Hawklords - Barney Bubbles Memorial Benefit Concert
Born Colin Fulcher, graphic artist Barney Bubbles is probably best known for his contribution to graphic designs associated with independent music artists of the 1970s and 1980s. He died back in 1983 and in 2009, The Hawklords arranged the 'Barney Bubbles Memorial Benefit Concert' at London's 229 Club. The musicians were Nik Turner, Alan Davey, Danny Thompson, Ron Tree, Jerry Richards, Harvey Bainbridge, Steve Swindells and Adrian Shaw. Only Swindells and Bainbridge were in the original Hawklords set-up, but all had sometimes been part of the Hawkwind family. As a stroke of genius, the band decided to play the 'Space Ritual' set, the original being a recording of two concerts which was released as a double album in 1973; an album that featured the distinctive artwork of Barney Bubbles.
The DVD is well packaged, with the words to every song available in a booklet. There are some atmospheric pictures of the band and some interesting artwork which features images similar to the original 'Space Ritual' album sleeve.
The distorted speaking tones of Ron Tree open the concert with 'Earth Calling'; the eerie message introducing the rockier and solid sound of 'Born To Go', complete with the un-erring booming sax solo of Nik Turner. 'Orgone Accumulator' follows with the chunky chords of Richards and Turner taking the vocal lead. The sound is excellent and the visual edit superb. Tree contributes well throughout the concert; singing as and when allowed but usually taking the lead during the prose moments such as 'Ten Seconds Of Forever' and 'I Am The Reptoid'. Tree is at his most animated during the heavier songs such as 'Brainstorm' with Davey holding it all together and also during the classic 'Master Of The Universe'. The latter sees the introduction of Adrian Shaw on bass and the Ms Angel & The Bubblettes dancers appearing on stage; theatricals that do the original 'Space Ritual' concerts proud.
The rhythm section of Thompson, Davey and Thompson is assured and enhanced by the added depth of Bainbridge and Swindells magic. Jerry Richards has many moments throughout; from driving the rhythm to leading the charge; all very dynamically. The sound is consistently clear throughout, as on the drifting chords and big atmospheres of 'Seven By Seven' and the pounding rhythm and eerie sweeps of 'You Shouldn't Do That'. Finishing off the set with 'Steppenwolf' and the (predictable) chorus of 'Silver Machine', the band is deservedly allowed to leave the stage.
The occasional split screen production and the changing cameras are expertly done and enhance the whole experience. This is a great DVD, of a great concert, for a great cause. The music is very true to the original Hawkwind 'Space Ritual' album (which is, and has always been, in my top ten albums of all time), though with this collection of very accomplished musicians putting their unique and unforgettable stamp on it. The ghosts of the original are finally put to bed on this stunning effort.