Wishbone Ash burns (and rocks) on
Veteran English band, now in its 45th year, plays Saturday in Ramona, where it will perform new songs and all of its 1972 album, ‘Argus.’
By George Varga 5:05 P.M. APRIL 30, 2014
How big was Wishbone Ash during its commercial heyday in the 1970s, when this English band’s soaring dual guitar lines and crisp precision greatly influenced such admirers as Thin Lizzy, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Judas Priest?
Guitarist Andy Powell, Wishbone Ash’s sole remaining original member, is happy to count some of the ways.
First, there was the band’s third release, 1972’s “Argus.” It beat out classics by the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Curtis Mayfield and Neil Young to be voted Album of the Year by the readers of Melody Maker, the United Kingdom’s then-leading music weekly.
Second, the dazzling array of budding legends who performed as the opening act on various American concert tours by Wishbone Ash (whose road crew at one point included future Police drummer Stewart Copeland).
“We had incredible people open for us, from Aerosmith to ZZ Top, even Bruce Springsteen — and these amazing blues artists, like Buddy Guy and B.B. King,” Powell said with a chuckle. “And here we were, this young, upstart English band, headlining!
“I have a poster at home, from a festival in Europe, where we headlined over Bob Marley, Stephen Stills and The Kinks. It’s quite amazing how fortunes can change over the years.”
For the rest of the interview, please visit the UT San Diego website!
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