Turner.
Dave Brock IS Hawkwind, Nik Turner is just one of many musicians who played briefly with the band during it's almost 50 year life.
To put this simply, if I bought tickets to see "HAWKWIND" and turned up at the concert and found Nik Turner playing i'd be suing for false advertising and would want my money back.
Dave Brock formed Hawkwind in 1969. Nik Turner was initially hired as roadcrew (to move and set up Hawkwind's equipment) who eventually became a member of the band in late 1969 (because he had a van). Nik Turner departed the band in 1976. Six years later Nik Turner rejoined the band in 1982 for a period of two years, departing in 1984. During his tenure with the band he was known as Nik Turner and on no occasion was he referred to as "Thunder Rider" or any other nickname. To this day Dave Brock has been the mainstay and creative driving force of Hawkwind. Through thick and thin over almost 48 years Dave Brock has been at the helm of the band. That is fact. Nik Turner has had no creative involvement with Hawkwind for over 35 years. His contribution to the musical output of the band was at best minimal. Nik Turner is not, has not and never will be the creative and practical driving force behind Hawkwind. Dave Brock is Hawkwind through and through. Its his life's work. Why on earth would somebody attempt to take that from him? Somebody somewhere is attempting to cash in and take credit for work that isn't theirs. Disgusting behaviour by Mr Turner and business people associated with him who are attempting nothing more than flagrant theft for their own ends.
There can only be one 'true' Hawkwind and that is Dave Brock's version. Anyone paying to see Hawkwind live or buying their music would undoubtedly expect Captain Brock to be present and at the forefront creatively. Whether that be playing a garden party in southern England, a festival in France or a club in the USA, the name Hawkwind is synonymous with that of Dave Brock. I believe that Brock has every legal right to protect the name, brand and heritage of Hawkwind for now and in the future.
Regards, SeasideGeorge, HawkFan since 1981
Anyone who has taken even the slightest interest in Hawkwind should be able to see clearly that Dave Brock is the leader and primary influence of the band, not to mention being the founder of the group. How can it be right that his intellectual be appropriated by someone who wasn't there at the start and only stayed a relatively short time before leaving and pursuing other projects.
Dave Brock was and is Hawkwind for all those years, what has Nik done apart from a few years of blowing his horn and leeching off of the name and trademark HAWKWIND ever since? C'mon people, the simple proof is in the many, many albums WITHOUT Nik...
David Brock is a co-founder of the band and still tours and writez sings. Nik Turner can have no proprietory rights over the nomenclature and business regarding Hawkwind as he was only in the namd for a short while and contibuted little. It is my fervent hope the courts will come to the just conclusion abd award in favour of Mr. Brock.
Dave Brock has been in Hawkwind since day one and has worked and toured under this name the whole time. Nik Turner has gone and done other bands and works using different names. Why now does he want to claim the name as his own? Seems very odd. Lots of members have come and gone but Dave Brock has always been there at the helm. It his cost him and his blood Family a lot of hard work and sadness. Dont let this be for nothing. Do the right thing and let an old chap carry on using the name Hawkwind. I am sure Mr Turner can carry on fine using another name like he has all these years.
As one of the founding members Nik Turner did make a valuable earlier contribution in shaping the unique and recognisable Hawkwind 'sound', for which he deserves credit. However, he's not been in the band for many years and, so, can no longer lay any claim to being associated with Hawkwind, except in respect of those songs he wrote, or to which he contributed when a member.
Nik Turner has released some good albums since his departure from the band, and has his own fan-base who would buy them and attend his concerts (including myself, once); he doesn't need to make use of the Hawkwind name to be accepted as a valid musician in his own right, other than in making reference to his own career history.
Dave Brock is the only continuous band member, is accepted (and revered) by fans as 'The Captain of Spaceship Hawkwind' - and the band's name rightfully belongs to him. It's Dave Brock who has been the main driving force of Hawkwind from the beginning until the present day (and possibly to the future...and beyond?).
As a fan of Hawkwind for 38 years and having seen them in concert over 50 times I believe that Dave Brock is the creative and driving force. No one else should have the right to perform as Hawkwind.
Stuart Barton
United Kingdom.
I really don't understand how there could ever be any doubt that the Hawkwind name should be linked with Dave Brock. After all, Dave Brock formed the band and, as Nik Turner has said many times, Turner began as a roadie for the band before becoming a member.
Furthermore, while Nike Turner has only spent a few years in the band, Dave Brock has been in it from the beginning, over 47 years ago.
As for the word, it has been the name of the band and while it used to be Turner's nickname, it was a name used by others. Mr. Turner's name for himself is Thunder Rider and he has used that name in many places.
Unbelievable that it would come to this. Brock all the way.
I don't hate Nik Turner, but I do not feel that he has any right to use the name 'Hawkwind.' Nik was an early, but not a founding, member, and has not been a member for over forty years. Dave Brock founded the band, and has been the only constant member and continuous driving force.
Hawkwind IS Dave Brock!
There is only ONE Hawkwind and its only leader is Dave Brock. Period. I hope you take all this into account. I have been seeing Hawkwind for 32 years and have only seen Nick Turner twice. Dave Brock works so hard and is respectful to his legion of fans. There is only one outcome. Thanks. Respectfully, A J Day.
As one of the founding members Nik Turner did make a valuable earlier contribution in shaping the unique and recognisable Hawkwind 'sound', for which he deserves credit. However, he's not been in the band for many years and, so, can no longer lay any claim to being associated with Hawkwind, except in respect of those songs he wrote, or to which he contributed when a member.
Nik Turner has released some good albums since his departure from the band, and has his own fan-base who would buy them and attend his concerts (including myself, once); he doesn't need to make use of the Hawkwind name to be accepted as a valid musician in his own right, other than in making reference to his own career history.
Dave Brock is the only continuous band member, is accepted (and revered) by fans as 'The Captain of Spaceship Hawkwind' - and the band's name rightfully belongs to him. It's Dave Brock who has been the main driving force of Hawkwind from the beginning until the present day (and possibly to the future...and beyond?).
Finally, Hawkwind is not a 'cult' band, as Nik Turner asserts; Hawkwind has a substantial following, a long history of many album releases, and a major hit single.
Unfortunately for Nik Turner, he was sacked from Hawkwind (on at least two occasions) the rightful owner of the name (and trademark) should clearly be Dave Brock, the person who has been leading the band from the very beginning with no break.
1969 - 2017 - and no albums without him at the helm surely testifies for itself?
Dave Brock is Hawkwind. Always was and will be for ever.
It's already been said in more detail by others commenting, but quite simply, Hawkwind is Dave Brock's band. Nik Turner is merely an ex-member of that band.
Dave Brock (1969–1979, 1979–present)
Nik Turner (1969-1976, 1982-1984)
I hope the near unanimous views expressed here are sufficient to prevail.
I have seen and appreciated music by both Dave and Nik over the years and love them both.
But it's quite simple really. Dave was a founder of the band though Nik joined pretty soon after. But he LEFT in 1976 and rejoined for a period in the early eighties. Dave never left the band and has continued to nurture it for over 40 years through countless other personnel changes and music experiments.
When Nik was not there the band continued in his absence and throughout it's history has been steered on it's epic voyage by just one man and that is Dave Brock. Nik had other ideas which saw him part company with the band twice to do other stuff. Inner City Unit, Nik Turners All Stars etc. Latterly he has performed Hawkwind music with other ex Hawkwind member as the band Space Ritual. I do not see anything wrong with this as it links back to their Hawkwind days in an appropriate way, but to grand the use of the name Hawkwind to anyone other than Dave Brock would be a travesty.
The one true owner of the Hawkwind name is Dave Brock. Mr. Brock has been the one constant member of the band from its inception 40+ years ago whereas Mr. Nik Turner has not. Mr. Turner is a talented musician whose music can stand on its own without using the name "Hawkwind", that name belongs exclusively to Mr. Brock. By allowing Mr. Turner to continue to deceptively use the name "Hawkwind" in the United States on albums and on tour, this misleads the fans of the true band led by Mr. Brock. This creates disappointment and anger amongst the US fanbase who expected to see the real band lead by Mr. Brock and has contributed to the real band not touring the United States. Mr. Turner will not be deprived of his livelihood by awarding exclusive rights to the Hawkwind brand to its rightful owner, Mr. Brock who has suffered loss of income and reputation due to Mr. Turners use of the Hawkwind brand. Please award the use of the "Hawkwind" brand/name to its rightful owner, Mr. Dave Brock.
Dave Brock founded the band Hawkwind in 1969 and has conscientiously continued as its helmsman ever since. For Nik Turner to claim trademark rights to the name 'Hawkwind' in any part of the world is nonsensical and an insult to not only Dave Brock, but also all of the many other musicians who have contributed to Hawkwind's music on record and in performance, especially the current members of Hawkwind. Nik Turner has made some fine and worthy contributions to Hawkwind's music but only as an occasional member of the band. He has not been responsible for Hawkwind's enduring commercial and artistic viability: Dave Brock has.
Dave Brock IS Hawkwind. No doubt. How many songs are written by Turner? 5 - 6 ? Left after Astounding Sounds, came back for a short time in early/mid 80 's. This thing should never, ever happened. Find or use another name Nik. Even if you win and can use the name Hawkwind in US, you will lose. Lose loads of fans. Is that what you want ? Let Hawkwind be Hawkwind world wide and get over it old man.
Simply to say that since I first came across Hawkwind circa 1980, the one name that encaptures all that Hawkwind are and which I intrinsically associate with the band is Dave Brock. He, and he alone should be identified as holder of the trademark name of Hawkwind.
Sad it has come to this but surely the outcome has to favour Dave Brock, the man who has kept the band going for nearly fifty years.
I've followed Hawkwind since 1970 and the common denominator, and the man who has steered the ship, in all those years' is Captain Dave Brock. Dave Brock is Mr. Hawkind.
Hawkwind are Hawkwind. They have always been like a starship picking up and dropping off crew on their journey over the last 48 years. Nik Turner was one of those crew members there at the start but dropped off along the way. Dave Brock is and always has been the captain of the ship. This should never change.
It is and always has been Dave Brocks band. With over 50 members passing through over the years but nevermind the particular line up at any given time Hawkwind has a distinct sound that has stayed consistent over the years and styles not Nik Turner. What gives Nik any right to the band's name just because he was an esrly member. If just a few others did the same thing it would be chaos as fans wouldn't know WHO they were seeing. Lots of other ex members have gone on to form other bands in the same genre without confusing the issue of using The Hawkwind name. Nik Turner is well enough known to draw Hawkwind fans without confusing people thinking that it is actually Hawkwind. It is harming the band's and fans options of American tours
I belong to the younger generation of Hawkwind fans, but I think NT was just a member of the team,he shouldn't label themselves a hard work for many years to do selfish dirty business...Hawkwind it's a Captain Dave Brock!!!
Eric Butcher,
Ive been a HAWKWIND fan since my late teens! Living and growing up in north west England. Although it is clear Nick Turner did have some musical influence in the early years of the band, the driving force behind Nick Turner himself was clearly Dave Brocks leadership of where sound of HAWKWIND was going and where it would go for the following 45 years.
When I think of HAWKWIND I think of Dave Brock!! Nick Turner left the band called HAWKWIND and started other ventures on his own NOT as HAWKWIND!!
HAWKWIND although a very underground band, and not seen in mainstream media! Are a very famous band all
Over the world!! Living in Mexico. It's now, I personally know many people from many backgrounds who know the band well! They are defenately famous, specially to the musically educated with good knowledge of music history and most of all good taste in music!! Music mostly created and directed by one man, Music with that unque HAWKWIND guitar rithm that repetitive and hipnótico guitar sound!! The guitar of NR. DAVE BROCK!!! THE TRUE AND ONLY SPIRIT OF HAWKWIND
This is a ludicrious case being brought by Nik Turner, it should nit even be given court time. Nik Turner was a member for only 10 years whilst Dave Brock has been a constant from day, this is a cynical move by Turner, the record label and some money grabbing Attorney. Hawkwind always has been and always will be Dave Brock's. As for Turner saying they are a cult band if that is so why go to all this trouble because all he is going to get is the name of a 'cult' band he will never be able to match anything that Dave Brock has put his heart and soul into. So in short Nik and the vultures back off you are not appreciated.
Nik has played Hawkwind songs for as long as the band have existed both within the band & outside it. His reasonable argument as I understand it is that ''Hawkwind'' should be defined as the group of people who signed the contract for the first album & that any of those people have a right to use the name if they have a band & play the material. The band were never a corporate legislative group of people & Dave is the only original member in his current line up whilst Nik toured with line ups made entirely of ex HW members & was using the name XHwakwind when the first arguments against were made. Confusion ? Why ? The fans know what's what & who's who.
To get right down to it Hawkwind is a spirit - it can't be patented or owned really. I can go out & sing the songs myself - authenticity is what counts & the amount of joy invoked in the telling of the musical story. Listen to both & take your pick - you will be right either way.
Nik has no bitterness in him whatsoever & would play with Dave's band or an original line up with Dave for a night or a tour any time. It would be in everyone's best interests that they do & no threat to their other projects. Nik loves Dave despite any disagreements & much of what has been said to have gone on is hearsay & bollocks.
Nik couldn't afford to challenge further over the patent issue in the UK - that's not to say he would have lost it - he just needed a lot of money to proceed & he didn't have it. Nothing was proven to be right & wrong when he didn't contest the last ruling made. It's become a War of words where people are defending like they would a football team when Nik is just in the entertainment business & playing songs. Who really believes that Dave's HW fans are confused & might not go to Dave's shows because of Nik touring ? How patronising is that ?
Nik has toured the states for the last few years - I see no reason for Dave's band not to do the same but there is a reason or they would go. Who is afraid of Nik's smaller time club shows as it's been called here ? A lot of the fans would do both or pick one or the other - so what ? Go to America Dave & do well - music is what should speak for both parties anyway. If the music is working there's nothing to worry about & surely with the big polished show & lights Dave's band have they are too far ahead to be bothered about Nik ? If they're not going to America they can leave him alone to play to his fans who love him there surely ?
I could go on but let the riffs do the repetition... Just don't be thinking that the arguments you hear are anything to do with feet on the ground in America or who is bitter. I can tell you - all Nik cares about is playing music & talking to people & spreading love & peace - if you don't know that you never met him. he's a five star gentleman & a friend to all.
Peace !
Sbarticus.
Dave Brock has led this band through good times and lean for the vast majority of its existence. Nick Turner was an early (though not founding) member of the band, and contributed to some of the early major songs in their canon, but his writing input diminished after the Doremi album in 1972, and ceased altogether with Astounding Sounds in 1976. Thereafter his contribution was playing increasingly non-complementary saxophone over the rest of the band in the live area, which led to him being sacked from the band twice. Someone who has the rights to a band's identity does not usually get sacked from it.
Dave Brock has written probably 50% of the band's material ever, if not more. He has been associated with the band since 1968, continuously. The name Hawkwind is synonymous with Dave Brock. Even his released solo material usually finds its way onto future Hawkwind albums. However, there are other names associated with Hawkwind, who play in bands which use Hawkwind material, but which are very clearly differentiated from the functioning band - Hawklords, Psychedelic Warlords and (Turner's own) Space Gypsy, to name but three. There is no need for Turner to use the name Hawkwind, other than to boost his sales, but this risks impacting on the continuing Hawkwind, as the product is notably inferior - not based around a core group of performers, but using session musicians who have not rehearsed, or recorded any material.
Turner's use of the name could affect the earnings, not just of Brock, but of other band members, including Richard Chadwick and Jonathan Darbyshire (Mr Dibs) who have both at 28 and 10 years respectively, been in the band for longer than Turner was in total.
For Hawkwind read Brock, for Brock read Hawkwind, it really is that simple. Dave Brock is what Hawkwind is, was and ever will be! He has managed to keep the band relevant with a string of creditable albums over many years. You only have to attend one the many Gigs (or i should say family events) to see and feel the love for the man and the band.
Dave Brock is the Captain of Hawkwind.. alway has, always will be. Nick Turner was in near the beginning, but soon left the band Hawkwind..
I've been a fan of Hawkwind since 73 and seen them go through many line up changes....But,to me the only person who has been constantly at the helm of the band is Dave Brock and it is only Dave who is the owner of the name Hawkwind, not previous, part time members.Further to this it is the current band that he leads that continues to develop the musical direction of Hawkwind, rather than texting on their laurels and churning out greatest hits tours...The current line up of Hawkwind under Dave Brock is the only one
that should be recognised as the true Hawkwind, not any line up fronted by ex-member Nik Turner
Dave Brock IS Hawkwind, The one constant, the pivot around which all other aspects (and members)operate. The notion that any other band member, past or present, can lay claim to this, is at best mischief making, at worst, criminal.
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I personally find that the case put forward by Mr Brock is the more accurate and truthful, he formed the band and has guided it through the good times and the bad constantly for nearly 50 years. Mr Turners claim that Hawkind are not famous is simply untrue as there have been documentaries by no less than the UKs state broadcaster the BBC and have been and still are a major influences on some of the worlds most well known musicians. Even William Shatner (aka Star Treks Captain Kirk) recorded a cover version of the Brock co written Hawkwind song Silver Machine.
Dave Brock is Hawkwind, created the band and the space rock sound we all love. Nik Turner is just one of many ex band members who have no right to the name...simple
I must admit to being a little bemused by this suit.
I first saw Hawkwind in 1974, and since then have seen them most years, sometimes on many occasions. The band have been a constant in my life as they have in the music scene in general, and as has their leader and guiding mind, Dave Brock.
In those 40+ years I have also seen many ex members who have formed their own bands, taken a solo route, or joined other bands. That includes Nik Turner who I have seen in many incarnations from Inner City Unit to Space Ritual. The Nik Turner bands have often included Hawkwind material in their sets but there was never any confusion about who was playing a given event.
The only reason I can see for Mr Turners attempt to steal the Hawkwind name is jealousy at the fact that Hawkwind can still sell out large venues whilst Mr Turner is left to play small clubs with sparse crowds that generate very little income.
The very idea that Dave Brock could be denied the ownership of the name 'Hawkwind' is completely absurd and I hope common sense will prevail
I have followed the band Hawkwind since the late seventies and attended many concerts across the UK in that time. The question of ownership of the band's name surely can only be considred to be with the member who, in this declaration 'co founded' the band and is still playing under that name today, Dave Brock? I have,almost, every album and Dave Brock's name is on every album I own. I own multiple versions of some albums where different album sleeves were released in different countries these include Australia (I am uk resident), therefore I would consider this Worldwide. Every concert I have ever bought a ticket for under the name Hawkwind, Dave Brock was on stage leading the band. Every video/DVD I have of the band Dave Brock is in.
Dave Brock is Hawkwind, Hawkwind is Dave Brock.
I have followed the band Hawkwind since the late seventies and attended many concerts across the UK in that time. The question of ownership of the band's name surely can only be considred to be with the member who, in this declaration 'co founded' the band and is still playing under that name today, Dave Brock? I have,almost, every album and Dave Brock's name is on every album I own. I own multiple versions of some albums where different album sleeves were released in different countries these include Australia (I am uk resident), therefore I would consider this Worldwide. Every concert I have ever bought a ticket for under the name Hawkwind, Dave Brock was on stage leading the band. Every video/DVD I have of the band Dave Brock is in.
Dave Brock is Hawkwind, Hawkwind is Dave Brock.
Dave Brock is Hawkwind he has led the band from the beginning. It is only right that the trademark remains with him.
I have been a fan of Hawkwind since 1970 saw them play loads of times through the years since One main factor of Hawkwind is Dave Brock he has the charisma he is the man. My two sons have grown up listening to Hawkwind and are in bands of their own. Heavily influenced by Dave Brock without Dave Brock in the line up Hawkwind won't be Hawkwind, so it is only right that the name Hawkwind stays with Dave Brock he has been there from the beginning right through until now it is his band his name.
I have been following Hawkwind since i was a teenager in 1992 and been to over 100 concerts and not once was Nik Turner a member of Hawkwind during that period.
Dave Brock ( and his choice of band members) is Hawkwind,his guitar style,
his singing voice his musical direction is unique in "space rock".Ex members leave Hawkwind and perform but in no shape or form should they use the name Hawkwind when there is already a Hawkwind and they are a professional well estblished working band who reached number 17 in the album charts and still sell out concerts.
If Mr Turner had any claim to the Hawkwind name then the current band would be a pale shadow of their early days. This is blatantly not so, unlike many bands they continue to be creative, innovative and relevant. Their current line-up is one of the strongest in their long career as can be heard on recent albums and seen on live dates. Throughout their career the drive, creativity and determination to continue is down to the hard work of Dave Brock.
Dave Brocks Tenure with Hawkwind 1969 - To present date 48 years steering the good ship Hawkwind ,Nik Turnerdoes not make a quarter of the time Dave has spent with the band. Without a shadow of a doubt the name belongs to Dave.
I am deeply saddened that the arguments over trademarking of the name of Hawkwind has all come to this point.
What follows is my understanding of what happened.
Firstly, what has to be remembered in all this is who was it that kept the name of Hawkwind in the general publics mind from the first Hawkwind LP in 1970 through to the latest LP about to be released in 2017, all under the name of Hawkwind and the only named person present on every single one of those releases in between the first and the latest is of course Dave Brock. There are very few "Cult" named bands that could claim such a large body of in general, consistently good releases.
Nik Turner it should be remembered was only present as a full member of the band between 1970-75 and was then was acrimoniously sacked. He was later forgiven and given a second chance to come back into the band for what turned into a very brief return to the lineup before being asked to leave again. His penchant for freeform blasting his sax over other band members vocals when it was not required was cited as making the situation with him impossible to continue.
Nik then took a variety of bands out on the road such as Nik Turners Hawkwind, x-Hawkwind, Sopace Ritual (Clearly named after one of Hawkwinds most iconic live albums, an album often cited in music magazines across the world as a 'Must have' live album) The band names he used during this period are to me, quite clearly designed to play on the name in order to cause confusion amongst fans of Hawkwind across the world. If you love Hawkwinds music, then any of those names used are going to spark interest and mislead fans.
The record label Cleopatra further compounded the misleading of fans by using Hawkwind band photos as promotional material for Nik Turners band.
These actions, to me show a greed and desire to own a lucrative name that is not one they or Nik has worked for close to fifty years to keep alive.
It would therefore be utterly wrong to award in Nik or Cleopatra's favour as it is utterly undeserved and simply wrong.
I have tried to be factual rather than passionate or emotional in my argument for Dave Brock and hope I have achieved this goal.
A little bit of passion...
While Nik Turner sneaked in and claimed the Hawkwind name in the US and thus stopped the real Hawkwind from touring under their own name for their fans there.
Hawkwind themselves amongst many other things, created and run a complete festival most years. A family friendly, always sold out festival that features many varied bands and workshops.
Cult band??? What cult band achieves all I have mentioned above?
Nik Turner should hang his head in shame and stop all of this greedy nonsense. I would have more respect for him then.
My first introduction to Hawkwind came from their inclusion on numerous compilations of seminal rock tracks, where you'll still find them. My UNDERSTANDING of Hawkwind came from seeing them live - first in 1996 - and that live experience is and has for as long as I've known it been pinned down and held together by Dave Brock.
I've seen Nik Turner's takes on the material, and while they're perfectly entertaining, it's obvious to anyone that the living, evolving tradition that is Hawkwind's sound is in the hands of Brock, not Turner.
This is nonsensical from Nik Turner. Dave Brock has kept this bird flying for almost 50 years. Nik Turner is a blip in this bands history. To say hawkwind are not famous but "a cult band" is absolutely astonishing from Mr Turner.. Hawkwind are known worldwide and are possibly the most influential British rock band influencing everything from punk ( John Lyndon claimed punk would never exist without brainstorm ) to techno dance. Dave has entertained us with the ONE TRUE HAWKWIND for many years now and I for one am extremely grateful to have had this band in my life for over 30 of those years. There is only one hawkwind, there can be no imitation.. please give it up Mr Turner, you are alienating a huge amount of hawkwind fans who once ixolised you as part of OUR institution.. We are all Dave Brock, We are all hawkwind, We are one. Onward flies the mighty bird.
The thing is Simon that Turner will never let go of this. As I have stated in a past comment, Turner has kept the flames of the fire in his self appointed feud with David Brock going since he was last fired from the band back in the 80's. It's very odd really as Turner was invited to join the band Hawkwind and never was a founding member. He was a roadie who could allegedly play the Sax.
I first HAWKWIND IN LATE 1973 ( I got to see them in Chicago 1974 ) and I became an instant fan. For 44 years of my life the band have made music that has been guided,nurtured by our Captain:Dave Brock. His unique approach to playing guitar is a defining point of their sound.He has inspired not only the various members over the years but the fans as well. As far as I am concerned any band ( or person ) claiming rights to the HAWKWIND name that does not include Dave Brock are just a shoddy and cheap imitation.Dave Brock has defined and re-defined the sound of HAWKWIND from their first album all the way up to last years phenominal THE MACHINE STOPS!With a new album being released next month called INTO THE WOODS and with a new tour starting, from what I have heard from friends in England is that it's incredible, it would be unfair, an insult and misleading to call HAWKWIND a 'CULT ' band. What with thousands of fans worlwide and sold out shows everywhere in the U.K. they are anything but a ' CULT ' band.Dave Brock is HAWKWIND, period! Dave Brock should be awarded full and unequivicable ownership to HAWKWIND. Long will the HAWKWIND ship fly with our Capt. Brock at the helm!
Very simple. Dave Brock has been touring with the band known as Hawkwind solidly since 1969, except for a year where the band was called Hawklords back in the 1970s. He still does. He has not stopped and shows no signs of doing so. Nik Turner has been in and out of Hawkwind, has had a number of other bands since leaving Hawkwind, and seems to have decided that as he helped to write some of Hawkwind's songs, he should be able to call one of his bands Hawkwind, especially in the USA, where the genuine band has not been so often. In doing so, he has knowingly caused Hawkwind to have major difficulties touring in the USA, despite having a willing audience. This has also knowingly caused all parties serious financial headaches.
Mr Turner agreed in an English court case not to use the name "Hawkwind" in any commercial or professional capacity other than stating he is an "ex-member of Hawkwind". That agreement was read into the court and the judge authorised it as the judgement of the court.
The UK, like the US, is a participant in the Madrid Protocols regarding copyright and it would be ridiculous, illogical and confusing for Mr Turner to have rights to the name Hawkwind in the US when he both agreed to cease and desist any usage by himself of the name and was so ordered by an English court.
There have been several examples of not only the US public being confused by Mr Turner's use of the name, but also businesses such as venues. Members of the public have bought tickets for what they considered to be the very long established and internationally known band Hawkwind lead by Dave Brock to find instead they have bought tickets for Mr Turner's "Hawkwind", a different band presenting a quite different and much lower quality live performance (amongst other things lacking the extensive light and video projection work which has been a characteristic of Hawkwind since the early 1970s) and with no recordings to its credit at all.
Some venues and promoters have engaged Mr Turner, but advertised the events using the photographic and text publicity material of Mr Brock's band and giving links to the long established Hawkwind Facebook account and website. Clearly there is a very real and instantiated confusion between two very different bands using the same name.
To claim Hawkwind are a "cult band" is meaningless. All bands are "cult" in one sense or another because no band appeals to everyone. Hawkwind, led by Mr Brock since the band was founded in the late 1960s, have consistently and frequently toured the UK, Europe and countries such as Japan and Australia drawing large audiences wherever they perform. In the UK Mr Turner, who does not use the name "Hawkwind" as he would be open to the risk of damages for breaching a court order he agreed to, plays small venues holding between 50 and a few hundred people which are rarely if ever full.
Mr Turner was dismissed from Hawkwind nearly 40 years ago and has not been a member of the band or hired in any capacity since then. For him to now be pursuing a claim to owning the rights to the name "Hawkwind" is ridiculous and his motives must surely be suspect.
What Simon Trentholm said. With Dave all the way.
All this kerfuffle has made Dave ill!
Hawkwind IS Dave Brock. Love you Dave xxx
having followed Hawkwind since first seeing them perform in 1979, the one constant is Dave Brock. They are not a band that sits back and rests on their laurels but are constantly producing new materiel new albums and stage shows. I try to see at least one concert on each tour, To think any other band should use the name seems to me ridiculous,
I have never actually met either Dave Brock or Nik turner. I have seen Nik Turner perform. And while it was an enjoyable experience it was not a Hawkwind concert,
Speaking as a music fan it is my opinion that Dave Brock is Hawkwind And that name should remain with him.
Dave brock is hawkwind
Hawkwind is dave brock
Hawkwind is Dave Brock, and Dave Brock is Hawkwind. Nik Turner left the band many, many years ago, and has no claim on the name. I have tickets for Hawkwind at the London Roundhouse in May 2017. It is a matter of fact that Nik Turner will NOT be on the stage, whilst Dave Brock WILL BE.
Far from being a “cult” band, Hawkwind, formed and led by Dave Brock, are still very much a successful rock band playing to sold out venues and enjoying chart success with their latest album in 2016. Dave has been the only constant member since he formed Hawkwind 48 years ago and as such is the main songwriter and has been responsible for creating and maintaining the instantly recognisable and unique Hawkwind” sound. Nik Turner’s claim that Hawkwind are an “obscure cult band” and that Dave has “abandoned” any rights he may have to use the name Hawkwind in the USA are frankly ludicrous. As the founder, the only constant member and the main contributor to the band, the sole rights to use the name Hawkwind must belong to Dave Brock.
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Dave Brock is Hawkwind and should have all the rights to the name and the trademark.
Nick Smithson
Hawkwind have been in existence for 48 years. Throughout that time the only constant has been Dave Brock. Listen to any Hawkwind and it is clear that Dave Brock's unique rhythm guitar sound is the sound of Hawkwind. Dave Brock has written or co-written most of Hawkwind's words and music, and more than anyone is completely synonymous with the band. Hawkwind with Dave Brock has been making records continuously throughout the 48 years of the band's existence. Hawkwind with Dave Brock has toured and played concerts and promoted the band tirelessly throughout those same 48 years of existence. No other person can lay a claim that gets anywhere close to that.
Nik Turner played saxophone and flute in Hawkwind for 7 years from 1969 until 1976, and for a further 3 years between 1982 and 1985, making 10 years in total. He was fired from the band on both occasions. This contrasts with Dave Brock who has never been fired from the band or left the band, and who has continued to play with the band, tour with the band, make original music with the band, and promote the band for the whole and continuous 48 years of Hawkwind's existence. Dave Brock, by any measure, is Hawkwind.
While he was a member of Hawkwind, Nik Turner, in my opinion, ruined concert after concert by playing, nay squawking, over all the other members of the band with selfish, tuneless, and amateurish saxophony. In doing so, Nik Turner undermined the honest, sincere, and professional contributions and efforts from the other musicians in Hawkwind. It is sad to realise that Nik Turner, with this shameless attempt to purloin the name Hawkwind, is still determined to undermine the honest, sincere, and professional contributions from the musicians - especially Dave Brock - who continue to tour and make new music as Hawkwind. There is only one Hawkwind, and it is Dave Brock's Hawkwind. Nick Turner, by contrast, is most surely a fraud.
Dave Brock is, and always will be, Hawkwind. End of.
Hawkwind = Dave Brock
Dave Brock = Hawkwind
There is no other Hawkwind.
Not counting the numerous live albums, Nik Turner has appeared on 6 Hawkwind albums, Dave Brock has appeared on 29 soon to be 30.
Hawkwind have been my favourite band for my entire adult life and Dave Brock is the mainstay, inspiration and driving force keeping the legend driving forward. With respect Mr Turner played a very small bit part in the long history of this wonderful band and it is very difficult to comprehend how he could possibly have any rights over the name.
This is ridiculous there could be 30+ Hawkwinds if this is upheld, I've been at more Gigs than Nik Turner so can I start one too ?
This is ridiculous, there could be 30+ Hawkwinds if this is found in Nik Turners favour as every former member of the band could set up their own, one man has kept the name Hawkwind going since it's creation and everyone and his mother knows who that is and it's Dave Brock the only one who has been on every Hawkwind album and line up since day one.
I have followed the band since 1972, its 48 years of output has been available in the USA for all of that time, Nik left the band many years ago, having only been back in for a short spell. Dave Brock has produced output and performed using the name Hawkwind throughout the 48 years. Justice must be done, Dave Brock is Hawkwind, it is his voice, songs and guitar that have shaped the direction of the music.
I find Mr Turner's claim that Hawkwind is "just an obscure cult" band, disrespectful to the fans that love Hawkwind and all it stands for. If Hawkwind were as he describes, then why would he want to be associated with it ?.
Dave Brock is known by the fans as "the Captain" for one reason only, he and he alone is the leader of this band. He has been the only constant member and in mine and many other people’s opinions, the only person who should be allowed to use the name Hawkwind.
Mr Turner was a member briefly and his contributions noted, however that is all he is entitled to, he has no claim to the name Hawkwind.
As for the claim that Dave Brock abandoned any rights he may have had in the US are absolute rubbish, and a recent planned tour of the US was cancelled only as a result of these legal on goings
In my opinion the only reason for this request coming from Mr Turner is because Hawkwind are on top form at the moment, recently released an album that entered high in the UK charts, they are performing sold out live shows and festivals that are receiving extremely high acclaim from the loyal fans. Mr Turner wants to ride or freeload on this good work, and success which is purely down to the hard work and quality musicianship of Dave Brock and the band members currently working with him.
To me and many others Hawkwind IS Dave Brock, Dave Brock IS Hawkwind.
I would politely request that you reject Mr Turners claim
Sadly Hawkwind appear to have become an overwhelming parody of what they once were; to be sure, The Machine Stops was an album of agonizingly weak songs with a very second rate production-Into the Woods doesn't look good either. Some of the recent members, specifically the morbidly obese land whale that is Dibs (I here even Greenpeace have put a protection zone around him), really don't deserve the moniker of musician. Surely this 'man' is a first rate third rate bass player; truly appalling vocals; not even a pimple on the arse of Lemmy or Alan Davey; the blokes a joke.
Meanwhile the diminishing fan base now seems to comprise overwhelmingly of grotesque, aging, drug using/dealing, mental health cases and left wing, liberal, deluded, hypocritical whinging hippies who think anything with the name Hawkwind on it is sublime. If Brock made an album of his farts, most of these pathetic specimens of humanity would probably buy it, or should I say rip it off a mate and extol its virtues. Still, perchance, it has sadly been this way for many a year, if not since the band began...?
The whole bally thing seems to have become a joke and nonentity; purely fuelled by Brocks arrogance, ego and desire for money...
One suspects this case is just another attempt for Brock to squeeze every last penny out of the dying beast for himself. Over the years, exactly just how many people has Brock fucked over just to line his own pocket? What goes around comes around eh Dave?
It seems to me Turner has just given back on what he received. Yes, I believe, Brock turned the band into his own personal agenda/cash cow, but at least Turner refused to be steamrollered and had one over on the 'Captain'. Good for you Nik; I hope you win this.
Clearly all of this won't be an issue for much longer due to Brock's advancing years; either retirement due to frailty or death being upon him. That being said, even if Brock wins what's the point? If he gets to tour America under the name of Hawkwind, by the time you take out the tour costs, Zimmer frame and bearing in mind we're only talking fairly small audiences, the return is negligible; maybe in the minus figures-such is todays music industry. Nonetheless, at a minimum, Dibs would get the opportunity to eat his distended, prolapsed carcass across the States...
This whole affair comes across as a rather childish and sordid battle of has been/never really quite hit the big time egos. Ultimately, I'd love to see Turner win just to fuck Brock over. Then again, probably the most positive outcome to happen in this ridiculous affair, apart from Dibs getting the boot (okay I know it's unrelated, but he is just, in my humble opinion, so, so terribly useless and pointless), is to let both parties use the respective names of Hawkwind and Nik Turner's Hawkwind.
Still, at least Hawkwind continue to be entertainment, if not from a musical point of view; indeed from the farcical.
I have followed Hawkwind for over 30 years and seen them play live more than 25 times. Nik Turner has never been part of the band during that time. Hawkwind have continued to release new music and develop their sound and during that time the only constant member of the band has been Dave Brock. I have seen Nik Turner play live with Space Ritual, a band which plays songs from Hawkwind's early years. Nik is entitled to play songs which he was involved in creating and it is a chance for fans to see past members of Hawkwind recreating a certain moment in time. However, only one man has been there since the beginning and ensured that Hawkwind are not just a tribute band or a parody. Dave Brock is the custodian not just of the Hawkwind brand name, but of it's creativity, it's heart and it's music. If anyone else toured using the band's name, it would be unfair on the fans as they would see only a small portion of Hawkwind's 48 year output. In my opinion, this would be mis-selling.
Wow...talking of mental health issues!
I've followed Hawkwind since 1983 when I was 13. Dave Brock is the pulsing heart of the band and he has kept it running. I want to listen to Brock's guitar. Nik Turner is but a footnote who was a member on and off for barely a decade so what right does he have to the name? Any criticisms of whether the current Hawkwind are a parody, or whether it is to do with 'Brock's greed' are completely invalid and irrelevant.
If anyone doubts Mr Turner's bar-gigging activities can mislead the paying public, we have his own statement made on stage in New Jersey, USA, on 28 Jan 1994:
"I'd like to apologise to anybody that came up here expecting to see the Hawkwind band that's got Dave Brock in it. Unfortunately he's not here...
"But you've got us instead. So I hope you like it. This is the Nik Turner Hawkwind.."
Shut up ... stop writing. What a knob!
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