British drummer born in Manchester. Mainly active during the 1970s, though continued to work sporadically throughout the 80’s and 90’s.

After early appearances with Chicken Shack and Vinegar Joe he joined Hawkwind in 1974 as a second drummer and recorded two albums with them; Warrior On The Edge Of Time and Astounding Sounds, Amazing Music before leaving. He also contributed to Michael Moorcock’s Deep Fix and worked as a session musician for Nik Turner’s Xitintoday album.

In the late 1970s he formed a short-lived touring band (Kicks) with fellow ex-Hawkwind member Paul Rudolph, formed Tanz Der Youth with Brian James of The Damned and recorded a single and Peel session before leaving to tour with Black Sabbath.

At the end of the 1970s he moved to San Francisco and fronted his own band Jo Allen and the Shapes, releasing the single Cryin’ Over You / Lowlife and contributing the track Shimmy, Shimmy on a compilation entitled 415 Music.

The 1990s saw Alan contribute to various tours working with Nik Turner’s various Space Ritual projects which also featured numerable ex-Hawkwind members.