RIP Space Rocker
Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2012 11:51 pm
Huw Lloyd-Langton (6 February 1951 - 6 December 2012),
Born Richard Hugh Lloyd-Langton, was an English guitarist, best known as the guitarist for Hawkwind. He also had his own band, the Lloyd Langton Group, with bass player Kenny Wilson and drummer John Clark (along with Ultravox drummer Warren Cann), and was the session lead guitarist for UK band The Meads of Asphodel.
Lloyd-Langton was born in Harlesden, north west London. As a member of Hawkwind he appeared on their first album, Hawkwind, before leaving the band.[1] He played guitar for Leo Sayer during the 1970s, then rejoined Hawkwind in 1979, appearing on the Live Seventy Nine album release from that year and the subsequent Levitation album.
He continued performing with Hawkwind until 1988, after which he made occasional guest appearances, then rejoined for a brief spell in 2001-2002 until ill health (Legionnaires' disease) forced him to leave once more. He sometimes played solo as a support act for Hawkwind, including at The Brook in Southampton in December 2009.
He died at his home on 6 December 2012, aged 61 years old, after a two-year fight with cancer
Lovely tune from Hawkwind, featuring Hugh on lead.
BBC Obituary.
Former Hawkwind guitarist Huw Lloyd Langton has died, aged 61, after a two-year battle with cancer, the band has announced.
"It is with immense sadness that we have to let you know our great friend of many years and fellow musician Huw Lloyd Langton passed away peacefully last night," the band said on its website on Friday.
Lloyd Langton played on Hawkwind's debut album in 1970. He rejoined the group in 1979 and played with them for the next 10 years.
"Huw had been bravely fighting cancer for a couple of years, but was determined not to let the battle affect his day to day life," said the Hawkwind statement.
"He continued to play his guitar, laugh, joke and share the great love he had in his heart, with all who knew him.
"As he wished, he was at home when the time came, with his ever strong and loving wife Marion at his side.
"Huw was one of the great guitarists with an individual style and character. He is gone but never forgotten by any of us. He will live on in our music and in our hearts."
Lloyd Langton, who was born in Harlesden, north London, also played with Widowmaker in the 1970s, and formed the LLoyd Langton Group in 1982.
He continued to make guest appearances with Hawkwind and played solo support slots on tour.
In August 2009, the guitarist played an acoustic set at Hawkwind's 40th anniversary concert at Porchester Hall, in London.
One of the world's longest-running bands, Hawkwind have undergone countless changes of personnel and musical styles over the years.
Former members and collaborators include Motorhead's Lemmy, science fiction writer Michael Moorcock, and ex-Cream drummer Ginger Baker.