The only known photo of Hawes in full Krishna garb.
Brittany H.
Co-Editor In Chief
Probably the third-most burning question on Catherine Wheel fans’ minds, right after “Is Rob single?” and “Where did Brian buy his wig?”, is “What happened to Dave Hawes?”
The answer to that depends on what people mean when they say “happened.” The Where Are They Now? answer seems more suitable for the general public than the Behind the Music answer.
So, what did happen to Dave Hawes?
“I’m working on a new project!” enthused Hawes in a recent interview at his Ashtabula, Ohio, home.
His newfound happiness is heartwarming. But things weren’t always sunny for this former bassplayer. After [insert favorite excuse here] Catherine Wheel in late 1999, Hawes retreated to the midwestern United States a lost soul.
“I felt very alienated, like I had no friends,” lamented Hawes. “Worst of all, I forgot my favorite bass pick back in England. It was a really dark time in my life.”
But that was many long years ago. Today, Dave Hawes is a new man. Following intensive therapy, coupled with an unprecedented decision to convert to Hare Krishna, Hawes emerged more optimistic than ever.
“I feel free in more ways than one!” bubbled Hawes, motioning to his extensive collection of colorful robes while also hinting at his spiritual freedom.
After a lengthy hiatus, Hawes also built up the confidence to play music again.
“I got a band together, a bunch of my buddies from the Ashtabula Krishna chapter,” he said. “The input from these guys is phenomenal, very democratic! We do a great rendition of George Harrison’s ‘My Sweet Lord.’ I’m really excited about it!”
However, there may never be a formal release of Hawes’ material. “Contractual issues,” Hawes wryly stated, a popular “press release answer” that many musicians favor, much akin to the “chemistry” smokescreen.
“We’ll see what happens over time,” Hawes said.
When asked to comment on Hawes’ re-entry into the music scene, CW manager Merck Mercuriadis replied, “Don’t mess with karma.”
(Hawes and the Hares’ version of “My Sweet Lord” is now available for download on iTunes.)
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