Wishbone Ash came to The Boardwalk in Sheffield on Friday May 1st. This version of the band, which is celebrating 40 years in the music business this year, has founder member Andy Powell as leader. Powell is famous for his use of the Gibson Flying V guitar and these days he takes lead vocals in the band as well. Wishbone Ash are categorised on Wikipedia as Rock, Hard Rock and Progressive Rock, although some people may question the Prog Rock label as they don’t and never have had a keyboard player in the band. Instead Ash’s trademark over the years has been twin lead guitars with Muddy Manninen from Finland sharing lead duties with Powell these days. Manninen also chips in with some nice slide guitar during the show as well. The band is rounded out by long term member Bob Skeat on Bass who has been with them since 1998 and new drummer Joe Crabtree who joined in 2007.

The band give a polished and professional performance with a good stage set up, according to Powell the band play around 200 concerts a year and have no plans to slow down, so they should be well practiced. The band perform a mixture of new and old material with classic tracks like “The King Will Come” and “Throw Down The Sword” from the unforgettable Argos album getting great reaction from the audience. Some songs from the most recent album Power of Eternity also get a hearing. Like all great guitarists Powell makes playing look easy, as he moves around the stage in a laid back fashion. Great performance and a great set of songs. The band visit Germany, Belgium and Holland on a regular basis so those of you in mainland Europe should grab a chance to see this accomplished band. This British tour culminates on May 16th at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London where the band are planning a big bash to celebrate their 40th birthday.

Mick

Their debut album from 1970 just called Wishbone Ash is very well regarded and is well worth buying.

Thanks for another review MIck.

Thanks for the write-up, Mick.