This week, we look at the 40-year-old band, who are delivering space rock goodness right now across the UK.

BAND: Hawkwind

WHERE: Bristol Academy

WHEN: Monday, December 14

The space lords are back on yet another run of shows, leading up to Crimbo.

“Yeah, it’s the annual Hawkwind festive cheer,” says mainman Dave Brock. “We like getting out on the road again. It keeps us out of being bored at home!”

After celebrating their 40^th anniversary with two special shows in London’s Notting Hill Gate in the summer, it’s business as usual for Hawkwind, although nothing is ever predictable with this lot.

“We’ve been working on lots of ideas, trying to tie in music with visuals, so hopefully the fans will get the benefit.”

The band – Brock (guitar/vocals/keyboards), Niall Hone (guitar/keyboards), Tim Blake (keyboards/vocals), Mr. Dibs (bass/vocals) and Richard Chadwick (drums) – have cemented into a top rated line-up, with Hone in particular singled out for praise by Brock.

“It wasn’t easy for him to step in for Jason (Stuart, who died in September 2008), but he’s settled down now, and had become an important part of what we do.”

Special guest on the tour is old Hawkwind pal Arthur Brown, and on stage collaborations are always possible!

“You never know what might happen. I might even learn Fire and play it with Arthur!” laughs Brock.

The rest of the dates on the tour are: Falmouth Pavilion December 16, Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall 17, Glasgow ABC 18, Newcastle O2 Academy 19.

For further info – including the band’s attitude towards taping gigs – go to www.hawkwind.com