Wishbone Ash

Wishbone Ash are a British rock band who achieved success in the early and mid-1970s. Their popular records included Wishbone Ash (1970), Pilgrimage (1971), Argus (1972), There's the Rub (1974), and New England (1976). They were one of the first bands to use twin lead guitars. Wishbone Ash are considered to be one of the major innovators of the harmony twin lead guitar format. Their contributions helped Andy Powell and Ted Turner to be voted "Two of the Ten Most Important Guitarists in Rock History" (Traffic magazine 1989), and to appear in the "Top 20 Guitarists Of All Time" (Rolling Stone). Melody Maker (1972) described Powell and Turner as "the most interesting two guitar team since the days when Beck and Page graced The Yardbirds". Formed in Torquay, Devon, in 1969, out of the ashes of trio The Empty Vessels (originally known as The Torinoes, later briefly being renamed Tanglewood in 1969), which had been formed by Wishbone Ash's founding member Martin Turner (bass & vocals) in 1963 and complemented by Steve Upton (drums and percussion) in 1966. The original Wishbone Ash line-up was completed by guitarists/vocalists Andy Powell and Ted Turner. In 1974, Ted Turner left the band, and was replaced by Laurie Wisefield. The band continued on with strong critical and commercial success until 1980. After revolving line-ups featuring former members from King Crimson, Trapeze, and Uriah Heep, Wisefield left in 1985. In 1987, however, the original line-up reunited for several albums – Nouveau Calls, Here to Hear and Strange Affair – until 1990, when Upton quit the band. After Martin Turner was replaced in 1991, the band recorded The Ash Live in Chicago, before Ted Turner left in 1993.

Links To Peel
Peel was a fan of the group and in an interview with Roy Hollingworth of the Melody Maker in the fall of 1971 mentioned:


 * "I heard Wishbone Ash for the first time, and haven't been so impressed with a relatively new band for a long time. Their music is original, exciting and beautifully played."

The band were heavily promoted by Peel in the 70's, which led the band to have their first session for BBC Radio One on Bob Harris' show. Peel on BFBS's Partners In Dispute in 1992 mentioned the band on the show as one of his favourites from the 70's and the track "Time Was" was played.

Sessions
1. Recorded: 1972-04-18. Broadcast: 25 April 1972. Repeated: 01 August 1972
 * Pilgrim / Upton/Turner/Powell / Miles

Live
Ken Garner's The Peel Sessions lists these as sessions, although Peel states it is the Band In Concert, exclusive to his show.
 * Live Recording. Broadcast: 29 November 1970
 * 1) Vas Dis
 * 2) Phoenix
 * 3) Where Were You Tomorrow
 * Recorded: 1977-01-16. Broadcast: 09 February 1977
 * 1) Runaway
 * 2) King Will Come
 * 3) Lorelei
 * 4) Mother Of Pearl
 * 5) Blowin' Free

Other Shows Played
1972 1973 1978 Others
 * 18 April 1972: Blowin’ Free (LP – Argus) MCA
 * 05 May 1972: Throw Down The Sword (LP - Argus) MCA
 * 08 May 1973: So Many Things To Say (LP – Wishbone Four) MCA
 * 10 May 1973: Ballad Of The Beacon (LP – Wishbone Four) MCA
 * 17 May 1973: Doctor (LP – Wishbone Four) MCA
 * 29 September 1978: You See Red (LP – No Smoke Without Fire) MCA
 * 12 October 1978: Baby, The Angels Were Here (LP – No Smoke Without Fire) MCA (JP: "Come on! Wake up, wake up!")
 * Partners In Dispute: Time Was