Chatting With Wishbone Ash

They are the legendary band whose iconic twin-guitar sound inspired the likes of Thin Lizzy, Judas Priest, and Iron Maiden, and they have reached a milestone that many will never achieve. Having won rave reviews for the most recent tour, Wishbone Ash have announced another set of shows that will see them perform a stellar set that also includes much-loved classics from a remarkable back catalogue spanning an astonishing 55 years!

We caught up with founding member Andy Powell to learn a little more.

It is 54 years since the debut Wishbone Ash album. What is the secret to long-term success?

Keeping our focus on the core democratic band principles as a twin guitar band (some say THE twin guitar band) and to understand and interpret the original blueprint that was collectively laid down all those years ago. Yes, we’ve strayed from that sometimes. Yes, individual egos have got in the way, like in all bands, and yes, we’ve been let down by managers and even individual band members, but the ‘force’ remains. Other than that? A great work ethic and rolling with the changing times.

The industry has changed drastically over time; how has Wishbone Ash had to change as a result?

Not too much, actually, since guitar music continues to ride ever higher in the rock world, and we simply play to our strengths in that department. New approaches are continually coming to the fore, and we love that. Sure, we learnt digital recording as opposed to 4 track tape recording, etc. Sure, we dabbled with synths, keyboards, even techno, but the basics remain: 4 guys sweating it out in some grungy basement or, as it was last weekend, on a giant summer festival stage. It’s all the same to us.

Your lineup has of course changed over the years. How do line-up changes impact the band's output?

Keeps it fresh. Every one of the guitar partners I've worked with has brought something unique to the table in terms of their playing or compositional abilities. The fans have taken to each and every one of them because they know that they’ve all been signature creative players. Just look at the sheer recorded output of WA.

With 23 albums under your belt, how do you choose a setlist for your upcoming tour?

With great difficulty! However, we receive a lot of fan feedback and take that into consideration. Some of our fans are ardent supporters who request samples from every album, while others may be attending a concert for the first time in decades and are interested in listening to our "greatest hits". On the other hand, some fans are interested in listening to us perform live with our guitars. It’s tricky, but we always seem to figure it out.

For those who have never seen you live, what is the Wishbone Ash live experience?

Well, there’s a beginning, a middle, and an end to a show. I’m not being cynical or clever in saying this. It has to be a show and a career showcase with form, a performance if you will. We're aiming to present musical dynamics, melody, twin guitars, and songwriting, as well as take the audience on a thrilling and inspiring journey during our time on stage.

You've performed on many stages over the years; what is your favourite?

Something that presents a new challenge is always great. We recently performed on a brand-new opera house stage located in the heart of Istanbul. That was pretty cool, but we’ll take pleasure in small clubs, theatres, or big festivals—all of it because it tests you and keeps things fresh.

Is there a stage you still dream of performing on?

Well, I’ve personally done Carnegie Hall, The Fillmore West and East, The Hollywood Bowl, Madison Square Garden, etc., but never The Royal Albert Hall. That would be super!

And lastly, if you could achieve one more thing in your career, what would it be?

Learn how to relax better.

The dates for WISHBONE ASH's September and October 2024 UK tour are as follows:

Thurs 26 Sept CARLISLE—Old Fire Station

Thurs 10 Oct WALSALL – Walsall Arena

Fri 11 Oct RUGBY – Benn Hall

Mon 21 Oct CARDIFF – Tramshed