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Winterhawk (2)

Winterhawk is a hard rock band from San Francisco, California, USA, that was formed in 1978. The Native American band split up in 1984. Not to be confused with Winterhawk from Illinois. Fringed leather tunics, furs, feathers, and loincloths are not the standard garb of the average rock band, and neither were many popular bands quite literally gushing with Indian blood and heritage. Likewise, few bands indeed carry high the philosophies, and traditions of their forefathers cultures as did Winterhawk. A Native American foursome that specialized in rapid-fire, hard rock and roll. But the striking thing about this band is not so much the warrior beliefs, but their sincerity and genuine faith in themselves and their culture. Nik Winterhawk Alexander, a Cree Indian who lead the band with his savage guitar riffs and powerful vocals, says, "Music is a very sacred part of Native American lifestyles. If a person of a tribe possesses a rattle or a drum or a stick to beat the drum, those articles are treated with great respect. Winterhawk carried that same reverence toward music, because the ability to play music is a gift" "It's important for people to realize that the band Winterhawk were not posers" Alexander emphasizes. "The majority of our songs have a very deep message in them. We carry high the values our forefathers did: keeping our environment clean, taking care of the creatures, including ourselves. I don't drink. The idea is to be a positive force in front of the young people, he explains. "If there's any music that is close to traditional Native American music, a war dance beat, it's straight rock and roll"