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Wishbone Ash

Wishbone Ash is a British rock band that formed in 1969. The band is known for their twin lead guitar sound, which has been influential in the development of heavy metal and hard rock.

The original lineup of the band consisted of Andy Powell (guitar, vocals), Ted Turner (guitar, vocals), Martin Turner (bass, vocals), and Steve Upton (drums). Their debut album, "Wishbone Ash," was released in 1970, and it was followed by a string of successful albums in the 1970s, including "Pilgrimage" (1971), "Argus" (1972), and "There's the Rub" (1974).

"Wishbone Ash" was praised for its intricate guitar work and tight harmonies, and it helped establish the band's signature sound. "Argus" is considered by many to be the band's masterpiece, with its mix of heavy rock, folk, and classical influences.

The band went through several lineup changes over the years, with Andy Powell being the only constant member. In 1980, Ted Turner left the band, and he was replaced by Laurie Wisefield. Martin Turner left in 1980 as well, and he was replaced by John Wetton. Steve Upton left in 1990, and he was replaced by Ray Weston.

Despite these changes, Wishbone Ash continued to release albums and tour throughout the 1980s and 1990s. They have continued to perform and record into the present day, with Andy Powell being the only original member still in the band.

Martin Turner began touring in 2004 as "Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash", performing material by the classic lineups of the band. Occasionally Ted Turner and Laurie Wisefield have joined his group on stage as guests.

In 2013 Andy Powell took legal action to protect the Wishbone Ash registered trademark and prevent Martin Turner from using the name. The court ruled in favor of Andy Powell. Since then he has toured and recorded with his band as "Martin Turner ex Wishbone Ash"

Overall, Wishbone Ash is known for their innovative guitar work, intricate harmonies, and eclectic mix of rock, folk, and classical influences

From Exeter, England. -GSH


The Empty Vessels / Tanglewood I (July 1966 - ? )
  • Glen Turner - guitar
  • Martin Turner - bass/vocals
  • Steve Upton - drums

Tanglewood II (August 1969 - 1969)
  • Martin Turner - bass/vocals
  • Steve Upton - drums
  • Andy Powell - guitar/vocals
  • David "Ted" Turner - guitar/vocals
Name changed to Wishbone Ash.

Wishbone Ash I(1969 - May 1974)
  • Martin Turner - bass/vocals
  • Steve Upton - drums
  • Andy Powell - guitar/vocals
  • David "Ted" Turner - guitar/vocals
Albums:
  1. "Wishbone Ash" (1970) - Single: "Blind Eye"
  2. "Pilgrimage" (1971)
  3. "Argus" (1972)
  4. "Wishbone Four" (1973)
  5. "Live Dates" (live) (2-CDs) (1973)

Wishbone Ash II(July 1974 - September 1980)
  • Martin Turner - bass/vocals
  • Steve Upton - drums
  • Andy Powell - guitar/vocals
  • Laurie Wisefield - guitar/vocals - formerly with Home (backing band for Al Stewart).
Albums:
  1. "There's the Rub" (1974)
  2. "Locked In" (1975)
  3. "New England" (1976)
  4. "Front Page News" (1977)
  5. "No Smoke Without Fire" (1978)
  6. "Just Testing" (1979)
  7. "The King Will Come: Live" (1999) - recorded in 1976.

Wishbone Ash III(October 1980 - January 1981)
  • Steve Upton - drums
  • Andy Powell - guitar/vocals
  • Laurie Wisefield - guitar/vocals
  • John Wetton - bass/vocals - b. July 12, 1949, Derby, England - formerly with The Palmer-James Group, Tetrad/Ginger Man, Splinter, Mogul Thrash, Family, King Crimson, Roxy Music, Uriah Heep, and UK.
Album:
  1. "Number the Brave" (1981)
John Wetton joins Asia.

Wishbone Ash IV (April 1981 - April 1983)
  • Steve Upton - drums
  • Andy Powell - guitar/vocals
  • Laurie Wisefield - guitar/vocals
  • Trevor Bolder - bass/vocals - formerly with David Bowie, Mick Ronson, The Spiders From Mars, and Uriah Heep.
Albums:
  1. "Hot Ash This" (live) (1981)
  2. "Twin Barrels Burning"
Trevor Bolder rejoins Uriah Heep.

Wishbone Ash V(April 1983 - December 1985)
  • Steve Upton - drums
  • Andy Powell - guitar/vocals
  • Laurie Wisefield - guitar/vocals
  • Mervyn "Spam" Spence - bass/vocals - formerly with Trapeze.
Album:
  1. "Raw to the Bone"
Laurie Wisefield later joins Tina Turner and Joe Cocker.

Wishbone Ash VI (January 1986)
  • Steve Upton - drums
  • Andy Powell - guitar/vocals
  • Mervyn "Spam" Spence - bass/vocals
  • James "Jamie" Crompton - guitar/vocals - formerly with Suzi Quatro.
Mervyn "Spam" Spence goes solo.

Wishbone Ash VII (February 1986 - December 1987)
  • Steve Upton - drums
  • Andy Powell - guitar/vocals
  • James "Jamie" Crompton - guitar/vocals
  • Andy Pyle - bass - formerly with Blodwyn Pig, Savoy Brown, and Gary Moore.
Andy Pyle rejoins Gary Moore.

Wishbone Ash VIII (1988 - July 1990) (reformed with original lineup)
  • Martin Turner - bass/vocals
  • Steve Upton - drums
  • Andy Powell - guitar/vocals
  • David "Ted" Turner - guitar/vocals
Albums:
  1. "Nouveau Calls"
  2. "Hear to Hear"

Wishbone Ash IX (August 1990 - April 1991)
  • Martin Turner - bass/vocals
  • Andy Powell - guitar/vocals
  • David "Ted" Turner - guitar/vocals
  • Robbie France - drums - formerly with UFO.

Wishbone Ash X(April 1991 - September 1991)
  • Martin Turner - bass/vocals
  • Andy Powell - guitar/vocals
  • David "Ted" Turner - guitar/vocals
  • Ray Weston - drums
Album:
  1. "Strange Affair" (1991)

Wishbone Ash XI (October 1991 - February 1994)
  • Andy Powell - guitar/vocals
  • David "Ted" Turner - guitar/vocals
  • Ray Weston - drums
  • Andy Pyle - bass - formerly with Gary Moore.
Album:
  1. "Live In Chicago" (live)

Wishbone Ash XII (1994 - December 1997)
  • Andy Powell - guitar/vocals
  • Roger Filgate - guitar/vocals
  • Tony Kishman - bass/vocals
  • Mike Sturgis - drums
Album:
  1. "Live In Geneva" (1994)
  2. "Illuminations" (1996)
  3. "Live: Timeline" (1997)
At this point Wishbone Ash has basically become Andy Powell's band with a group of hired musicians. Tony Kishman goes solo.

Wishbone Ash XIII (January 1998 - Present)
  • Andy Powell - guitar/vocals
  • Mike Sturgis - drums
  • Mark Birch - guitar/vocals
  • Bob Skeat - bass/vocals
Album:
  1. "Bare Bones" (1999)
  2. "Psychic Terrorism" (2000)

Later albums:
Compilations:
  1. "Distillation" (4-CD box set) (1997)
  2. "The Best of Wishbone Ash" (1997)

Links:

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Last Revised:  March 17, 2023
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