Wishbone Ash

Wishbone Ash: Pioneers of Twin Guitar Rock

Wishbone Ash is a British rock band formed in 1969 in Torquay, England. The band is best known for its unique blend of hard rock, blues, and progressive rock. They are also credited with being one of the first bands to popularize the twin lead guitar format, which influenced many future rock bands, including Lynyrd Skynyrd, Iron Maiden, and The Allman Brothers Band.

1. Formation and Early Years (1969-1971)

1.1 The Formation of Wishbone Ash

• Wishbone Ash was formed by Martin Turner (bass, vocals), Andy Powell (guitar), Ted Turner (guitar), and Steve Upton (drums). The band’s sound was influenced by a mix of blues, psychedelic rock, and progressive rock, and they quickly gained attention for their innovative twin lead guitar arrangements.
• They were signed by Decca Records and began working on their debut album.

1.2 Wishbone Ash (1970) – Debut Album

• The band released their self-titled debut album in 1970. The album showcased the band’s early blues rock influences, and while it wasn’t a commercial hit, it set the stage for the band’s unique sound.
• The combination of dual lead guitars and melodic rock helped distinguish Wishbone Ash from many other bands of the era.
• Key Tracks:
  • Lady Whiskey
  • Phoenix
  • Whiskey

2. Breakthrough and Commercial Success (1972-1974)

2.1 Argus (1972) – The Band’s Masterpiece

• Released in 1972, Argus (1972) is widely considered Wishbone Ash’s masterpiece and one of the defining albums of classic rock. The album marked a shift from their earlier blues rock to a more progressive rock-influenced sound with intricate arrangements and complex, epic compositions.
• The band’s dual-guitar approach was at its peak here, with the interplay between Andy Powell and Ted Turner becoming a signature sound.
• Argus (1972) was well-received critically and commercially, and it remains a landmark in the genre of progressive hard rock.
• Key Tracks:
  • Time Was
  • The King Will Come
  • Warrior

2.2 Wishbone Four (1973) – Maintaining Success

• Wishbone Four (1973) followed the success of Argus and continued the band’s evolution towards a more melodic and hard rock sound while retaining elements of their earlier progressive rock influences. The album did not receive the same level of acclaim as Argus, but it still showcased the band’s guitar-driven and dynamic arrangements.
• Key Tracks:
  • So Many Things
  • Throw Down the Sword
  • No Easy Road

3. Shifting Styles and Lineup Changes (1974-1979)

3.1 There’s the Rub (1974) – A Shift Towards AOR

• Released in 1974, There’s the Rub (1974) marked a shift toward a more radio-friendly, album-oriented rock sound. This change reflected the evolving rock scene of the mid-1970s, with a more accessible and commercial approach.
• Despite the shift in direction, the album still featured the signature twin guitar harmonies and strong musicianship that fans had come to expect from Wishbone Ash.
• Key Tracks:
  • It Started in Heaven
  • Fool for Your Loving
  • The Time Was

3.2 Locked In (1976) – New Lineup and Sound

• In 1976, Wishbone Ash underwent a major lineup change, with Ted Turner leaving the band and Laurie Wisefield replacing him on guitar. This change marked a shift towards a more hard rock-oriented sound with elements of glam rock and arena rock.
• Locked In (1976) was an attempt to reach a broader audience with a more polished sound, but the album did not gain the same level of success as their earlier work.
• Key Tracks:
  • Come in from the Rain
  • No More Lonely Nights
  • Fighting On the Same Side

4. 1980s: Continued Struggles and Reinvigoration (1980-1990)

4.1 Twin Barrels Burning (1982) – A Return to Form

• After a series of lineup changes and struggles in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Wishbone Ash released Twin Barrels Burning (1982). The album marked a return to a more classic twin guitar sound, and the band’s lineup was stabilized with Andy Powell and Laurie Wisefield leading the way.
• The album was well-received by long-time fans, but it did not achieve the commercial success of their 1970s albums.
• Key Tracks:
  • The Warrior
  • Blind Eye
  • Anger in the Soul

4.2 Raw to the Bone (1985) – Harder Sound

• Raw to the Bone (1985) was another hard-edged album that featured a more metal-influenced sound. The album was notable for its heavier guitar riffs and more direct approach to songwriting.
• The band’s musical identity had evolved into a more hard rock/metal direction during the mid-1980s, although the distinct twin guitar harmonies were still very much present.
• Key Tracks:
  • Raw to the Bone
  • Living Proof
  • Breakout

5. Legacy and Influence

5.1 Twin Guitar Pioneers

• Wishbone Ash is credited with being one of the pioneers of the twin lead guitar format, which was later popularized by bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Iron Maiden, and The Allman Brothers Band.
• Their unique blend of blues rock, hard rock, and progressive rock influenced many bands, and their intricate guitar work remains one of the defining features of their sound.

5.2 Enduring Popularity

• Despite lineup changes and shifts in musical style, Wishbone Ash has continued to maintain a dedicated fanbase. Their classic albums, particularly Argus, continue to be celebrated in the rock community.
• The band continues to tour and perform live, bringing their legendary guitar-driven sound to new audiences.

6. Wishbone Ash’s Discography Overview

Studio Albums:

1. Wishbone Ash (1970)
2. Argus (1972)
3. Wishbone Four (1973)
4. There’s the Rub (1974)
5. Locked In (1976)
6. Front Page News (1977)
7. No Smoke Without Fire (1978)
8. Just Testing (1980)
9. Twin Barrels Burning (1982)
10. Raw to the Bone (1985)
11. Nouveau Calls (1991)
12. Strange Affair (1993)
13. The Power of Eternity (2007)
14. Blue Horizon (2014)

Live Albums:

1. Live Dates (1973)
2. Live in Geneva (1986)
3. Live at the Whisky (2006)
4. Live in the USA (2016)

7. Conclusion: Wishbone Ash’s Enduring Influence

Wishbone Ash’s twin guitar harmonies, progressive rock influences, and melodic hard rock have cemented their place as one of the most important bands in rock history. Their groundbreaking work in the early 1970s continues to influence new generations of musicians.