Distant Horizons is the twenty-first studio album by the English space rock group Hawkwind, released in 1997.Towards the end of 1996, Jerry Richards, who had been contributing lead guitar to some live dates and recording sessions, joined the group permanently. Dissatisfied with the musical direction of the group, long standing bassist Alan Davey chose to leave at the end of 1996. His bass playing duties were picked up by singer Ron Tree.