Hawkwind - Uncle Sam's Mars (extended mix)

About This Footage

The dusty corners of Rockfield Studios' archives have yielded a treasure trove of sonic history with the release of "Hawkwind - Uncle Sam's Mars (extended mix)", a 14:13 minute behemoth from 1978. This footage is notable not only for its rarity but also for providing a glimpse into the creative process of one of Britain's most innovative and influential bands.

At the time this clip was filmed, Hawkwind was in the midst of their experimental heyday, pushing the boundaries of psychedelic rock with albums like "Space Ritual" (1973) and "Doremi Fasol Latido" (1976). The band's eclectic sound, which blended elements of space rock, prog, and psychedelia, had earned them a devoted following in the UK underground scene. This extended mix of "Uncle Sam's Mars", with its sprawling jams and eerie atmospherics, is a testament to Hawkwind's willingness to explore new sonic territories.

What makes this clip particularly significant is that it provides a behind-the-scenes look at Rockfield Studios during one of their most productive periods. Founded by brothers Kingsley and Charles Ward in 1963, Rockfield has become synonymous with British rock history, hosting the likes of Queen, Led Zeppelin, and The Rolling Stones over the years. This footage offers a rare glimpse into the studio's inner workings, showcasing the band's creative process as they worked on this extended mix.

The clip itself is an outtake from the PXR5 sessions, which took place in February 1978 at Rockfield Studios. While the exact details of these sessions are scarce, it's clear that Hawkwind was experimenting with new sounds and textures during this period. The extended mix of "Uncle Sam's Mars" features lengthy instrumental passages, eerie soundscapes, and a general sense of sonic exploration that was characteristic of Hawkwind's most innovative work.

Watching this clip will transport viewers to the psychedelic underground of 1970s Britain, where bands like Hawkwind were pushing the boundaries of what was possible in rock music. The footage is a time capsule of sorts, capturing the creative energy and experimentation that defined this era. As the band jams through extended passages of "Uncle Sam's Mars", it becomes clear that they're not just playing music – they're conjuring up entire worlds and atmospheres.

One of the most striking aspects of this clip is its raw, unpolished quality. Unlike the slickly produced videos that would become ubiquitous in the 1980s, this footage has a DIY, underground aesthetic that's both refreshing and captivating. It's a reminder that even some of the most influential bands of all time began with humble beginnings, experimenting and pushing boundaries in small studios like Rockfield.

As the extended mix of "Uncle Sam's Mars" builds towards its climax, it becomes clear why this footage is so significant. It's not just a rare outtake from Hawkwind's archives – it's a window into the creative process of one of Britain's most innovative bands, captured in all their psychedelic glory. Watching this clip will leave viewers with a newfound appreciation for the experimental spirit that defined Hawkwind's music, and a deeper understanding of the sonic landscape of 1970s Britain.

Curated from public records and music databases.

About Rockfield

Rockfield Studios is a residential recording studio located in the Wye Valley in Monmouthshire, south-east Wales, close to the village of Rockfield. The studio was founded in 1963 by brothers Kingsley and Charles Ward.