Timothy 'Tim' Blake (born 6 February 1952, London) is a synthesizer and keyboard player who came to prominence with Gong and Hawkwind, he is also well regarded for his solo endeavours and was one of the first performers to bring electronic instruments into a live setting. His Crystal Machine project was also an early example of the use of laser lighting whilst in concert.
His influence are not fully recognized by the mainstream media, but his influence is huge among musicians and those deeply in the knowledge of his career, including Steve Hillage and Jean Phillipe Rykiel. His solo career took off when he left Gong in 1975, using the name Crystal Machine and being a pioneer in the use of the laser lightning show. Crystal Machine was released in 1977. This "Light Work" with long-time partener Patrice Warrener, has totally changed the world of Light Shows & Illumination, with the Introduction in the early '70's of laser light in his Crystal Machine performances, as well as the introduction of Giant Image projection, with the "HOLD-UP" as early as 1976.
His success was followed by many others till the present as well as his participation as a player in Hawkwind in the late 70s to early 80s and who Blake continues to perform with today whilst living in France. Tim's attitude to electronics has profoundly marked the sound of electronic and rock music from the late '70's to this day, resulting in a discography of more than 25 titles, including 7 solo albums.
Despite beeing very seriously injured in a car accident in 2004, Tim is clearly totally fit and continues to be part of the touring and recording set up with Hawkwind, (with whom he performs on Theremin and 'Virtual Lead Guitar).
Tim continues to collaborate with Patrice on projects using his CHROMOLITHE POLYCHROMIC ILLUMINATION SYSTEM for illuminating buildings, including York Minster, Arche De Triumph and Lyon to name a few. He continues to perform Crystal Machine periodically, the last and most spectacular of these performances was in 2006 when he teamed up with Jean Phillipe Rykiel in 2006. It was recorded at Exeter Phoenix on 2nd Sep 2006 and initially released as a download, and is now currently being reworked for release. This recording of Tim and Jean-Philippe Rykiel sees them performing together for the first time in 30 years
2024
Esoteric Recordings
Box, Comp + CD, Album, RE, RM + CD, Album, RE, RM
2018
Esoteric Recordings
2xCD, Comp, RM + CD, RM + DVD-V, NTSC + Box, Album
2012
2002
2001
1991
Voice Print
VHS, Ltd, NTSC, PAL, Lim
1991
1979
1978
Egg
7", Single
1978
1978
1977
1976
Isadora
7", Single
1975
1999
2025
Secret Records Limited
LP, Album, Comp, Ltd, Yel
2023
Esoteric Recordings
4xCD, Comp, RM
2022
Cherry Red
3xCD + Box, Comp
2022
Solid Records (6)
3xCD + Box, Comp
2022
2021
2021
2020
2019
Cherry Red
4xCD, Comp
2019
Virgin, UMC
CD, Album, RE, RM + CD, Album, RE, RM + CD, Album,
2018
2017
Humaniterrorist
LP
2017
Mojo Magazine
CD, Comp
2017
2016
Leo Records
CD, Album
2016
2015
2014
Gonzo Multimedia
CD, Album
2013
Gonzo Multimedia
CD, Album
2013
Gonzo Multimedia
CD
2013
2013
2012
2012
2012
2012
2011
Gonzo Multimedia, INA, Voiceprint
DVD-V, NTSC
2010
Secret Records Limited, Secret Records Limited
2xCD, Comp
2010
2008
2008
2008
2007
2007
2007
2006
Bananamoon Obscura
CD, Album, Ltd, Mixed
2006
2004
2004
2003
2002
2002
2002
2001
2000
Eagle Records, Eagle Records, Eagle Records
3xCD, Comp
1999
1999
1998
Newom Records
CD, Album
1998
1997
Gliss Records
12"
1997
Summit (4)
CD, Comp
1997
Déclic Communication, Musea
CD, Album
1997
1997
1996
Mantra, Mantra, Mantra
CD, Comp
1996
1995
Spectrum Music (2), Spectrum Music (2), Karussell
CD, Comp
1995
1995
1995
1995
1995
1994
Cleopatra, Cleopatra
2xCD, Comp
1992
1991
Essential! Records, Castle Communications
3xCD, Comp + Box
1990
1989
1988
1988
1986
1980
1980
1980
1978
Egg, Egg
LP, Promo, Smplr
1978
JCR
LP, Album
1978
Tronic (2), Tronic (2)
Cass
1978
1978
1977
1977
1977
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