N E W S A R C H I V E
Aug 21 2020
MARTIN TURNER SOCIALLY DISTANCED OUTDOOR CONCERT THIS FRIDAY 21st AUG 2020
Some VERY SPECIAL NEWS....SAFE LIVE MUSIC WITH MARTIN TURNER IS HERE !!! This FRI 21st AUG 2020....
Martin and his band will play a full length socially distanced live concert in the grounds of Trading Boundaries in Fletching this FRIDAY 21st AUGUST 2020.
Full details of this concert and how to order tickets can be found at the link below. Tickets for this event are strictly limited and we urge you to purchase IMMEDIATELY to ensure you get yours. Tickets must be purchased online only for test and trace purposes - there will be no tickets on the door.
We would like to thank Michael Clifford and the team at Trading Boundaries for putting this event together and inviting Martin and band to perform. Join us for an evening of Classic Wishbone Ash music in what could be the band's only concert appearance this summer
https://www.tradingboundaries.com/martin-turner-ex-wishbone…
Aug 9 2020
MARTIN BIRCH
It is with great sadness we heard the news of the passing of Martin Birch, engineer on the first three Wishbone Ash albums.
Martin had previously engineered Fleetwood Mac and Deep Purple and would later emerge as a producer in his own right with credits including Rainbow, Whitesnake, Black Sabbath, Blue Oyster Cult, Iron Maiden, Michael Schenker, etc. Martin was a vital component in the recording of the early WA and alongside producer Derek Lawrence, who also sadly died earlier this year.
Martin Turner shares his memories of working with Martin Birch:
Sad news again. Martin Birch was a joy to work with, a great engineer and a gentleman. Seems like the world has become rather overpopulated and decided to dispatch a lot of the older ones who are living on it.
Silly story - when someone was already doing a session in the studio down the end at CTS Wembley, we had to switch to the big room where they did a lot of movie soundtracks. When Martin Birch put the tape on and ran it loud it sliced our heads off - was very hi-frequency heavy. We discovered that the previous session had switched the Dolby A units out so the sound was coming back without being decoded. Martin started switching all the Dolbys back on and I suggested he leave it out on an acoustic guitar track. We later tried the same trick on the snare drum - sounded cool. That was 1972, I bought a couple of Dolby A machines and been using them ever since for compression & HF enhancement. Neat trick!
Rest in Peace,
Martin
June 7 2020
SEPTEMBER 2020 DATES RE-SCHEDULED
It is with regret that, owing to the present COVID-19 situation, we have to announce that Martin Turner's previously announced "Wishbone Four" UK tour dates due to take place in September 2020 are being postponed until 2021. Audience safety is of utmost importance to Martin and his band as well as the venues concerned and it is with this in mind that the decision to postpone has been made. Existing tickets will be valid for the rescheduled dates. The revised dates for those shows announced so far are as follows (additional shows will also be added for 2021)....
3 Sept Twickenham - moved to 29 April 2021
4 Sept Wokingham - new date TBC
12 Sept Havant - moved to 9 April 2021
18 Sept Knaresborough - moved to 24 April 2021
19 Sept - Hull - moved to 23 April 2021
20 Sept - Worcester - moved to 16 April 2021
Venues will be in touch with ticket holders shortly. However, please be patient as all venues will be extremely busy at this time due to the number of re-scheduled shows at their venues. Therefore systems and listings may not be updated immediately.
MAY 13 2020
DEREK LAWRENCE R.I.P.
Both Martin Turner and Steve Upton have written personal tributes to original Wishbone Ash producer Derek Lawrence, who passed away on 13 May 2020....
Earlier this month on the 13th May we lost a wonderful chap in Derek Lawrence, who got us signed to MCA-Universal in Los Angeles and produced our first three albums: "Wishbone Ash", "Pilgrimage" and "Argus". We worked with him again in the late 70s when he produced "No Smoke without Fire".
He was a good friend, a gentleman and work wise he always seemed to know instinctively which way to steer the ship as we made our musical way through the 1970s. We will miss you Derek,
Rest in peace.
Martin Turner
I remember with great fondness those early years we worked together. Your gentle style and guidance in the production of our first three records was the cornerstone to the musical success we went on to achieve. Thank you. R.I.P.
Steve Upton
APRIL 10 2020
MARTIN TURNER ANNOUNCES WISHBONE FOUR TOUR DATES
Martin Turner and his band have announced the following UK and German shows for Autumn 2020. These dates will feature a complete performance of Wishbone Ash's 1973 "Wishbone Four" album, marking the first time this album has been performed live.
Sept 3rd Twickenham, Eel Pie Club
Sept 4th Wokingham, Whitty Theatre
Sept 12th Havant, The Spring
Sept 18th Knaresborough, Frazer Theatre
Sept 19th Hull, Hessle Town Hall
Sept 20th Worcester, Huntingdon Hall
Nov 18th Weinheim, Cafe Central
Nov 19th Leverkusen, Scala
Nov 20th Erlenbach, Beavers
Nov 22nd Wurzburg, Keller Z87
Nov 24th Bremen, Meisenfrei Blues Club
Nov 25th Hamburg, Downtown Blues
Nov 26th Dortmund, Piano
Nov 27th Olsberg, Kleine, Konzerthalle
Nov 28th Hallstadt, Kulturboden
Nov 29th Karlruhe, Jubez
APRIL 9 2020
MARTIN TURNER ON EMERSON /LAKE TRIBUTE ALBUM
Martin Turner has contributed vocals to this fresh interpretation of the ELP classic "Lucky Man" on the album "A Tribute to Keith Emerson and Greg Lake". The track also features Yes/Asia keyboardist Geoff Downes. Other contributors to the album include Sonja Kristina (Curved Air), Thjis Van Leer (Focus), Jon Davison and Billy Sherwood (Yes), Steve Porcaro (Toto), Arthur Brown, Todd Rundgren and Brian Auger.
APRIL 9 2020
RESCHEDULED TOUR DATES
We can now confirm the following shows that have been rescheduled from Martin Turner's Spring 2020 tour (all except* featuring Pilgrimage in full plus other Wishbone Ash classics).
Dec 5th Maidenhead, Norden Farm
Dec 11th Dartmouth, Flavel
Dec 12th Looe, Rock and Blues Festival*
Dec 19th Selby, Town Hall
Jan 16th Dagenham, Roundhouse
Jan 22nd Cardiff, The Globe
Jan 23rd Lytham St Annes, Lowther Pavillion
Jan 27th Newcastle, The Cluny
Jan 28th Glasgow, Ferry
Jan 29th Kinross, Green Hotel
Feb 11th Chislehurst, Beaverwood Club
Feb 12th Sutton, Boom Boom Club
Feb 26th Swindon, Level III
March 5th Derby, Flowerpot
In the case of all the shows above, we understand tickets held for the original dates will be valid for the revised dates with the exception of Lytham St Annes who will refund existing orders and ask ticket holders to re-book for the new date (this is standard policy at this particular venue).
Please note that venues will be extremely busy at this time dealing with an enormous number of refunds and exchanges for cancelled and postponed shows at their venues. Please be aware that it may take a while for venues to update their websites, social media etc and contact customers regarding the new dates.
MARCH 30 2020
MARKUS SOLLNER
It is with a very heavy heart that we have to announce that our long term German tour agent Markus Sollner sadly passed away yesterday following a short illness.
Markus worked with the band for many years and did sterling work in building and nurturing the band's live circuit in Germany from 2008 up to the present day. He was quite simply an invaluable member of the MT team - always a gentleman - thorough, dependable and professional, often going beyond the call of duty on the road.
Markus (pictured front with the band and sound engineer Mark Emery) will be greatly missed by all who worked with him and the entire Martin Turner band and team wish to pass on their sincere condolences to his family at this sad time.
RIP Markus.
MARCH 18, 2020
SPRING TOUR DATES POSTPONED
Sadly, due to the escalation of the Coronavirus situation, we have to announce that all remaining shows on Martin Turner's Spring Tour have now been postponed in the interests of public safety.
Martin and his band's intentions are to honour all professional commitments if possible and we plan to announce revised dates within the coming week. We ask for patience as Martin's agents set about the task of arranging mutually acceptable revised dates with each venue. Ticket holders are advised to retain their tickets as these will be valid for the revised dates. We will update you via the Facebook page as and when revised dates are confirmed.
The entire MT band and team would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the total support and understanding shown during this most difficult time. This includes the venues, promoters and most importantly the audiences.
MARCH 10, 2020
MARTIN TURNER and band play PILGRIMAGE in full on SPRING 2020 UK tour
Martin Turner and his band's Spring 2020 UK tour is now underway, featuring "Pilgrimage" performed in full plus other Wishbone Ash classics.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: After serious consideration, we have to announce that given the developing Coronavirus situation, Martin Turner and his band will be unable to offer its customary after-show meet and greets, autograph signings, photo opportunities, etc. These sessions have always been important to both band and fans and will be missed, undoubtedly, but we are sure everyone will understand that safety is paramount. Martin and band remain hopeful of being able to honour all professional commitments, but will naturally be guided by events as they unfold.
MARCH 4 2020
BIFF BYFORD of SAXON releases WISHBONE ASH cover
Saxon frontman Biff Byford has recorded a version of Wishbone Ash's classic "Throw Down the Sword" on his debut solo album "School of Hard Knocks".
"There’s a version of Throw Down The Sword by Wishbone Ash," says Biff, "and the reason I did that was because it was the first song I ever heard that was anything to do with history in the sense of battles and war. That was really the thing which started me on the road to writing historically-driven songs. Wishbone Ash invented twin harmony guitars in heavy rock [they were also a huge influence on Iron Maiden]. I used to go and see them when they played in Leeds or Sheffield or Barnsley – they were on circuit a lot in the early 70's. I was a bass player then, and they had a great bass player [Martin Turner] with a good style, with really cool vocal harmonies. Argus felt groundbreaking. It was a good grounding for me to learn their songs. In Saxon we used the twin guitar harmonies occasionally – we don’t want to copy anybody, but it is a theme, it is in there. ”
Martin Turner and his band tour the UK during Spring 2020, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the formation of Wishbone Ash. "Throw Down the Sword" regularly features in their setlist !
Have a listen and see what you think...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmEydhSG94g
JUNE 27 2019
WISHBONE ASH - Rockpalast 1976 DVD/CD
We are pleased to announce that Wishbone Ash's legendary Rockpalast broadcast from 1976 will be released as a DVD/2CD set on 30th August 2019. This features a complete "New England" tour date from Cologne 4.12.76 featuring the line up of Martin Turner, Steve Upton, Andy Powell and Laurie Wisefield
Track list
1. Runaway
2. The King Will Come
3. Warrior
4. Lorelei
5. You Rescue Me
6. Persephone
7. Outward Bound
8. Mother Of Pearl
9. It Started In Heaven
10. Time Was
11. Blowin' Free
12. Bad Weather Blues
13. Jail Bait
https://mig-music.lnk.to/WishboneAshRP
JUNE 27 2019
WISHBONE GOLD: Autumn Tour 2019 featuring PILGRIMAGE + NEW ENGLAND
Martin Turner and his band return to the concert stages in Autumn 2019 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the formation of the original Wishbone Ash and perform two classic albums in their entirety – 1971’s Pilgrimage and 1976’s New England – plus other classic tracks.
"New England" has already been performed to ecstatic audience reactions during the Spring 2019 leg of the "Wishbone Gold" tour. "Pilgrimage" is being performed in full for the first time ever.
Released in September 1971 and featuring the celebrated original Wishbone Ash line-up of Martin Turner, Steve Upton, Ted Turner and Andy Powell, Pilgrimage built on the creative and commercial successes of the band’s 1970 debut album Wishbone Ash and paved the way for the classic 1972 album Argus, earning the band “Best New Band” awards in the UK’s music press. Featuring a diverse range of influences such as blues, jazz, folk and rock, Pilgrimage contained mainstays of the Wishbone Ash’s live set such as “Jail Bait” and “The Pilgrim” as well as fan favourites “Vas Dis” and “Valediction”. Resplendent in its distinctive Hipgnosis-designed album sleeve, Pilgrimage reached number 14 on the UK album chart.
This double package of "Pilgrimage" and "New England" will be exclusive to Martin's Autumn 2019 tour dates. "Pilgrimage" will continue to be performed in full on Spring 2020 dates.
DEC 6 2018
WISHBONE GOLD - Spring Tour 2019, featuring New England
Fresh from 2017/18 shows which have featured Wishbone Ash’s seminal albums Argus, There’s the Rub and Wishbone Ash in their entirety, Martin Turner and his band return to the concert stages in Spring 2019 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the formation of the original Wishbone Ash and perform another classic album New England.
The Spring 2019 Wishbone Gold tour will see Martin and his band performing 1976’s iconic New England album – as well as other favourites from the classic era of Wishbone Ash, including Argus highlights.
Released in October 1976 and featuring the celebrated Wishbone Ash “Mark 2” line-up of Martin Turner, Steve Upton, Andy Powell and guitarist Laurie Wisefield (who had joined Wishbone Ash in 1974 replacing original member Ted Turner), New England marked a return to form for Wishbone Ash after the relatively disappointing response to its predecessor Locked In. Recorded using mobile equipment, New England was written and recorded in the loose environment of a basement rehearsal facility set up at Martin Turner’s Connecticut home, resulting in an album that was brimming with live energy. With a mix of powerful rock numbers such as “Runaway” and “Mother of Pearl”, alongside melodic cuts like “Lorelei” and “You Rescue Me”, the album was an instant crowd-pleaser. The band’s twin-guitar hallmark had never sounded so vibrant as on the album’s instrumental showcase “Outward Bound” and New England highlighted all that was great about this much-loved band.
NOV 1 2018
Wishbone Ash: Glasgow Apollo 1977
Following the success of the recently released Wishbone Ash "The Vintage Years" boxed set which featured several discs of previously unreleased live concert recordings. Snapper / Madfish are pleased to announce the forthcoming release of another classic Wishbone Ash concert from the archives - "Live at Glasgow Apollo ' 77", recorded live during the "Front Page News" tour.
Recently mixed from original multi-track tapes from Martin Turner's personal archive, this 1CD / 2LP set is released with full permission and co-operation of Martin Turner, Steve Upton, Andy Powell and Laurie Wisefield. This will be a limited edition of just 3000 CDs and 1000 vinyl LPs.
Track list: Blind Eye; Lady Whiskey; The King Will Come; Warrior; Throw Down the Sword; Front Page News; Sometime World; Goodbye Baby Hello Friend; Runaway; Come In From the Rain; Phoenix; Jailbait; Blowin' Free; No Easy Road.
Recorded 17 October 1977
This is released on 11 January 2019 but can be pre-ordered now from:
https://burningshed.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=59_263
APRIL 21 2018
LAURIE WISEFIELD joins MARTIN TURNER and band onstage in Barnet
Magical night at the SOLD OUT Bull Theatre, Barnet last night, where we were joined onstage by our dear friend Laurie Wisefield for four songs - "FUBB", "Blowin' Free", "Living Proof" and "Jailbait". Also great to see Rod Lynton (former WA publicist and more recently co-writer of "For My Lady") and special thanks to promoter Jan Judd (another old friend from the early WA days). As always special thanks to our on the road team of Mark Emery (sound/tour manager) and Sandra Ford (merch). Most of all thanks to everyone who came along and gave us such a warm welcome.
APRIL 19 2018
MARTIN TURNER and LAURIE WISEFIELD: "The VIntage Years" unboxing video
Listen to the stories unveiled as Martin Turner and Laurie Wisefield open the box.
Watch the full video here www.madfishmusic.com/wa
APRIL 6 2018
SWINDON and BISHOPS CLEEVE SHOWS POSTPONED DUE TO ILLNESS
It is with great regret that Martin Turner has been forced to postpone this weekend’s concerts in Swindon and Bishops Cleeve due to contracting Pharyngitis over the past 24 hours.
Despite feeling ill yesterday, Martin performed in Bromsgrove last night, so as not to disappoint at late notice those who had arrived at the venue, but began to experience vocal problems towards the end of the show. This morning Martin woke up barely able to speak as well as being extremely weak physically. In order not to risk longer term damage he has no option but to follow medical advice and rest for the next few days to allow his voice to recover properly.
Martin wishes to convey his great disappointment at being unable to perform these two shows and apologises for the obvious inconvenience caused to ticket holders. The band’s faithful interpretation of “There’s the Rub” is receiving magnificent reviews, the band and audiences fully enjoying the iconic set. It is Martin’s intention that these shows be rescheduled for a future date and we therefore urge ticket holders to retain their tickets until we are able to announce new dates. We are sure everyone will join us in wishing Martin a speedy recovery.
MARCH 7 2018
The Beauty of Chaos: Live at the Citadel - 2CD/DVD
"The Beauty of Chaos: Live at the Citadel", recorded on 26th February 2016 at the Citadel, St. Helens during the "Written in the Stars" tour is released on 6th April 2018. This 2CD / DVD set features the entire performance including Wishbone Ash favourites from the classic era as well as a performance of "Written in the Stars" in its entirety. The DVD also features a bonus interview with Martin and his band - Danny Willson, Tim Brown and Misha Nikolic.
"The Beauty of Chaos: Live at the Citadel" can be ordered via the link below.
Digital audio download iTunes
Tracklist:
Intro: The Big Bang (Overture)
The Beauty of Chaos
Written in the Stars
Lovers
Vapour Trail
The Lonely Star
For My Lady
Falling Sands
Pretty Little Girls
Mystify Me
Interstellar Rockstar
The Pilgrim
Lady Jay
Blind Eye
The King Will Come
Warrior
Throw Down the Sword
Sometime World
FUBB
You See Red
Living Proof
Blowin’ Free
Doctor
Jailbait
FEB 28 2018
The VIntage Years: Spring Tour 2018: featuring Wishbone Ash's There's The Rub, Argus highlights...and more
Martin Turner and his band - Danny Willson, Tim Brown and Misha Nikolic - undertake UK touring throughout March/April 2018. These shows will see the band performing Wishbone Ash's iconic 1974 album "There's the Rub" in its entirety as well as classic tracks from Argus and other Wishbone Ash favourites, together with more recent material from Martin Turner's 2015 studio album "Written in the Stars".
There’s the Rub marked a departure for Wishbone Ash, being their first album to be recorded in the USA (with noted producer Bill Szymczyk of Eagles fame) as well as the debut of new guitarist Laurie Wisefield, who had replaced original member Ted Turner. Featuring regular stage favourites “FUBB” and “Persephone”, as well as deeper album cuts such as “Silver Shoes” and “Lady Jay” the album received rave reviews from the UK media and charted at UK#16. It remains a firm favourite with the band’s loyal fanbase and connoisseurs of classic rock music and is widely regarded as one of the band’s most enduring works.
Martin Turner’s Spring 2018 tour coincides with the release of a deluxe 30-disc Wishbone Ash career retrospective CD boxed-set entitled The Vintage Years 1970-1991 (Snapper Music) as well as Martin Turner’s 2016-recorded 2CD/DVD package The Beauty Of Chaos – Live at the Citadel (DDD via Cherry Red).
Dates are:
16 March Sudbury, Quay Theatre
22 March Twickenham, Eel Pie Club
23 March Kidlington, Football Club
24 March Nuneaton, Queens Hall
30 March York, Fibbers
31 March Derby, Flowerpot
6 April Bromsgrove, Artrix
7 April Swindon, Victoria
8 April Bishops Cleeve nr Cheltenham, Tithe Barn
12 April Glasgow, Ferry
13 April Kinross, Greens Hotel
14 April Hartlepool, Belle Vue Club
15 April Sheffield, Greystones
21 April Barnet, Bull Theatre
NOV 30 2017
Wishbone Ash: The Vintage Years - 30CD boxed set press release and ordering details
The wait is over for Wishbone Ash fans!
The all new deluxe Vintage Years 30 CD box set is loaded with material and available to pre-order now http://found.ee/WishboneAshVintage
Official press release:
In April 2018, Wishbone Ash, one of Britain’s most enduring and best-loved rock acts, are to release a comprehensive deluxe 30 CD box set, The Vintage Years, through Madfish. Loaded with rarities, memorabilia, a new interview and a lavish 156-page hardback book, a third of this new collection features previously unheard & unreleased material.
Following decades of being starved of unreleased material from the true vintage years from Wishbone Ash, fans will soon be able to enjoy the long-awaited, remastered anthology from this esteemed and influential band in its pure quality in both musical and printed content.
This box set is strictly limited to 2,500 copies and includes all 16 studio albums between 1970-1991, all of which feature bonus material including rare album outtakes, B-sides and 12 previously unreleased studio tracks. These are presented in mini-gatefold sleeves. Three of the 16 albums are currently out of print on CD (Nouveau Calls, Here to Hear & Strange Affair). The box set will feature brand new cover artwork designed by Colin Elgie, the original designer behind the award-winning Live Dates sleeve artwork.
There are 3 original live albums (Live Dates, Live Dates Volume Two & Live in
Tokyo) and 8 previously unreleased live albums (on 11 discs) recorded between 1973 & 1980.
1. Portsmouth Guildhall 1973 (2CD) from the Wishbone Four / Live Dates tour
2. Southampton University 1973 from the Wishbone Four / Live Dates tour
3. Edinburgh Usher Hall 1976 from the New England tour
4. Marquee Club 1977 from the Front Page News tour
5. Newcastle City Hall 1977 from the Front Page News tour
6. Bournemouth Winter Gardens 1978 (2CD) from the No Smoke Without Fire tour
7. Guildford Civic Hall 1980 (2CD) from the Just Testing tour
8. Chelmsford Odeon 1980 from the Blowin' Free tour
All music has been remastered from the original multitrack and ¼" tapes, sourced from Martin Turner and Andy Powell's personal collections, and from the Universal Music and Atlantic archives.
Accompanying this thorough collection of repertoire is a 156-page coffee table hardback book written by Classic Rock's Dave Ling, which includes personal photos, rare posters and flyers and collector's memorabilia.
Fans lucky enough to purchase this set also receive: -
• 36-page poster book covering the early years through to Here to Hear.
• Four reproductions of original posters for:
- Christmas at the Palace Dec 1973
- Live Dates European tour – Hamburg Musikhalle 1974
- Europe 1975 tour
- Front Page News tour – Empire Pool Wembley 1977
• A Facsimile MCA debut album promo pack.
• A 7" flexi disc for the single Blind Eye, the first of the 11 Japanese singles series
• Individually signed photos of each band member.
Talking about the release, founder member Martin Turner explains, “I looked after most of these tape recordings for decades, wondering when they would ever see the light of day and I am very glad that they will at last be available for everyone to hear. I wanted to mix the live performances myself, but being a busy chap and not famous for my speediness, we decided to give it all to the wonderful Pete Reynolds whom I believe has done a brilliant job of mixing and remastering a massive collection of work. It’s almost like having one’s whole musical life in one box. It certainly represents the most comprehensive Wishbone collection that I know of and I hope you enjoy it.
Andy Powell agrees, “It’s truly amazing to look back at the musically fertile 70s and 80s and wonder at the sheer amount of incredible creative output from our band. We had great roots and a really strong blue-print for success. I feel blessed to have played my part in it all and I’m truly thankful that it’s set the course for my entire life and all the music that’s followed, as the band continues to live on into the 21st century.”
Rarely is an anthology of this quality ever released… Wishbone Ash: The Vintage Years is so comprehensive and lovingly-compiled, with such beautiful and quality accompanying material … if ever there was a box set not to miss, this is it!
NOV 16 2017
Wishbone Ash: The Vintage Years 1970-1991 30 CD box set
Official flyer advertising the definitive Wishbone Ash boxed set, covering the period 1970-91, online here
SEPT 22 2017
ARGUS THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS - CD reissue with BONUS TRACKS
"Argus Through the Looking Glass", Martin Turner's re-recording of Wishbone Ash's seminal 1972 album "Argus" is re-issued on 3 November 2017 through Cherry Red. This includes four bonus tracks - live versions of "Time Was", "Sometime World" and "Throw Down the Sword" recorded at Cambridge Rock Festival in 2008, as well as an alternative studio mix of "Throw Down the Sword".
Originally released in 2008, "Argus Through the Looking Glass" features performances by Keith Buck, Ray Hatfield, Rob Hewins and Danny Willson, as well as guest performances from the Asia duo of John Wetton and Geoff Downes on "Throw Down the Sword".
Available from:
Amazon CD: http://geni.us/ATTLG
iTunes: http://geni.us/ATTLGdig
JULY 14 2017
MARTIN TURNER to perform VINTAGE WISHBONE ASH albums THEREs THE RUB and WISHBONE ASH in 2018
Following ongoing 2017 touring featuring Wishbone Ash’s seminal 1972 album Argus performed in its entirety, Martin Turner and his band – Danny Willson, Tim Brown and Misha Nikolic - will return to the concert stages in Spring 2018 to perform another classic album from the vintage years of Wishbone Ash – 1974’s iconic There’s the Rub. Specific dates to be announced shortly.
This will follow the release of a deluxe 30-disc Wishbone Ash career retrospective CD boxed-set entitled Wishbone Ash: The Vintage Years 1970-1991 (Snapper Music) as well as Martin Turner's forthcoming 2016-recorded 2CD/DVD package The Beauty Of Chaos – Live at the Citadel. The Spring 2018 tour shows will feature classic tracks from the extensive Wishbone Ash repertoire, as well as new music that remains true to the original Wishbone Ash blueprint plus, of course, a full performance of There’s the Rub.
There’s the Rub marked a departure for Wishbone Ash, being their first album to be recorded in the USA (with noted producer Bill Szymczyk of Eagles fame) as well as the debut of new guitarist Laurie Wisefield, who had replaced original member Ted Turner. Featuring regular stage favourites “FUBB” and “Persephone”, as well as deeper album cuts such as “Silver Shoes” and “Lady Jay” the album received rave reviews from the UK media and charted at UK#16. It remains a firm favourite with the band’s loyal fanbase and connoisseurs of classic rock music and is widely regarded as one of the band’s most enduring works.
It is anticipated that fans will be enthralled by these “vintage album” tours, the likes of which have been so successful for other classic bands. As such this touring period will be followed in Autumn 2018 with further dates, these showcasing the ground-breaking debut Wishbone Ash album from 1970 in its entirety. Further album tours are likely in the future – a genuine last opportunity to hear these much-loved works performed live and in full.
MAY 9 2017
"THE BEAUTY OF CHAOS" TOUR REPORTS SOLD OUT VENUES
Martin Turner's "The Beauty of Chaos" Spring UK Tour is selling out at many of it's venues, and receiving a great response from fans to it's mix of Classic Wishbone Ash tracks (including some which have not featured on recent tours, selected cuts from "Written in the Stars" and of course the complete ARGUS album, celebrating the 45th anniversary of the it's release. Be sure to book tickets for the remaining shows in advance to avoid possible disappointment.
Tour set list:
Runaway
The Beauty of Chaos
Written in the Stars
Errors of my Way
Front Page News
The Pilgrim
FUBB
Silver Shoes
Pretty Little Girls
Mystify Me
Living Proof
Time Was
Sometime World
The King Will Come
Leaf and Stream
Warrior
Throw Down the Sword
Blowin' Free
Doctor
Jailbait
MAY 9 2017
"THE BEAUTY OF CHAOS" TOUR 2017: Wishbone Ash's ARGUS...and beyond - PRESS RELEASE
Martin Turner, founder of the legendary Wishbone Ash, one of Britain’s most enduring and best loved melodic rock acts, announces "The Beauty of Chaos" 2017 UK tour, which will include a rare performance of the seminal Wishbone Ash album, ARGUS, in it’s entirety.
It is 45 years since Argus, Wishbone Ash’s third and most popular album was released when it reached No. 2 in the UK album charts and was named Album of the Year by UK music press. Vocalist & bassist Martin Turner, was the main composer, lyricist and creative force behind this critically acclaimed album, which remains one of the most enduring works of the classic rock era.
Martin Turner’s The Beauty of Chaos tour will also feature classic album tracks and stage favourites from the extensive Wishbone Ash repertoire, as well as material from the recent “Written in the Stars” album that remains true to the original Wishbone Ash blueprint.
Three dates on this tour (Bath, Uttoxeter & Hornchurch) will see Martin & his band perform a select series of intimate un-plugged concerts. With its melodic nature, the classic Wishbone Ash material lends itself ideally to the stripped-down acoustic format. All other shows will be performed in the band’s usual electric format.
Turner says: “My band – Danny, Tim and Misha – and I are looking forward to the upcoming tour. As always fans can expect a mix of songs from various albums – further exploration of the extensive Wishbone Ash catalogue and selected cuts from the more recent “Written in the Stars” album. This time around we will also be including full performance of “Argus”. I’m constantly being made aware how this album still resonates with people and holds a special place in their hearts, some 45 years after its release. This I believe is due to the strong melodic content of the music and the universal themes – everyone can relate to the lyrical references to time, space, war, etc. The album marked a creative peak of the original band, with inspired contributions from all. In 2017 I feel my band has a great empathy for the music and the ability to reproduce the album faithfully onstage in a way that is fresh and exciting.”
Formed in 1969 by Turner and Steve Upton, Wishbone Ash forged a unique musical identity that produced some of rock music's best loved works, influenced numerous successful bands and resulted in millions of album sales.
Live trailer link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WELFWnzMvp0
MAY 9 2017
MARTIN TURNER FOR RAMBLING MAN FAIR
We are pleased to announce tonight's special news. Martin Turner and band will be appearing at the Ramblin' Man Fair, Maidstone on Sunday 30th July 2017. Martin, Danny, Tim and Misha are delighted to be performing classic Wishbone Ash music and more at the UK's pre-eminent classic rock festival.
FEB 14 2017
MARTIN TURNER TO PRESENT CRS AWARDS
We are pleased to announce that Martin Turner will be the guest presenter at the Classic Rock Society's Awards night at Wath-Upon Dearne Montgomery Hall on Sat 4th March.
http://www.classicrocksociety.co.uk/
FEB 7 2017
WISHBONE ASH: THE VINTAGE YEARS UPDATE
Martin Turner and Laurie Wisefield were recently interviewed by journalist Dave Ling at Snapper Music's London headquarters, providing anecdotes for the coffee table book that will accompany the "Wishbone Ash: The Vintage Years 1970-1991" 32-CD boxed set due for release later in 2017. All members of the classic Wishbone Ash line-ups are being interviewed by Dave for this project.
JAN 31 2017
JOHN WETTON R.I.P.
I first became aware of John Wetton in the early 70s when he was with Mogul Thrash who were with the same agent as Wishbone Ash and we played together on some shows. We later on got to know each other at the Buxton festival during the long delays where he was appearing with Family.
At the end of the 70s I was rather angry at Wishbone Ash’s decision to move forward without me, but I was surprised and somewhat pleased to hear that John was going to replace me in the band. I knew that he was a wonderful bass player, had a beautiful voice and was clearly a creatively talented man. It struck me that Wishbone with John on board could very well achieve the commercial success that they wanted. Unfortunately John was underwhelmed at the band's response to his creative input and quickly moved on, eventually forming Asia, whom as we know achieved great things with their music all over the world.
John and Geoff Downes both contributed on my band's recording of the “Argus Through the Looking Glass” album which was a very generous gesture I thought. We had the pleasure of appearing on the High Voltage Festival together in 2010 and travelled together up to John’s appearance at Classic Rock Society’s awards around this time.
Obviously, John like many of us had experienced problems with relationships and alcohol during those hard touring relentless crazy days in the golden years of Rock n Roll, but appeared to come through it all as a sane and grounded person. It was therefore a great disappointment to hear some time ago that he was very ill and although he battled long and hard, eventually it transpired that it was time to leave this world.
We salute your achievements John, and wish you peace and love,
Martin Turner
JAN 1 2017
NEW YEAR MESSAGE
Hi everyone,
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you all for the love and support you have shown over the past year. I hope everyone out there had a great Christmas.
2016 turned out to be one of the busiest years of my career to date, with the greatest number of live shows my band has played in many years, as we toured “Written in the Stars”. The response we have received to both the album and the touring has been overwhelmingly positive. When it comes to artists who have a substantial back catalogue that forms the backdrop of an audiences’ life, it is not always easy presenting new music to the public, so I would like to thank everyone for listening to “WITS” so intently. Ongoing creativity is important to me and we have set out on a course with “WITS” that certainly deserves to be continued. However, at the same time, I understand fully that the Wishbone Ash back catalogue remains dear to our audiences hearts and wish to assure everyone that this will continue to form the core of my live shows. It’s all about getting the balance right, which I as a Libran understand only too well.
As we look forward to 2017, we have another busy year ahead. First on the agenda is the live DVD/CD “The Beauty of Chaos – Live at the Citadel”, a recording of a complete concert in St.Helens from Feb 2016, which features the full “Written in the Stars” album live as well as many Wishbone favourites. We hope to have this ready to coincide with our Spring touring for 2017, although no release date is set as yet. We will be touring throughout 2017 in support of “The Beauty of Chaos” and as a special bonus these shows will also feature a performance of the entire Argus album, as we celebrate the 45th anniversary of the original album’s release. I will also be working on archive Wishbone Ash recordings for the “Wishbone Ash: The Vintage Years” boxed set being released by Snapper Music. As stated before this has the involvement of all original members of the band and I personally will be kept busy remastering classic recordings as well as mixing unreleased concert material from the archives. We’ve uncovered some real gems so far and the plan is to include as part of the package full CDs of some classic concerts from the vaults such as recordings that were made for “Live Dates” and “Live Dates Volume II” but not included in those albums. Again, no release date is set for this as yet – we’ll keep you posted as things develop.
So, we’ll be looking back fondly in 2017 but also moving forwards behind the scenes as we plan to start writing and recording the next studio album. It’s early days as yet, but already there are various musical ideas, themes and working titles kicking around. We plan to get into the studio in between our touring commitments to start developing these ideas and knocking some new music into shape. The experience of working with my band on “Written in the Stars” demonstrated just what talented and creative chaps they all are and we’re all looking forward to the next stage in our creative journey.
Lots of people to thank –
Firstly my extended family - mother, wives, sons and daughters, their partners, brother, sisters and brothers in law and all the magical grand daughters and grand sons, nephews and nieces, cousins, etc and my close personal friends, thank you all for your love and support.
As always I thank my band (Danny Willson, Tim Brown and Misha Nikolic) for making it happen musically as well as being great companions on tour, my manager Martin Darvill and his team at QEDG (Maria Lundy, Daniel Earnshaw, Adam Sargent and Nathan Parsons), my long-time confidante Gary Carter, who in 2016 took on the role of UK concert agent in addition to his existing webmaster duties, broadening our circuit of UK venues considerably, our overseas agents Markus (Germany) and Rudi (Holland), our on-tour team of Mark Emery (aka “Hobbit”, sound) and Sandra Ford (merchandising). We also welcome aboard our new publicist Sharon Chevin at The Publicity Connection. Sharon comes with many years’ experience in the specialist field of rock music publicity and presently handles many name clients. Sharon did a great job on our recent UK tour and we look forward to developing this relationship further in 2017.
Last but not least we can’t let 2016 go without paying tribute to the many great musicians we have sadly lost over the past 12 months – David Bowie, Lemmy (Motorhead), Glenn Frey (Eagles), George Martin, Keith Emerson, Dale “Buffin” Griffin (Mott the Hoople), Prince, Leonard Cohen, Leon Russell, Greg Lake, Rick Parfitt (Status Quo), George MIchael to name just a few. With this in mind, can I just mention that in modern times we seem to have become somewhat disconnected from both birth and death, which clearly was not always the case. They are “life” events, full of intense emotion and mysteriousness that can be quite overwhelming.
I was recently given a book by a Wishbone music enthusiast that dealt with “Regressive Hypnotherapy”- something I am interested to try. It deals with the impact of problems concerning past lives and I found it fascinating to read about so many personal experiences with this process. I am aware that it had quite a positive impact on how I now think of “Death”. Reincarnation is a concept proposed in many religions – Buddhism, Hinduism and Ancient Egypt spring to mind. The book is called “Same Soul, Many Bodies” by Dr Brian Weiss. I am not trying to preach here, merely pointing out something that I think can be beneficial for anyone searching for understanding and help with this inevitable subject.
To conclude - I thought I might mention a relevant quip from the wonderful Carrie Fisher on being asked about ageing –
“My body hasn’t aged as well as I have” - Brilliant - I can completely relate.
Wishing everyone a very happy new year – see you in 2017.
Much Love
Martin