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Wishbone Ash at The Apex...

Wishbone Ash emerged on the nascent Progressive Rock scene in 1969, producing a distinctive brand of melodic rock, inspired equally by British folk traditions and American jazz and R&B. Now, over 50 years later, Wishbone Ash have earned worldwide recognition based on musical excellence and relentless touring.

The British rock band first achieved success in the early 1970s with critically acclaimed records including Wishbone Ash (1970), Argus (1972), Pilgrimage (1971) and New England (1976). Argus rose to number 3 in the UK Albums Chart and was voted by the readers of Sounds as the "best rock album of the year.” Lacking a definitive front man, like Mick Jagger or Ozzy Osbourne, they were instead made famous by their harmony twin lead guitars, motivated by Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page’s short lived stint together in the Yardbirds in 1966.

In 2002, founder members Andy Powell and Ted Turner were voted among the top 20 guitarists of all time by Rolling Stone Magazine, and several notable bands have cited Wishbone Ash as an influence, including Iron Maiden, Thin Lizzy, Metallica and Opeth.

With 24 studio releases, 11 live albums and five live DVDs to date, Wishbone Ash continue to prove they are not a band to rest on their laurels. Just before the Covid 19 pandemic hit, a studio CD of new songs was released on German label Steamhammer/SPV. Titled Coat of Arms, the album was well received by the press with Classic Rock magazine rating it as one of the 25 best album releases in 2020.

The band comprises founding member Andy Powell, who handles lead vocals and trades licks with new boy Mark Abrahams. bassist Bob Skeat, a 25 year veteran of the band, drives the rhythm section along with Joe Crabtree, Wishbone’s drummer for the last 13 years.

Wishbone Ash are at The Apex in Bury St Edmunds on Wednesday 3 November at 8pm. Tickets are available from www.theapex.co.uk or 01284 758000.