It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Simon House, the illustrious former keyboardist for Hawkwind and talented violinist for the iconic David Bowie. He has left us at the age of 76, a poignant loss to the music world. This heartbreaking announcement was made by his daughter, and it resonated deeply within the music community. The official social media account for Cleopatra Records, with which House had released several notable records, paid tribute to him, stating:

“With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to a dear friend and exceptional collaborator. Simon was not merely a musician — he was a sonic architect whose creativity profoundly influenced the soundscape of an entire generation. He shared the stage with legends like David Bowie, Lemmy-era Hawkwind, and Nik Turner, leaving an indelible mark on each performance.

“From the avant-garde brilliance of Bowie’s ‘Boys Keep Swinging’ era to the innovative tours with Nik and Cleopatra in the 90s, Simon’s electrifying violin and cosmic keyboard contributions enhanced every track, every show, and every moment shared. His visionary approach added depth, texture, and soul to the music — he made everything better. We will miss you profoundly, Simon. Rest peacefully, our friend. Your sound continues to resonate.”

Exploring the Life and Legacy of Simon House

Born in Nottingham, England, Simon House launched his musical journey in the vibrant 1960s London scene, initially performing with the band High Tide. Though he began as the band’s bassist, a pivotal suggestion from his bandmates led him to transition to the violin, a decision that would shape his future in music.

In 1973, House joined Hawkwind, taking over the role of the previous synth player, Del Dettmar. His influence was immediately apparent, particularly on the band’s groundbreaking 1974 album Hall of the Mountain Grill, which significantly broadened the space rock sound that Hawkwind was known for.

READ MORE: Discover the significance of Hawkwind‘s Hall of the Mountain Grill

During his time with Hawkwind, House experienced the final years of Lemmy Kilmister’s tenure with the band. Lemmy was dismissed in 1975, just one day before the release of their fifth studio album, Warrior on the Edge of Time. House continued to be an integral part of the band until 1978, contributing to a total of five studio albums during this formative period.

The next chapter of House’s career unfolded as he joined Bowie‘s live band, starting with the 1978 Isolar II world tour. His musical contributions can be prominently heard on Bowie’s Stage live album, which was recorded during this iconic tour. The multi-talented musician also lent his skills to the 1979 LP Lodger, including the hit single “Boys Keep Swinging,” solidifying his place in Bowie‘s musical legacy.

In the following decades, House became a sought-after session musician, collaborating with a diverse array of artists throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Notable collaborations included work with Thomas Dolby, Mike Oldfield, and former Hawkwind members like Robert Calvert and Nik Turner. Additionally, House released two albums under his own name and made a triumphant return to Hawkwind for two more stints, from 1989 to 1991 and again from 2001 to 2003.