The co-founder and longtime creative spark behind space rock pioneers Hawkwind, guitarist/singer Dave Brock was born in Isleworth, England. After first receiving a banjo from his uncle, he was later given a guitar by his parents. Initially influenced by jazz, the young Brock spent his formative years frequenting local clubs, eventually joining a New Orleans-style band. From there he developed an interest in the blues, playing alongside future Yardbirds Eric Clapton and Keith Relf. Brock further honed his craft busking on the streets of London before joining the Dharma Blues Band; he also formed the short-lived psychedelic outfit Famous Cure before founding Hawkwind in 1969. Forging a distinctively hallucinatory hard rock sound heavily influenced by science fiction themes, Hawkwind attracted a loyal cult following before tasting mainstream success with their 1972 U.K. smash "Silver Machine." Although countless lineup changes plagued the group (counting lyricist/singer Robert Calvert and future Motörhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister among the most notable alumni), Brock remained Hawkwind's musical focus and primary songwriter throughout its existence. In 1978, a number of former members sued Brock over rights to the Hawkwind name, and as a consequence 1978's 25 Years On was credited to the Hawklords. The matter was eventually resolved, however, and despite remaining little-known abroad, Hawkwind remains a hugely popular touring act at home even three decades beyond their original inception. ~ Jason Ankeny