“Okay Nik, let’s Rock!” Sad sad news just in, but hey, what a life, what a roller-skating green-horned sax player, what a silverheaded spaceman, what a Hawkwind! Oh the tales we could tell about encounters with Mr Turner, about backstage interviews, adventures in Ladbrook Grove or late night blasts at Stonehenge (shut up Nik, we’re trying to sleep!).

The news has just been announced on Nik’s Facebook page –  “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Nik Turner – The Might Thunder Rider, who passed away peacefully at home on Thursday evening. He has moved onto the next phase of his Cosmic Journey, guided by the love of his family, friends and fans. Watch this space for his arrangements”.

What a one off he was, what a major part of the Hawkwind legend as well as the utterly punk rock Inner City Unit  and as a Fantastic All Star. Whenever we encountered him he was great, always had time for us Organs, went out of his way to make time and yes, Hawkwind were always at their best when Nik was blasting it. What a sad day, but hey, what a life, an uncompromising life, what a back catalogue, what a legacy, what a mark he made, our thoughts are with his friends and family, but hey, let us celebrate the one and only Thunder Rider Sir Nik Turner.

R.I.P Nik and thanks for everything…