Mick Slattery, the founding guitarist and co-founder of Hawkwind, passed away at the age of 77.
Over the weekend, the band confirmed the news, telling fans that Slattery died the day before, on March 17.
The musician died at home after a brief illness.
The band is well known for their song Silver Machine, which they recorded at Abbey Road Studios.
In statement, Dave 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, March 17, 2023, aged 77, after a short illness.
“Me and Mick played together in a band called Famous Cure in 1967, touring Holland before going on to form Hawkwind in 1969.
“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.”
Hawkwind formed in 1969 when Brock and Slattery joined forces with John Harrison (bass), Terry Ollis (drums), Nik Turner (sax/flute) and Michael “Dik Mik” Davies (keyboards). The group got gigs before they even had a name, going by Group X until settling on Hawkwind.
The group was initially named Group X but changed its name to Hawkwind later that year.
