Hawkwind – Live Review – Leeds O2 Academy
By Victoria Holdsworth, August 2025
Last night, legendary space rock pioneers Hawkwind transported fans into the outer reaches of the sonic galaxy with a set that fused timeless classics, deep cuts and newer explorations into one cohesive, mind-expanding journey.
Before the show started, screens displayed images of dogs in the north of England who had been stolen or lost, each with their details, for anyone who might have information or sightings. This is something the band do at every gig, tailored to whichever region they are playing in, and I for one applaud them for that gesture of kindness.
Few bands can claim to have shaped a genre, influenced generations and still remain active, innovative and deeply committed to their original ethos more than five decades on. However, the band’s performance tonight was a perfect testament to their enduring legacy and continued evolution.
Hawkwind are the original pioneering force of British space rock, and seeing them live is a sonic ritual – a celebration of sound, freedom and cosmic rebellion.
They kicked things off with ‘Right to Decide’, a politically charged opener that set the tone for the night. The track’s driving rhythm and pulsing synths lit up the room, immediately drawing the audience into Hawkwind’s signature blend of rock and sci-fi mysticism.
“Primitive and futuristic”
For those who have never seen Hawkwind before, the laser show is something to behold – every spectrum of light flooding the venue against stunning visuals, creating ambient explosions that matched every single beat to perfection. It was total immersion between the band, the crowd and the artistry of light.
‘There is Still Danger There’ quickly followed, casting an eerie spell over the crowd with its haunting vocals and ominous atmospherics. Then came ‘Changes (Burning Suns and Frozen Waste)’, a sprawling, dynamic piece that twisted through time signatures and textures, showcasing the band’s progressive roots.
At the heart of it all stood Dave Brock, the band’s founding member and spiritual anchor. Now 83, Brock exudes an understated authority – never demanding attention, yet commanding it entirely. His guitar work remains distinctive: looping, droning and textured in a way that feels both primitive and futuristic. Seated behind his synth and guitar setup, he navigated the set like a pilot guiding the ship through storm and starlight.
The current line-up is among the strongest Hawkwind have assembled in years. Richard Chadwick, the band’s long-time drummer, provided relentless momentum, executed with cut-throat precision, while Magnus Martin and Lene Johansson filled the air with a rich palette of synths, guitar layers and occasional vocals that veered from haunting to operatic. Johansson, in particular, added a fresh, ethereal element, giving the band a sense of grandeur without overshadowing its raw energy.
Taken from their 2024 album Traveller of Time & Space, ‘Traveller of Time & Space’ lived up to its name with a cosmic instrumental passage that felt like surfing solar winds, leading seamlessly into the philosophical ‘Paradox’. Originally released in 1974 on Hall of the Mountain Grill, it still sounded both current and futuristic – one of the standout tunes of the night.
“Chemistry was palpable”
Another highlight came with ‘Arrival in Utopia’ from their 1982 album Choose Your Masques – a fan favourite delivered with renewed urgency – followed by the emotional punch of ‘Lost Chances’ and ‘Second Chance’, two tracks that offered a more introspective, almost melancholic interlude in the middle of the set.
Energy ramped up again with ‘Assault and Battery’ and ‘The Golden Void’, a powerful one-two punch from the Warrior on the Edge of Time era. The band’s chemistry was palpable here, especially in the soaring guitar lines and hypnotic synth swells that melted perfectly into each other.
In a rare and delightful twist, the band performed ‘Psi Power’, a Hawklords cover, injecting the set with a playful energy and a fan-serviced shot of nostalgia. They kept the surprises coming with ‘The Co-pilot’, a newer, spacier track that explored more enveloping textures and spoken word, demonstrating Hawkwind’s continued appetite for experimentation.
The final stretch of the gig pulled no punches. ‘Urban Guerilla’ hit hard with its gritty punk edge, a sharp reminder of the band’s defiant ethos, before they closed on the epic and thought-provoking ‘Spirit of the Age’. The track’s layered storytelling and electronic flourishes were the perfect endnote, reminding us that while times change, Hawkwind’s spirit remains eternal.
images: Victoria Holdsworth
Victoria is a former English teacher and lifelong musician who has successfully combined her two great passions: words and music. Over the past 20 years, she has written for a variety of publications, giving her the opportunity to witness outstanding talent and meet some truly inspiring individuals. With a deep love for rock, indie, metal, and all things weird and wonderful in between, Victoria also co-runs an independent record label with her friend Tetley.
