Dave Brock English singer, guitarist, songwriter Date of Birth: 20.08.1941 Country: Great Britain

1. Biography of Dave Brock
2. Early Life and Musical Influences
3. Street Performances and Political Activism
4. The Dharma Blues Band and The Famous Cure
5. Hawkwind and Later Career

Biography of Dave Brock

Dave Brock is an English singer, guitarist, and songwriter, best known as the founder and long-standing leader of the rock band Hawkwind. He was born on August 20, 1941, in Isleworth, Middlesex, England.

Early Life and Musical Influences

In his early years, Dave Brock learned to play the banjo at the age of twelve, thanks to his uncle Morris, his father's brother. At the time, he mainly listened to traditional jazz. A painting teacher at school encouraged his musical endeavors and introduced the fifteen-year-old student to the classics of blues. This teacher even convinced Brock's parents to buy him his first acoustic guitar. Among his early influences, Brock mentioned Fats Domino and Humphrey Lyttelton.

After finishing school in 1959, Brock worked various odd jobs, including potato picking, installing winches, and posting advertisements. In the evenings, he spent time in fashionable London clubs such as Crawdaddy and Eel Pie Island. It was there that he smoked his first joint and first took the stage with his guitar.

In 1959-1960, Brock played banjo for five months in The Gravnier Street Stompers, a New Orleans jazz band. At times, he played jazz with Ken Collyer's Jazz Band, one of the leading orchestras of the time. These jazz lessons became the foundation for Brock's improvisations in free jazz, which he later pursued in Hawkwind, according to biographer B. Town.

Street Performances and Political Activism

Brock began to perform street concerts more frequently with musician friends such as Eric Clapton, Keith Relf, Jeff Watson, and Mick Slattery. He could also be seen at various political events, including the Easter Aldermaston March, the main demonstration of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND), a cause he still supports to this day.

The Dharma Blues Band and The Famous Cure

In 1964, Brock formed the Dharma Blues Band with pianist Mike King and harmonica player Luke Francis. They recorded versions of "Dealing with the Devil" by Sonny Boy Williamson and "Roll 'Em Pete" by Pete Johnson, which were included in the compilation album "Blues Anytime I: An Anthology of British Blues Vol. 2" released by Immediate Records in 1966.

Brock accompanied visiting American blues musicians such as Memphis Slim and Champion Jack Dupree during this time. The Dharma Blues Band continued after Brock's departure and recorded an album in 1967. Brock regularly played with Eric Clapton, and their ongoing collaboration led to a misunderstanding that he was a former member of the Yardbirds, as noted on the Famous Cure poster.

In 1967, John Illingworth joined the band, and they changed their name to The Famous Cure. The group gained recognition in the Netherlands, where they toured and recorded the track "Dealing With The Devil." They signed a contract with new management in September 1967 and released the single "Sweet Mary" which reached #5 on the Dutch charts. Several live tracks were included in the album "Harlem Blues Festival."

Hawkwind and Later Career

After his time with The Famous Cure, Dave Brock and other members of the band joined the Rock and Roll Circus, Tent '67, where they met Nik Turner, the third future member of Hawkwind. They returned to London, which was already flourishing with the psychedelic scene. The band started experimenting with LSD, and their music began to change under its influence.

In 1969, Dave Brock formed Hawkwind, which would become his most significant musical project. As the founder and constant leader of the band, he has played a pivotal role in shaping their sound, style, and success. With Hawkwind, Brock has released numerous albums and performed worldwide.

Throughout his career, Dave Brock has remained an influential figure in the rock music scene. His contributions to psychedelic rock and his dedication to music and activism have solidified his place in music history.