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Wishbone Ash are a British hard rock band, formed in Devon, 1969, forming out of the ashes of the group The Empty Vessels, later Tanglewood.

History

1969-1980

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Wishbone Ash was formed in October 1969 by bass guitarist Martin Turner and drummer Steve Upton. After an extensive search for a guitar player, the band could not decide between the final two candidates, Andy Powell and Ted Turner. It was suggested that they try both guitar players "just to see what it sounds like". Unbeknown to the band, they were helping to pioneer a brand new technique in rock: the "twin lead" harmonising guitar sound, later refined by Thin Lizzy, Judas Priest and Iron Maiden.Differing from the twin lead sound of The Allman Brothers Band, the Wishbone Ash included strong elements of folk, progressive rock, and classical music. Asking their fans to suggest a name for the new band, the names 'Wishbone' and 'Ash' happened to be alongside each other on the decision sheet and sounded good together so the band went went both. The name allowed the band to be as diverse as they pleased without any musical constraint implied.

In early 1970 , the band scored an opening spot for rock legends Deep Purple, who were on their way to becoming one of the most popular bands in the world. During soundcheck, Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore was warming up alone onstage when a very bold Andy Powell walked up, plugged in, and began jamming along with Blackmore. Within 24 hours, Blackmore hooked the band up with producer Derek Lawrence and helped them secure a record deal with Decca/MCA Records.

The band's self-titled debut album, Wishbone Ash, released in 1970 , was a huge success. Fans and critics alike praised the album, which contained a raw, rough bluesy rock sound as well as extended jam sessions and twin guitar flights that displayed the band's impressive musical skills. The haunting "Phoenix", clocking in at nearly 13 minutes, closed out the album and is considered by many to be the definitive Wishbone Ash song. The group also displayed early signs of heavy metal with the pummeling riffs of "Queen of Torture" and "Lady Whiskey".

One year later, the group released Pilgrimage. Reactions were mixed, as there was extreme pressure on the band to surpass their highly praised debut album. Regardless, Pilgrimage was a strong effort, and remains one of their finest studio recordings. However, most of the tracks on the album were instrumental, as there were only a few songs with vocals and solid song structures. Songs, such as Jailbait and The Pilgrim are regularly appear on the setlist, due to their popularity.

The band struck gold in 1972 with Argus, without question their commercial and creative peak. The album was voted by the readers of Sounds magazine as the best rock album of the year. Argus contained epic themes, brilliant vocal harmonising, instrumental precision, and arguably best songwriting of Wishbone Ash's career. The impact of Argus was enormous. A potent blend of folk, progressive rock, and classical music, it was a truly original album that helped propel the band to superstar status. The band was getting international acclaim for their live performances as they gained popularity around the world.

The band, now headlining major arenas, was starting to make a huge impact in the United States. In a move that Wishbone Ash would repeat time and time again throughout their career, the group released a lacklustre follow-up to Argus that put the brakes on their rise to the top. Wishbone Four was the band's first record without producer Derek Lawrence, as the band decided to produce the album themselves. None of the lush harmonies, folksy elements, or epic song writing was present, and most of the trademark twin lead guitar was missing, though the album still produced classics, including "Ballad of the Beacon" and the rocker "Doctor".

Regardless of whether Wishbone Four captivated audiences, the band still had a reputation as a fierce live act. Therefore, in 1973 , the band released a double live album entitled Live Dates, which captured the band at their peak of their live performance. Bands were releasing live albums left and right in the early 1970s, so Live Dates, although successful, did not receive the popularity and attention of other live albums of that time.

Just as the band's popularity was continuing to rise on the strength of Live Dates and the now legendary status of Argus, the band suffered a blow with the departure of guitarist Ted Turner, who retired from music and moved to the English countryside. After replacing Turner with guitarist Laurie Wisefield, the band relocated to America and recorded the critically acclaimed There's the Rub album.

Widely considered one of the band's strongest albums, There's the Rub contained several classics, including the druggy instrumental epic "F.U.B.B." (aka "Fucked Up Beyond Belief, "referring to the band's condition of high inebriation during sessions) and the haunting ballad "Persephone". American influences began creeping into the band's sound as well, as the album contained the first hints of the mellow, softer side the group would embrace later in the decade.

However, the band almost did not make it to the latter part of the decade, as their next album nearly killed their career. Locked In, produced by Tom Dowd, was a critical and commercial disaster. Virtually unrecognizable as a Wishbone Ash album, the album nearly derailed the band's career as fan backlash was enormous. The group even began touring with a keyboard player; not only was the album panned, but the shows were disparaged as well. The entire Locked In experience was mostly seen as a complete disaster.

The band returned with a newfound focus on 1976's New England, and the Americanization of Wishbone Ash was now in full effect. A huge step forward, the band was also beginning to mellow out in a big way. Aside from a couple of rockers, most of the album is soothing and breezy, bringing the band's vocal harmonies even more to the forefront. The laid back, mellow trend continued with Front Page News (1977). Many fans proclaim that the group's vocal harmonising was never as fully realised as it was on Front Page News. A truly unique album which divides fans to this day, it acts almost as one constant, flowing number in the soft-rock vein, but without the kitsch elements. A highlight is the airy instrumental "714," which includes strings in the background (a first for the band).

Despite recovering from the Locked In debacle with two popular albums in the mid-1970s, the band's record sales were slumping. It was the era of punk and disco, and the hard rock giants of the early 1970s were now seen as has-beens only a few years into their careers. However, the group remained a strong live attraction that was still able to pack large venues.

In 1978 , after years of experimental albums, the band decided to return to its roots with No Smoke Without Fire, the band's heaviest album since There's the Rub and the first to be produced by Derek Lawrence since the Argus masterpiece in 1972 . The album contained many songs written solely by Laurie Wisefield, including the massive epic "Way of the World" and the harmonic ballad "Ships in the Sky" (one of the few elements still left from the Front Page News era; most of the album was classic Wishbone Ash). However, the band had long lost the ability to have a high charting album release, especially considering the trends of the time.

The band soldiered on and spent over an entire year making the next album, Just Testing. Released in February 1980 , the album was the strongest selling Wishbone Ash record in years. Containing mostly Martin Turner material, the album allowed Wishbone to try new musical trends and still retain the classic Wishbone sound. The album contained less frills with a stronger emphasis on vocals and chorus, coming through on tracks like "Insomnia" and the classic opener "Living Proof", one of Wishbone Ash's most popular songs of all time. "Lifeline", another "Way of the World" style epic, closed out the album, the decade and unfortunately, an era.

Pressured by MCA to make more commercial music, the band considered bringing in a lead singer and relinquishing Martin Turner's duties to bass guitar only. After 11 years, the band's front man and co-founder reluctantly left Wishbone Ash.

1981-1989

Turner was replaced by John Wetton, formerly of King Crimson, UK, and several other classic groups. Most of Number the Brave, released in 1981 , was written before Wetton joined, hence he sang on only one song, although he had offered songs such as "Here Comes The Feeling" that would eventually sell millions when released on Asia's 1982 debut album. Wetton grew disillusioned with what he deemed "session man" status, especially considering he was one of the most respected bassists/singers/songwriters in the world at that time. Before the tour began, he quit Wishbone Ash and formed Asia. Wishbone Ash was dropped by MCA the same year.

Wetton was replaced on the Number the Brave tour by former Uriah Heep bassist Trevor Bolder. Also joining the band was a female backing vocalist, Claire Hamill. who had sung on both the Just Testing and Number the Brave albums. The new Wishbone got mixed reviews. In 1982 , after Hamill's departure, the band experimented with heavy metal on the Twin Barrels Burning album. Surprisingly, the album became the highest charting Wishbone Ash album in years.

Trevor Bolder left the group to rejoin Uriah Heep in 1983 , to be replaced by Mervyn Spence. Spence was a capable lead vocalist (much like Jon Anderson of Yes) and acted as the front man from the 1984-1986 period. The group continued with a more heavy metal side on 1985's Raw to the Bone, which became the first Wishbone Ash album not to make the charts.

The band suffered even more disappointment when influential member Laurie Wisefield quit the band after 11 years of service. He was replaced by Jamie Crompton. Months later, Mervyn Spence quit as well, to be replaced by ex-Kinks bassist Andy Pyle.

In 1987, IRS Records founder and original Wishbone manager Miles Copeland began a record label entitled "No Speak," which featured all instrumental music. In order to launch the label successfully, Copeland needed a big name band that would bring publicity to the project. Copeland approached Andy Powell and Steve Upton about having Wishbone Ash release an all instrumental album. However, he stated the album must mark the reunion of the original Wishbone Ash.

For the first time in 14 years, Andy Powell and Steve Upton joined forces with Martin Turner and Ted Turner to release the album Nouveau Calls, released in 1987 . Fans were elated to hear that the original Wishbone Ash was back in action, however, reactions were mixed because there were no vocals on the new album. The tour of 1988 was a huge success, as the band played large venues for the first time since the late 1970s. In 1989 , fans got their wish as the band released a full-fledged reunion album with vocals entitled Here to Hear. Considered the band's best album since 1980's Just Testing, the album went over well with fans and critics alike. The 1988-1990 period featured some of the most revered live performances of the band's career.

1990-1999

After spending the first part of 1990 on the road, the band went back into the studio to record the follow up to Here to Hear. The band was shocked when founding member Steve Upton, the band's drummer for their entire career, announced his retirement from the music business. Shaken but undeterred, the band quickly enlisted session drummer Robbie France to help out on some studio tracks and live shows. However, the band permanently settled on Ray Weston, who officially joined the band in 1991 . After a full year in the studio, Strange Affair was released in 1991 .

Later in 1991 , fans were saddened when the band decided to continue without founding member Martin Turner, with the bassist/vocalist being replaced by returnee Andy Pyle, who had been in the band years earlier. However, the band remained strong as Pyle, Andy Powell, Ted Turner, and Ray Weston toured throughout 1992 and 1993 , releasing the live album The Ash Live in Chicago.

1994 saw the total dismantling of the band. However, Andy Powell (the only remaining original member throughout the band's history) soldiered on with a new version of the band. Guitarist/songwriter Roger Filgate replaced Ted Turner, bassist/vocalist Tony Kishman would be the frontman, and drummer Mike Sturgis replaced Ray Weston. Powell promised to deliver "the next Argus", and fan donations and outside assistance help the group finance the new studio album. However, Tony Kishman had prior performing engagements in America and had to bow out of the project right before the 1995 tour. For the third time, founding member Martin Turner returned to the fold to hold the bass and vocal position.

Illuminations was released in 1996 . Under the direction of Andy Powell, the album received rave reviews and was the strongest Wishone Ash release in years. Roger Filgate's contribution was crucial to this album. He co-wrote most of the material with Powell and played guitar and bass during the recording. Tony Kishman returned briefly to add lead vocals to the recordings (Original member Martin Turner, who honoured the bulk of touring commitments during this period, was not featured on the album and was not retained for future projects).

By 1998 , Kishman, Sturgis and Filgate had departed and Powell formed a brand new Wishbone Ash with bassist Bob Skeat, guitarist/vocalist Mark Birch, and former drummer Ray Weston. During the lineup changes, Andy Powell released two electronic dance albums on UK indie label Invisible Hands Music under the name Wishbone Ash. The albums were ambitious dance projects that contained electronic beats blended with Wishbone Ash guitar riffs. Trance Visionary was the first of the pair, spawning a 12" single of four mixes that was a clubland smash and reached number 38 on the UK dance chart. Psychic Terrorism followed on its heels with a more melodic feel and an equally impressive reception in the clubs (it appeared that many of the DJs who championed the tracks were not aware of the band's history outside of dance music).

2000–present

The band then released a quiet, acoustic album of classic songs entitled Bare Bones before hitting the road in 2000 to celebrate their 30th anniversary. A special show was held at Shepherds Bush Empire in London, where the band welcomed special guests Laurie Wisefield and Claire Hamill as well as other friends for a star-studded concert that resulted in Live Dates 3 and a live DVD.

In 2001 , Mark Birch was replaced by guitarist Ben Granfelt. The band hit the road for their most extensive touring schedule in years, and renewed interest in the band was seen across the globe (many older fans had just assumed the group had split). Showcasing their strongest lineup in years, Wishbone Ash returned to the studio in 2002 for the highly praised Bona Fide album. Like Illuminations six years earlier, Bona Fide was considered an instant classic by fans and critics alike. Wonderful Stash, a lavish three CD box set combined the two electronic albums of the 90s - Trance Visionary and Psychic Terrorism - with unreleased mixes from the era. 2003 saw the band touring across the world with Savoy Brown, playing their largest number of American dates since the 1980s.

Ben Granfelt made a huge impact on the new Wishbone Ash, but in 2004 he left the band to continue working on his solo career. Granfelt's mentor, Muddy Manninen, joined the band. In late 2006, the band released a new studio album entitled Clan Destiny.

On April 7 2007, longtime drummer Ray Weston left the band, stating that he was tired of constant touring and wanted to concentrate on different things . He was replaced by seasoned session drummer Joseph Crabtree, famous for his work with Pendragon and King Crimson violinist David Cross.

Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash

In the autumn of 2005, founding member Martin Turner returned to the stage with a band called "Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash" (rights to the Wishbone Ash name are held by all four original members). Joined by guitarists Ray Hatfield and Keith Buck along with drummer Rob Hewins, the band's debut release New Live Dates Vol.1 was released in 2006.

Special events

Wishbone Ash have developed a couple of group gatherings, AshCon in the UK and AshFest in the USA. These began in the last few years and have developed into gatherings of the 'faithful' and have become annual fixtures.

Studio discography

1. Wishbone Ash (1970)
2. Pilgrimage (1971)
3. Argus (1972)
4. Wishbone Four (1973)
5. There's the Rub (1974)
6. Locked In (1976)
7. New England (1976)
8. Front Page News (1977)
9. No Smoke Without Fire (1978)
10. Just Testing (1980)
11. Number the Brave (1981)
12. Twin Barrels Burning (1982)
13. Raw to the Bone (1985)
14. Nouveau Calls (1987)
15. Here to Hear (1989)
16. Strange Affair (1991)
17. Illuminations (1996)
18. Trance Visionary (1997) (electronic dance album)
19. Psychic Terrorism (1998) (electronic dance album)
20. Bona Fide (2002)
21. Clan Destiny (2006)
22. First Light (2007) (recorded in 1970)

Videotaped performances

• Night of the Guitar, Hammersmith Odeon, London, November 26, 1988 CD: (IRSD-83000), VHS: (Vol. 2)

External links

• The official Wishbone Ash website, featuring founding guitarist and original member Andy Powell
• 'Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash' official site, including the most comprehensive WA historical information presently online
• Wishbone Ash on Progboard; Wishbone Ash's albums reviews and ratings
• Website for current Wishbone Ash drummer Joe Crabtree

• Talking Elephant - The UK Record Label

1. Wishbone Ash official site

• Articles lacking sources from March 2007
• Musical groups established in 1969
• English rock music groups
• 1960s music groups
• 1970s music groups
• 1980s music groups
• 1990s music groups
• 2000s music groups