The Famous Cure

Considered to be an early stage of Hawkwind's genesis. In 1967, having given up his day job and busked around Europe, Dave Brock formed The Famous Cure with guitarist John Illingworth and harmonica player Pete Judd. The band was short lived through 1967 and early 68, Dave Brock and Pete Judd and John Illingworth travelled to Holland to play (the "in" place to go at the time). Achieving a measure of success, they recorded a number of songs, including a cover of Sonny Boy Williamson's "Dealing With The Devil". On returning to England, Pete Judd left and future Hawkwind member Mick Slattery, Edward Page, Peter Fairs joined the band shortly before returning to Holland. The expanded five-piece band adopted electric instruments and effects. The band recorded a single entitled "Sweet Mary/Mean Mistreater", reaching #5 on the Dutch charts. The Dutch single release is shrouded in myth and suspected to be something Dave Brock used to jump start Slattery into action. This single was released in the UK 2 years later on Sancha records as the Dharma Blues. Unknown if any of the future Hawks play on this release. The Famous Cure came to an end in early 1968 as they were about to sign a deal with Pat Meehan Pavion Management. For exact reasons unknown, Pat Meehan's offer of management was declined and Brock resumed life as a busker. Had the contracts been signed, it is possible that Hawkwind would not have been formed, with Brock tied into a five-year deal.