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12 unusual facts about Robert Calvert


Centigrade 232

Celsius 232 is an album and a book of poems by English writer and musician Robert Calvert, recorded in 1986 and released in 2007.

Choose Your Masques

The lyrics to "Fahrenheit 451", which had been written by former lead singer Robert Calvert and originally recorded but unused in 1978, were based on Ray Bradbury's book Fahrenheit 451.

Dead Fred

Fred, along with Steve Pond and Mick Stupp, formed a power trio called The Maximum Effect, releasing one 7" single before teaming up with another former Hawkwind member, Robert Calvert.

Hall of the Mountain Grill

The group's fourth studio album, it was the first by a new line-up that included Simon House on synthesizer, Mellotron and electric violin; absent were Robert Calvert, who had previously contributed lyrics, vocals and spoken word interludes, and Dik Mik, who provided electronic effects.

Jack of Shadows

A song, "Jack of Shadows", based on the novel and written by Dave Brock, Robert Calvert, Simon King and Simon House, appears on the 1979 Hawkwind album PXR5.

Lucky Leif and the Longships

Lucky Leif and the Longships is a 1975 record album by Robert Calvert, produced by Brian Eno.

Simon House

Along with other Hawkwind members, he guested on science fiction author Michael Moorcock's New World's Fair in 1975 and has also played on solo projects by former Hawkwind members Robert Calvert and Nik Turner.

He joined Hawkwind in 1974, playing on some of their albums, before leaving for David Bowie's band in 1978, which, along with Robert Calvert's depressive phase, led to Hawkwind breaking up in mid-tour.

Sonic Attack

An additional seven date Christmas followed, which saw former members Robert Calvert, Nik Turner and Moorcock guest on the London Rainbow date.

Spirits Burning

Robert Calvert's Centigrade 232 tape recitation was first used with music on the second Spirits Burning album Reflections In A Radio Shower, released in 2001.

Test Tube Conceived

Test-Tube Conceived is a 1986 album by English singer and musician Robert Calvert.

Warrior on the Edge of Time

It was performed live, but when Robert Calvert joined the band at the beginning of 1976, he would recite the poem "Vikings on Mars" over the top of it, the song evolving into "Uncle Sam's on Mars" on the 1979 album PXR5.


Sonic Assassins

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.