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.

- Joe Banks

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.”

Hawkwind added their condolences: “We are very sorry to hear of the passing of our old friend and bandmate Simon House... An outstanding musician, we share treasured memories... Fly free, old friend.”

Hawklords also paid tribute to House: “Simon was a towering musical genius, yet humble and helpful to all of us in pursuit of our creative endeavours. Never short of a wry and witty retort, or a beaming smile in any circumstances, he was a friend to all. He will be enormously missed.”

Born in Nottingham on August 29, 1948, House took up the violin at the age of 11 and played as a classical musician for seven years in a number of local orchestras. He went to university, but dropped out to become part of the underground scene around west London in the late 60s. House lived in a flat with ex-Misunderstood guitarist Tony Hill, out of which came the formation of explosive proto-prog outfit High Tide. House electrified and pushed his violin through a variety of effects, imbuing it with a wailing, elemental power.

House recorded two albums with High Tide — Sea Shanties and