Nik Turner of Hawkwind Fame Dies at 82

This week, the news was confirmed that Nik Turner of Hawkwind fame passed away at the age of 82. No cause of death has yet been announced.

This past Friday, rumors of his death began to circulate, and an official Facebook post confirmed the news around 4 p.m. GMT. Louder Sound confirmed the news.

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Nik Turner – The Might Thunder Rider, who passed away peacefully at home on Thursday evening,” the post says. “He has moved onto the next phase of his Cosmic Journey, guided by the love of his family, friends and fans. Watch this space for his arrangements.”

Initially working as a road manager for Dave Brock and Mick Slattrey’s proto version of the band, Turner became a member of Hawkwind in 1969, holding down duties on saxophone and flute through 1976 and the again from 1982 to 1984. He was also involved with the band as a writer and co-writer and worked on “Master of the Universe” from their lauded 1971 record In Search Of Space, as well as “Brainstorm” from their 1972 album Doremi Fasol Latido.

Turner made several other contributions to the U.K. scene, including designing what became the inspiration for the current Glastonbury Festival main stage when he played their first-ever fest in 1970. He was inspired by pyramids and recorded in the King’s Chamber of the Great Pyramid Of Giza while on vacation in Egypt. 

“I got a taxi to the pyramid and climbed up it,” he told Classic Rock. “I made my way to the top, sat down and played my flute.” The recordings later formed the basis of 1978’s Xitintoday album, released by Nik Turner’s Sphinx. 

He was also known for his work with science fiction author Michael Moorcock, graphic designer Barney Bubbles, and fellow Hawkwind former member Robert Calvert, and recorded with major U.K. musicians Sham 69, The Stranglers, and Sting. He even played sax at Lemmy’s funeral in 2016.