Robert Calvert, born in South Africa, was best known as the resident poet of Hawkwind co-wrote Hawkwind's hit single "Silver Machine", which reached No. 3 in the UK singles chart. Although Lemmy sings on the single version, this is an overdub of a live recording taken at the Roundhouse in London, with Calvert on vocals. Calvert suffered from bipolar disorder, which often caused a fractious relationship with his fellow musicians. At one point he was sectioned under the Mental Health Act. Despite his sometimes debilitating mental health, Calvert remained a fiercely creative, driven and multi-talented artist. During periods away from Hawkwind duties, he worked on his solo career; his creative output including albums, stage plays, poetry, and a novel. His first solo album, Captain Lockheed and the Starfighters, was released in 1974.
An anonymous describes this show from 1986 as: “Originally released on vinyl, but in very limited quantities, this CD allows us a chance to hear the Captain at his best - banter with the audience, some of his favourite songs and a few oddities as well. The performance isn't the finest ever, but even as Calvert and Krankshaft struggle through 'Catch a Falling Starfighter', you will find yourself reminded of happier times. Thanks Bob, heading for the Gods alone know where.”
Tracks:
- Evil Rock
- Catch A Falling Starfighter
- Gremlins
- The Aerospace Age Inferno
- Test Tube Conceived
- Working Down A Diamond Mine
- All The Machines are Quiet
- Work Song
- Telekinesis
- Acid Rain
- Lord of the Hornets
