Wishbone Ash

It is almost 50 years to the month since the British rock band Wishbone Ash released 'Live Dates', the most commercially successful album of their career. A milestone, not only for the band itself, but for the history of rock music in general. "At that time, we had been on tour for three years without interruption, had released our most important studio album - from today's perspective - 'Argus', and were perfectly in tune," recalls founder Andy Powell, who is still the head of the group today. "We were firmly established as a vital live band, so it made sense to capture the energy and vibrancy of our shows on a live album. Fortunately, the record company financed the expensive 'Rolling Stones Mobile Recording Truck', so we were able to record several shows from our UK tour and use the strongest moments for 'Live Dates'." Fast forward half a century later to the summer of 2023 and Wishbone Ash are celebrating the anniversary of their 1973 concert classic with a new edition. New means: the same songs in the same order, played by the current line-up and recorded at 'Daryl's House Club' in Pawling, New York. Title of the new album: 'Live Dates Live'. The album will be released as CD, vinyl double LP and digital download on September 29, 2023 via Steamhammer/SPV. Andy Powell: "'Live Dates Live' is our tribute to the original and our thank you to all the fans who helped make Wishbone Ash one of the few bands of the early seventies still active today, regularly recording new albums and touring." The special thing about 'Live Dates Live': Wishbone Ash perform the songs in exactly the same order as on their 1973 masterpiece, i.e. it starts with the three 'Argus' classics 'The King Will Come', 'Warrior' and 'Throw Down The Sword', followed by 'Rock'n Roll Widow' and 'Ballad Of The Beacon', two numbers from 'Wishbone Four'. Powell: "It's always exciting for me to see which songs are regularly requested by the fans. 'Rock'n Roll Widow' is definitely one of them." Of course, the setlist for 'Live Dates Live' also includes 'The Pilgrim' and 'Jail Bait' from the second album 'Pilgrimage' and the biggest single success 'Blowin' Free', as well as - concluding and culminating in a furious twin-guitar duel - the immortal, almost 14-minute 'Phoenix' from the 1970 debut. It should come as no surprise to Wishbone Ash fans that 'Live Dates Live' features cover artwork reminiscent of the original. This band is famous for their attention to detail. Of course, Wishbone Ash in 2023 can no longer be compared to the line-up in 1973. Or are they? After all, guitarist/vocalist Andy Powell still holds the musical reins firmly in his hands. In addition, with his guitarist colleague Mark Abraham, bassist Bob Skeat and drummer Mike Truscott, he has first-class musicians in his ranks, some of whom are much younger, but who sweat the spirit and philosophy of this great band out of every pore of their - in concerts - heated bodies. "Sometimes Mark, Bob and Mike know the old songs better than I do," smiles Powell, "Mark, for example, was a Wishbone Ash fan from a young age and knows our songs down to the last detail." So what can Wishbone Ash fans - or rather: rock music fans in general - be recommended? Well, you should definitely listen to 'Live Dates Live', not just for the "good old days", but because it's a terrific live album with gripping, timeless songs. And you should definitely check out the band on their tour in spring 2024. It's well worth it! As it has been for well over 50 years!