Died On This Date (December 6, 2012) Huw Lloyd-Langton / Hawkwind Guitarist

Huw Lloyd-Langton (Born Richard Hugh Lloyd-Langton)
February 6, 1951 – December 6, 2012

Huw Lloyd-Langton was an English guitarist and singer who is perhaps best remembered as a three-time member of space rock pioneers, Hawkwind.  The band, which famously included Lemmy Kilmister of Motorhead at one time, was a direct influence on the likes of Al Jourgensen of MinistryHenry Rollins, Monster Magnet, and the Sex Pistols, who covered their “Silver Machine.”  Born outside of London, Lloyd-Langton joined Hawkwind in time to play on their debut self-titled album of 1970.  Although the long-player was not a commercial success, it is held in high regard since it was one of the first space rock albums in history.  Lloyd-Langton left the band two years after its release due to an illness.  Aside from Hawkwind, he played  with Leo Sayer, the Bonzo Dog Band, Pretty Things, Widowmaker, and his own Lloyd-Langton Group.  He re-joined Hawkwind in 1979, and played on their albums, Live Seventy Nine and Levitation.  He left the group again during the late ’80s only to rejoin in 2001 until a bout with Legionnaires Disease forced him to depart for good.  In later years, he could be heard opening for the Hawkwind as a solo act.  On December 6, 2012, Huw Lloyd-Langton passed away following a 2-year battle with cancer.  He was 61.

Thanks to Henk de Bruin for the assist.

What You Should Own

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Hawkwind - Hawkwind

Died On This Date (December 6, 2012) Ed Cassidy / Founding Drummer Of Spirit

Ed Cassidy
May 4, 1923 – December 6, 2012

Ed “Cass” Cassidy was the co-founding drummer of the psychedelic rock band, Spirit. With his stepson, Randy California at the helm, the Los Angeles band formed in 1967 and went on to score a top 25 hit with 1968’s “I Got A Line On You,” one of the era’s most durable songs.  Cassidy launched his music career back in 1937 before serving in the Navy during WWII.  Upon his discharge, he got back to playing in various country bands, show bands and Dixieland combos. He even briefly played with the San Francisco Opera.  He also reportedly played 282 consecutive one-night-stands in 17 different states in 1940.  Cassidy moved to the Los Angeles area during the early ’50s to focus more on jazz, and during his early years there, he played with the likes of Gerry Mulligan, Art Pepper, and Cannonball Adderley.  In 1964, he formed the Rising Sons with Taj Mahal and Ry Cooder.  That was followed by the Red Roosters who morphed into Spirit in 1967.  He went on to perform and record with different variations of Spirit for the next 40 years.  Away from music, worked as an actor, appearing on General Hospital, among other television shows and films.  Ed Cassidy was 89 when he passed away on December 6, 2012.

Thanks to Bruce Kilgour of Slipped Disc Entertainment for the assist.

What You Should Own

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The Family That Plays Together - Spirit