IN MEMORY OF SIMON HOUSE
A key presence in Hawkwind’s line-up during the 1970s, Simon House brought an incredible palette of sonic colours to the band’s songs with his exciting and imaginative keyboard and violin work. Leaving to become a member of David Bowie’s live band, he went on to become an in-demand session player before rejoining Hawkwind again (twice) and releasing a series of solo albums. We pay tribute to House, who died at the end of May.
Words: Joe Banks
Hawkwind circa 1974. Top, L-R: Del Dettmar, Dave Brock, Nik Turner. Bottom, L-R: Simon King, Lemmy Kilmister, Simon House.
MICHAEL OCHS ARCHIVES/GETTY IMAGES
Simon House, former keyboardist and violinist for Hawkwind and a member of David Bowie’s live band, died on May 25, 2025, aged 76. A classically trained musician who married effortless technique with boundary-pushing sonic exploration, House helped define Hawkwind’s post-Space Ritual sound, and was one of the great unsung players of the progressive 70s and beyond.
Brian Tawn of long-running Hawkwind information service Hawkfan was first to share the sad news: “I’m sorry to be saying that one of the finest musicians I have ever known has passed away. Whenever he worked with Hawkwind, David Bowie or anyone else, he lifted the quality of their music, and his solo albums are a joy to listen to as well. He’ll be greatly missed by many.”