Hawkwind founder and guitarist Mick Slattery dies after short illness

20 March 2023 , 11:06

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Hawkwind founder and guitarist Mick Slattery dies after short illness

Mick Slattery of Hawkwind fame has died aged 77 it has been confirmed.

The musician who was a founding member of the band died last week, peacefully at his home.

Although the cause of his death has not yet been revealed, it's said that he had battled a mystery illness before his tragic death.

His Hawkwind bandmates confirmed the devastating news in a statement shared on Facebook, his band said: "We are sorry to share the sad news that our old friend, and Hawkwind founder member, Mick Slattery passed away peacefully at home yesterday, St Patrick's Day, 17th March 2023, aged 77, after a short illness."

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His bandmate Dave Brock went on to pay tribute saying: "Me and Mick played together in a band called Famous Cure in 1967, touring Holland before going on to form Hawkwind in 1969.

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"I have lots of fond memories from our younger days, playing together in Holland and hanging out in Richmond at the L'Auberge Cafe and Eel Pie Island.

"In the late 60s, we used to rehearse in my upstairs flat in Putney and also in the basement of Bob Kerr's music shop in Gwalior Road, playing loud music, much to the annoyance of our neighbours. Fly free old friend."

Mick was one of the founding members of the group (Redferns)

Fans instantly flocked to the comments section to share their condolences, with one writing: "So sad to hear this, my condolences. RIP Mick."

"R.I.P Mick Slattery, Hawkwind one of my most favourite bands," commented a second.

Before a third typed: "My sympathy to his family, friends, and supporters. This year, the world seems to get a little smaller, every day."

The group were founded in 1969 (Redferns)

"Sad news RIP Mick. Condolences to his family and band mates," shared another.

"Banged my head loads of times to Hawkwind in the seventies and then finally in acoustic tent at Glastonbury 2019? Great memories, sad loss," wrote a fifth.

Mick joined the group in 1969 and remained with them until his death, releasing 35 studio albums as well as 13 live albums, 18 compilation albums and eight EPs.

Over the years, they have incorporated several different genres into their music, including psychedelic rock, hard rock and progressive rock.

However, the group who originated in Ladbroke Grove, London, are best known for hits including Silver Machine, Shot Down in the Night and Urban Guerilla.

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