The Sonic Assassins Over The Top Magnu & Angels of Death (Live)

Hawkwind main writers Robert Calvert (vocals) and Dave Brock (guitar) were living in Devon towards the end of 1977 and had befriended local band Ark, who had often supported Hawkwind at some of their West Country gigs. Brock and Calvert instigated the formation of the Sonic Assassins with Ark members Harvey Bainbridge (bass), Paul Hayles (keyboards) and Martin Griffin (drums). The name Sonic Assassins had originally been coined by Michael Moorcock to describe Hawkwind. This band played one gig, at the Barnstaple Queens Hall on December 23, 1977, with a day of overdubs being added some time later at Griffin's studio. During the rehearsals in the run-up to the gig, it was uncertain whether Calvert would be taking part and the set on the night deviated from the one Calvert was expecting which resulted in some improvisations from the front man, as can be heard on "Over The Top" when he expected the band to launch into a version of "Master of the Universe".

Added 24 Jun 2026