Introduction:

Ron Tree is a musician whose uniqueness is only matched by his elusiveness. Born in the UK and raised in Canada, he is best known as the former lead vocalist for Hawkwind, a popular British space rock band. But even as he achieved success, his personal life and career remain shrouded in mystery. In this blog post, we’ll attempt to uncover the enigma that is Ron Tree and explore his life and career in more detail.

Early Life:

Ron Tree was born Ronald Edward Thomas on February 15, 1963, in Devonport, Plymouth, UK. He grew up in Canada with his parents and two siblings. From a young age, music was an important part of his life, and he began playing guitar and taking singing lessons. In his late teens, he returned to the UK and began performing in various bands, eventually landing a gig as the lead vocalist for Hawkwind in 1995.

Hawkwind Years:

Ron Tree’s tenure with Hawkwind was fraught with drama, including numerous lineup changes and personal conflicts. But he managed to inject new life into the band with his unique vocal stylings and theatrical stage presence. While his time with the band was relatively short (1995-2001), he left a lasting legacy and is still regarded as one of the most iconic vocalists in the band’s history.

Solo Career:

After leaving Hawkwind, Ron Tree went on to pursue a solo career. He released several albums, including “The Gypsy Flight” and “Cosmic Rover,” which showcased his versatility as a musician and songwriter. He continued to perform live and collaborate with other artists, but his solo work never achieved the same level of success as his time with Hawkwind.

Personal Life:

Ron Tree’s personal life is shrouded in mystery, and he rarely grants interviews or makes public appearances. It is known that he is married and has children, but little else is known about his personal life.

Influences:

Ron Tree’s music is heavily influenced by science fiction and cosmic themes, which is no surprise given his association with Hawkwind. He is also influenced by blues, psychedelic rock, and folk music, which can be heard in his solo work.

Collaborations:

Throughout his career, Ron Tree has collaborated with numerous artists, including Nik Turner, Pressurehed, and Spacehead, among others. His collaborations often push the boundaries of what is considered “conventional” music, taking listeners on an otherworldly journey.

Legacy:

While Ron Tree’s career may be shrouded in mystery, his influence on the music world is undeniable. His unique vocal stylings and cosmic themes helped to shape the sound of space rock, and his contributions to Hawkwind are still celebrated today.

Conclusion:

Ron Tree may be an enigma, but his impact on the music world cannot be ignored. Whether performing with Hawkwind or on his own, he left an indelible mark on the genre of space rock and influenced countless musicians. As for the man behind the music, we can only hope that he continues to explore the depths of the cosmic unknown.

FAQs:

Q: What happened to Ron Tree after he left Hawkwind?
A: Ron Tree went on to pursue a solo career and released several albums, but he never achieved the same level of success as he did with Hawkwind.

Q: Is Ron Tree still performing today?
A: It is unclear if Ron Tree is still actively performing, as he rarely grants interviews or makes public appearances.

Q: Was Ron Tree the only lead vocalist for Hawkwind?
A: No, Ron Tree was one of several lead vocalists for Hawkwind, but he is considered one of the most iconic.

Q: What is Ron Tree’s signature vocal style?
A: Ron Tree’s vocal style is characterized by its theatricality, intensity, and otherworldly quality.

Q: Did Ron Tree write any of Hawkwind’s songs?
A: Yes, Ron Tree wrote several songs for Hawkwind, including “Kiss of the Velvet Whip” and “MUX.”