Hawkwind co-founder and saxophonist Nik Turner has died aged 82

Hawkwind co-founder and saxophonist Nik Turner has died aged 82.

In a post on his Facebook page, a spokesperson for the musician revealed that he died peacefully at home on Thursday evening (November 10).

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Nik Turner – The Mighty Thunder Rider, who passed away peacefully at home on Thursday evening,” the post read.

“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.”

Turner founded Hawkwind alongside Dave Brock, Mick Slattery, John Harrison and Terry Ollis, initially performing roadie duties with the band before officially joining as a full-time member in 1969.

He performed with the space rock pioneers until 1976, including a period with a pre-Motörhead Lemmy also in the band, before being kicked out. He then returned in 1982 for a two-year stint before leaving once again.

In the wake of Turner’s death, tributes have been pouring in online, with Motörhead’s official Twitter account writing: “We lost Lemmy’s old bandmate Nik Turner today. Play some Hawkwind nice and loud! Brainstorm here we go!”

We lost Lemmy's old bandmate Nik Turner today. Play some Hawkwind nice and loud!
Brainstorm here we go!https://t.co/O7EM0yNcw8 pic.twitter.com/5hZkLAt3FL

— Official Motörhead (@myMotorhead) November 11, 2022

Others to pay tribute included Anton Newcombe of The Brian Jonestown Massacre. See a range of tributes to Nik Turner below.

Rest In Peace Nik Turner https://t.co/3ziwfc7Vsu

— anton newcombe (@antonnewcombe) November 11, 2022

R.I.P. Nik Turner pic.twitter.com/wZhAXkkgj5

— Flashback Records (@flashbacklondon) November 11, 2022

Sad to hear that #NikTurner has died. He was a big part of the @HawkwindHQ story playing a key role in proceedings during the group’s glory days. #classicrock #spacerock pic.twitter.com/qEFf8niG5Z

— Stephen Foster (@StephenFoz) November 11, 2022

So long #NikTurner thanks for the music, for making my little festival magic and giving me a turn on the mic. Wish you’d fixed things with the Capt before you left. ICU! ICU!

— Matthew Wright (@Matthew_Wright) November 11, 2022

RIP Nik Turner, who kept the freak flag flying during the early 70s, both in his appearance & with masterful contributions to Hawkwind. Blowing wild sax thu a wah-wah, He was the Pied Piper for the band’s master-blaster wall of cosmic sound. pic.twitter.com/YrOKRaAaC5

— Mark Paytress (@Paytress) November 11, 2022

Sad to be posting that Hawkwind founder member, Nik Turner, has passed away. More than anyone, Nik has represented the spirit of Hawkwind, despite only spending about ten years in the band. He'll be missed by many….certainly by me. I'm so glad I knew him. pic.twitter.com/KIWlEpuzti

— Brian Tawn (@briantawn) November 11, 2022

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