Rock legend Mick Slattery dies at 77 after short illness
Mick Slattery, original guitarist and co-founder of rock band Hawkwind, has died aged 77.
The band confirmed the news over the weekend, telling fans that Slattery had died the previous day, March 17.
The musician died at home after a short illness.
The group, which has recorded several tracks at Abbey Road Studios, is best known for its song Silver Machine.
In a statement, Dave said: “We are sorry to share the sad news that our old friend and founding member of Hawkwind, Mick Slattery passed away peacefully at home yesterday, St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2023. , at the age of 77, after a short illness.
“Me and Mick played together in a band called Famous Cure in 1967, touring Holland before forming Hawkwind in 1969.
“I have lots of fond memories of our youth, playing together in Holland and hanging out in Richmond at 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 store in Gwalior Road, playing loud music, at the great displeasure of our neighbors.
“Fly free my 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 band had gigs before they even had a name, going through band X until settling on Hawkwind.
The band was originally called Group X but changed their name to Hawkwind later that year.
