Fantastic Metropolis

[IanAbrahams]

Mike, thanks for the very kind mention of my Hawkwind book in your review of 2004 on the Fantastic Metropolis website. I'm sure I've said this before, but when somebody that I've read since I was a spotty teenager discovering SF for the first time enjoys in turn the modest work that I've done, it's a huge thrill! I very much appreciated the comment.
Ian

[Michael Moorcock]

You're welcome. It's a good book. Everyone I know who's read both, says it's much better than the other Hawkwind book which came out at the same time!

[IanAbrahams]

You're welcome. It's a good book. Everyone I know who's read both, says it's much better than the other Hawkwind book which came out at the same time!

The nice thing, and I guess the unusual thing, is that two books came out that compliment each other rather than treading the same ground. Carol Clerk did a book very much focused on the tensions and disagreements between band members - whereas my book was more focused on the music and the social relevance of Hawkwind. A few people have commented that to get the whole story, you need both books - I think that's just indicative of our differing approaches.

[Michael Moorcock]

Sounds right. I haven't read the second book (though I was sent it). To be honest, I'm not that interested in rehashing old arguments! But that's probably true of everyone involved.

[IanAbrahams]

Sounds right. I haven't read the second book (though I was sent it). To be honest, I'm not that interested in rehashing old arguments! But that's probably true of everyone involved.

I think sadly in life too many people are too interested in old arguments honestly! I talked to Nik recently and got the impression that he was now focused on new material and new music rather than replicating the early days of Hawkwind (though what he's doing currently with his Space Ritual band is a lot of fun, which in and of itself is great news!) and I hope that has a sense of moving on from disappointments that he's experienced with his relationship with Hawkwind/Brock.

[Michael Moorcock]

I definitely regret getting mixed up in that last argument between Nik and Dave! I swore never to do it again.

[Anonymous]

Well, gumshoes, I discovered I had placed Ian's Book next to the Big Sleep. And the other Hawkwind book mysteriously ended up next
to biography about Al Capone. I guess this speaks volumes. Ian's was hands down the best and a pleasure to read.

[linuxchaos]

Hello Ian! I saw your book in a Wicca/New Age shop here in Falmouth. I'll pick up a copy and give it a read. A long way from the first 'previews' you sent me all those years ago! All the best, Ben

[IanAbrahams]

Hello Ian! I saw your book in a Wicca/New Age shop here in Falmouth. I'll pick up a copy and give it a read. A long way from the first 'previews' you sent me all those years ago! All the best, Ben

Yeah, it came along way y'know!
Nik is playing in Falmouth early May - perhaps see you there, Ben!
Ian

[linuxchaos]

Hi Ian, Thats very good news, Nik in Falmouth (yeehah/woohoo etc). Is he playing at the Princess Pavilion? I've always thought that would be a good venue for Hawkwind, so maybe emails to Rik and hope for the best...... In the meantime tho the Nik gig is something to look forward to big time! See you there, Ben

[D_alien]

Well I read Ian's book first and really enjoyed it. Then read Carol Clerk's and really enjoyed that too. Very different books to be sure, but as "sensational" as Clerk's book may be I think it ends up staying fairly balanced throughout, although the whole Brock/Turner thing does grow a bit tiring in the end- rather disappointing affair all in all!