Hawkwind Guitarist Huw Lloyd-Langton Dies at 61

Space rock pioneers Hawkwind have lost their former longtime guitarist Huw Lloyd-Langton. The influential axe-man passed away yesterday (Dec. 6) at the age of 61 after a two-year fight against cancer.

Lloyd-Langton lent his talents to Hawkwind's 1970 self-titled debut album, which is widely revered as an essential piece of rock history. The album is considered as one of the first, if not the very first "space rock" release, which paved the way for acts such as Kyuss, Muse and the Flaming Lips.

Lloyd-Langton left Hawkwind, which would later feature Motorhead's Lemmy Kilmister as a member, shortly after the debut album dropped. However, Lloyd-Langton reunited with the band in 1979, remaining with Hawkwind until 1988. After his second exit from the group, the guitarist would make occasional guest appearances with Hawkwind, even rejoining the band again for a brief period of time from 2001-2002.

Hawkwind released a statement after learning that Lloyd-Langton has passed away from cancer:

It is with immense sadness that we have to let you know our great friend of many years and fellow musician Huw Lloyd Langton passed away peacefully last night.

 Huw had been bravely fighting cancer for a couple of years, but was determined not to let the battle affect his day to day life. He continued to play his guitar, laugh, joke and share the great love he had in his heart, with all who knew him.

As he wished, he was at home when the time came, with his ever strong and loving wife Marion at his side.

Huw was one of the great guitarists with an individual style and character. He is gone but never forgotten by any of us. He will live on in our music and in our hearts.

 We will update you all with details of funeral and remembrance plans as and when we have them.

The year 2012 has been a rough one for Hawkwind, as they also lost former bassist John Harrison, who died on May 26 after a seven-year battle with Huntington's disease.

We'd like to send our condolences and best wishes to the family and friends of Huw Lloyd-Langton. Take a moment to experience some of the guitarist's work in the player below.

Listen to Hawkwind, 'Hurry on Sundown'