In a new interview with music writer Joel Gausten, former HAWKWIND member Nik Turner opened up about his current trademark dispute with fellow original Hawkwind member Dave Brock over the rights to the band’s name in the US:

“Dave trademarked the name of ‘Hawkwind’ without, in my opinion, the permission of the people who actually own the name, which is all the people on the first recording contract, which was jointly and severally signed as Hawkwind,” he said. “Then, my record company decided to trademark the name of ‘Hawkwind’ in America.

“I don’t like being involved in this sort of thing,” he continued. “It’s all sort of political. I’d just rather play music to people and make them happy and raise their spirits, raise their consciousness [and] raise their level of fun. People have a really good time because I have a really good time. I think that’s what it’s about, really. Exchanging energy, communication and entertaining each other.”

Turner added that he wants to see both parties get along and get on with what’s important – music.

“I don’t have any enmity towards them; I wish them great success,” he said. “I would like to play with them, if they would invite me to play with them or if Dave Brock would come down and play at my gig. It would be very good. I very much want to proffer the olive branch of peace.”

Go to this location for the complete interview.

In an October 4th press release, the current Hawkwind announced the cancellation of their US tour, offering the following statement: “Dave was taken ill a couple of weeks ago. Doctors have confirmed that his condition is stress related, aggravated by the trademark dispute in the United States which could result in years of litigation.”

Nik Turner was a member of Hawkwind during what has been considered their most commercially successful and critically acclaimed period for the band from 1970 to 1976. He wrote/co-wrote some of the group's most popular songs such as 'Brainstorm' and 'Master Of The Universe'. Hawkwind's 4th and possibly most popular album, The Space Ritual Alive In Liverpool And London, was recorded in 1972 (released in May 1973). Reaching #9 in the UK album charts and #179 in the Billboard Top 200, the double-record was recorded during the tour to promote the band's Doremi Fasol Latido (third) release. The Space Ritual show attempted to create a full audio-visual experience. The performances featured dancers, lightshow by Liquid Len and poetry recitations by Robert Calvert. Turner is excited to bring his version of the historic show to the US shores, recreating the magic once again!

In response to the recent Hawkwind controversy Nik Turner has issued this statement:

"Dear Friends, Helpers Enthusiasts, Supporters, Inter-Dimensional Travelers, Intergalactic Aliens and All Sentient Beings,

I'm very sad to hear of rumours of Dave Brock's ill health, and wish him a quick recovery from whatever ails him. I'm greatly looking forward to seeing Hawkwind live in the USA, being aware as I am that they happen to be touring at the same time as my band. I wish them every success, and it would be nice if Dave and I could actually play together on a stage somewhere on our tours, just like the old days, bury the hatchet, work together. We have been very good friends in the past. I thought about Dave and me inviting Lemmy to join us, get a band together with us (sounds like The Blues Brothers) and do a world tour. Sounds like it could be fun too. Life is too short to worry about all the trivial, irrelevant bullshite. So let's all be friends, love one another. We're all different; let's enjoy our differences.

If you come to one of my shows, come say hello. Let's all work together in the spirit of what Hawkwind was all about: alternative culture, alternative values, peace and love, brothers and sisters, One Source, One Tribe, One World, One Mind, One Cosmos, One Love, Love to you all."

Turner is currently on tour in the US in support of his new solo album, Space Gypsy. Dates are as follows:

October

10 - Portland, OR - Mississippi Studios - Fall Into Darkness VII Fest
12 - Seattle, WA - Chop Suey
16 - Salt Lake City, UT - Urban Lounge
19 - St Paul, MN - Turf Club
20 - Milwaukee, WI - Cactus Club
21 - Chicago, IL - Reggie's
24 - Pittsburgh, PA - Brillo Box
25 - Toronto, ON - Mod Club
29 - Boston, MA - Middle East Upstairs
30 - New Haven, CT - BAR (free show)
31 - Easthampton, MA - Flywheel

November

2 - Philadelphia, PA - Philamoca
3 - Brooklyn, NY - Saint Vitus Bar
5 - Charlotte, NC - Tremont Music Hall
7 - Atlanta, GA - The Earl
10 - Austin, TX - Fun Fun Fun Nites
14 - Phoenix, AZ - Rhythm Room
15 - San Diego, CA - The Casbah
17 - Oakland, CA - The Uptown

(Photo: Randall Michelson)