www.martinturnermusic.com

MAY 22 2013

It is with great sadness that we received the news that Trevor Bolder has passed away following his battle with cancer, aged 62.

Trevor played bass with Wishbone Ash during the period 1981-83, performing on the Number the Brave and Twin Barrels Burning tours, as well as recording theTwin Barrels Burning album.

Trevor began his career in local bands in his native Hull during the late sixties before finding international success as bassist in David Bowie’s band the Spiders From Mars, alongside guitarist Mick Ronson and drummer Woody Woodmansey, contributing to the classic albums Hunky Dory, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars, Aladdin Sane and Pin-Ups.

Since 1976 Trevor had been an almost constant member of Uriah Heep, taking time out only for his two-year stint with Wishbone Ash in the early eighties. Since debuting on the band’s 1977 Firefly album, Trevor’s bass, vocal and songwriting talents had been a key part of the band’s sound. Key tracks in the Uriah Heep catalogue written by Trevor included “Fools”, “It Ain’t Easy”, “Roller”, “Save It”, “Blood On Stone”, “Dream On”, “Shelter From The Rain”. and “Angels Walk With You”. As a vocalist he was an integral part of the band’s trademark harmony vocal sound both on stage and in the studio, as well as handling the occasional lead vocal and production duty. 

In recent years Uriah Heep shared the same management as Martin Turner’s Wishbone Ash and the two bands performed on the same bill on several occasions. Everyone involved with MTWA remembers Trevor as one of the true gentlemen of the music industry as well a total professional.Uriah Heep’s Mick Box paid tribute to Trevor, describing him as “a world class bass player, singer and songwriter, and more importantly a world class friend. He will be sadly missed by family, friends and rock fans all over the world. We are all numb to the core. Trevor was an all time great, one of the outstanding musicians of his generation, and one of the finest and most influential bass players that Britain ever produced.”

Martin Turner and all involved with MTWA wish to pass on their sincere condolences to Trevor’s family, friends and colleagues. 

Tributes and messages of condolence may be left here: http://www.uriah-heep.com/newa/index.php

A further page featuring tributes to Trevor from within the music industry will be added shortly and updated at regular intervals.

MAY 3 2013

We are pleased to announce that Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash has now finalised its USA tour schedule.

See our live dates page for details of confirmed shows. Please be advised that only shows published on our website can be considered confirmed.

APR 19 2013

It is with great sadness and regret that we have to announce that Storm Thorgerson, co-designer of so many of the iconic classic Wishbone Ash album designs, passed away yesterday, following a period of illness.

As Hipgnosis, Storm together with co-designer Aubrey “Po” Powell, were responsible for some of the most distinctive album designs of the rock era. Hipgnosis’ designs on the classic Wishbone Ash albums such as Argus, Live Dates, There’s the Rub, and New England went hand in glove with the band’s music, and contained images that were as distinctive and memorable as the music contained within the package and held the same level of mystique and intrigue. The same can be said of his work for other artists including Pink Floyd, Peter Gabriel, Genesis, Yes, 10cc, Led Zeppelin and ELP, to name just a few of those he worked with over the course of a career that spanned over four decades.

Martin Turner, who is presently on tour in Germany, offers his sincere condolences to Storm’s family.

Martin shared his memories of Wishbone Ash’s working relationship with Storm in his recent autobiography No Easy Road:

“Storm was a creative powerhouse. He had an artistic pride about him. Whenever we had a meeting with him to discuss ideas for the latest album cover, it would be almost like a session with a psychotherapist. He would get in your face, he would provoke argument, try to find out where you were coming from and where you were headed. I actually enjoyed that part of the process. The album cover design sessions used to be hilarious – they should have been recorded for posterity. There would be everyone screaming and yelling, with Storm conducting the orchestra, cranking everyone up. A certain amount of this was deliberate because the last thing he wanted was for everyone to say “Oh, that very pleasant, let’s go with that.” His psychology was that you don’t get great art unless there is a certain amount of pain involved. Storm’s process usually consisted of him finding two disparate elements, putting them together in some contrived but artistic picture – either photography or an original piece of artwork – and the obliqueness of it would be quite arresting. I always enjoyed working with Storm and Po. They were both great at what they did. Storm had a reputation as being very provocative and a bit of a prickly character but I always loved him. Storm by name, Storm by nature!”

Click here to view an obituary which includes a mention of Argus.

APR 11 2013

We are pleased to announce that Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash will be making its first concert appearances in Japan during July 2013.

The two Tokyo shows mark Martin Turner's first appearances in Japan since 1991. The classic Wishbone Ash line-ups undertook four highly successful tours of Japan in 1975,76,78 and 91.

We can also reveal that the Tokyo shows will feature a special guest appearance by Ted Turner.

Please see the live dates page for details.

APR 6 2013

We regret MTWA's planned show in Carlisle has now been cancelled, due to the retirement of the shows's promoter, who has cancelled all his bookings at the venue. This is beyond the control of MTWA, its management and agents.

APR 4 2013

We are pleased to announce that Martin Turner will return to the stage this Saturday 6 April for MTWA's appearance at the HRH Prog event in Rotherham.

Martin wishes to thank everyone for their support, patience and understanding during the past month.

APR 2 2013

We regret that MTWA's show at the Scene Club, Swansea on 4 April has been cancelled due to venue closure.

This is beyond the control of MTWA and is independent of Martin Turner's illness which has resulted in recent postponements.

MAR 21 2013

We are pleased to confirm re-scheduled dates for the following venues:

Kinross 29th May

Edinburgh 30th May

Bolton 11th April

It is with regret that we have to announce that it has not been possible to re-schedule the St Helens show and this show is now cancelled. As with all the recently postponed dates, Martin Turner expressed that he would like to re-schedule the St Helens show if practical, so as not to disappoint those who had purchased tickets. Regrettably, despite the best efforts of MTWA’s agent, it has not been possible to agree a mutually convenient date with the venue at this stage. Refunds can be obtained at the point of purchase.

Martin remains hopeful that a visit to St Helens can be made at a later date.

Please note it has also been necessary to make a further change to the date of the re-scheduled Lowdham show. This now takes place on 31st May. 

MAR 20 2012

At long last, Martin Turner returns to the United States!

For those of you who are asking whether the rumours of a Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash USA tour are true, we can confirm that we are in advanced negotiations and several venues are indeed on sale.

We will add venue details to the official site when finally contracted - stand by for further news...

MAR 19 2013

There have been many enquiries concerning Martin's health and we are pleased to inform everyone that he is on the mend, but will be respecting medical advice not to return to the stage too early.

As such, we regret it has been necessary to postpone this week's MTWA shows in Kinross, Edinburgh, Bolton and St. Helens.

Please watch this space for news on re-scheduled dates.

MAR 14 2013

We are pleased to announce re-scheduled dates for those shows postponed due to Martin's illness:

10/05/13 Lowdham Village Hall

15/05/13 Wolverhampton Robin 2

19/05/13 Sheffield Greystones

26/07/13 Hullbridge The Touchline

Original tickets will be valid for the re-scheduled shows.

MAR 13 2013

Further to yesterday’s posting concerning the postponement of MTWA’s Sheffield date, we regret to inform everyone that due to his illness Martin Turner will be unable to perform the other shows scheduled for this week in Wolverhampton, Hullbridge and Lowdham.

We are hopeful that shows will be able to be re-scheduled, subject to venue availability. We will pass on any information as soon as it is received.

Martin wishes to thank everyone who has shown support and concern and again apologises sincerely for the obvious disappointment felt by those who had purchased tickets for these shows.

MAR 12 2013

It is with great regret and disappointment that we have to announce that Martin Turner’s Wishbone Ash have been forced to postpone tomorrow night’s show at Greystone’s, Sheffield.

As the many people who witnessed the band’s performances last week will be aware, Martin Turner has been suffering from a severe allergic reaction, affecting his eyes and face. The postponement of last weeks shows in Hessle and High Wycombe was considered, but Martin decided to continue with the performances, despite considerable discomfort, so as not to let down those who had purchased tickets.

Regrettably since the last show in High Wycombe, Martin’s condition has worsened considerably to the point where he is simply unable to perform at the present time and is under medical orders to rest.

The Sheffield date has now been rescheduled for 19 May 2013. Tickets purchased will remain valid for the new date.

Martin regrets any disappointment caused by this – the first time any MTWA show has been postponed for health reasons - and would like to thank all who have supported the No Easy Road 2013 tour so far. He is hopeful of being back in action at the very earliest point in time.

A decision has yet to be made concerning the remaining shows this week, so please check the official website www.wishboneash.co.uk for any updates before departing for shows.

Get well wishes for Martin may be sent by e-mail to contact@wishboneash.co.uk

MAR 6 2013

It is with regret and sadness that we received the news that guitarist Alvin Lee of Ten Years After passed away today. Alvin, of course, toured with Wishbone Ash's Ted Turner and Andy Powell on Miles Copeland's Night Of The Guitars tour in 1988, from which the Martin Turner-produced live album and video were taken.

In his autobiography No Easy Road, Martin Turner remembered fondly his experience of mixing Alvin's material on the live recording: "Alvin Lee was absolutely fantastic. When I went to mix the recordings, I had to do quite a bit of work on every guitarist’s recorded sound with the exception of Alvin’s. He played a Gibson 335 through an old Marshall 50 watt amp. The moment I pushed the fader up, I thought “Wow, what a fantastic sound!” I did have a little twiddle with it to see if it could be improved but in the end I thought “No, this instrument does not need a thing, let me leave it exactly as it is because it sounds beautiful.”

MAR 1 2013

MTWA's No Easy Road - Live Dates 2013 tour opened last night at a packed Beaverwood Club in Chislehurst. The band played a crowd pleasing set including three songs that MTWA has never played live, plus a returning "Lorelei" (the most requested classic WA song in our recent Facebook poll!).

The set list for Chislehurst ran as follows and some variation during the tour is expected.

Set 1: Like a Child (incl extract from The Day I Found Your Love); The King Will Come; Warrior; Prelude; In The Skin; Lorelei; FUBB; No Easy Road

Set 2: Doctor (acoustic); Errors of My Way (acoustic); Broken Down House (acoustic); Hole In My Heart; Sometime World; Right or Wrong; Blowin' Free

Encore: Blind Eye, Why Don't We; Jailbait

FEB 23 2013

Snakecharmer, featuring Laurie Wisefield (Wishbone Ash Mk.II), Micky Moody, Neil Murray (Whitesnake), Harry James (Thunder, Magnum), Chris Ousey (Heartland) and Adam Wakeman (Ozzy Osbourne) have released their debut album through Frontiers. Featuring all original material, the album has already picked up excellent media reviews and fan feedback.

The band have several shows lined up for 2013 commencing with a special album launch show at Islington Assembly Hall, London on 23 February 2013.

Go to the band's official website for full details of upcoming shows and to order the album.

DEC 24 2012

Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash and its team wish to thank you for your support during 2012 and wish you and your families a very Happy Christmas and New Year.

OCT 31 2012

Check out the latest MTWA video footage, recently added to our You Tube Channel, including acoutsic and electric performances from the band's recent Great Torrington concert as well as performance and behind the scenes footage from the MTWA Garden Party, featuring appearances by Ted Turner, Laurie Wisefield and Steve Upton.

OCT 15 2012

Due to overwhelming demand for the No Easy Road autobiography, the initial print run has now sold out. We thank everyone who has purchased the book to date for their support. The book is now being reprinted. Orders may continue to be placed and we will despatch as soon as new stock is available

OCT 4 2012

Wishbone Ash's founding bass player Martin Turner tells his story in 'unprecedented detail', we read on the back cover blurb. And it's true. From his mum almost choking on a pine neut to his friendship with the creator of Bob The Builder and the surprise revelation that the famed Argus album was a reaction aginst the success of 'Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep', Turner leaves no stone, er, unturned.

Despite (or maybe because of) the abundance of minutiae, this is an engaging read from one of rock's genuine nice guys. Even the four-stringer's fractuous relationship with guitarist Andy Powell - who ostensibly nixed a 40th anniversary reunion of the classic line-up - is dealt with sensibly. No outpourings of blind hatred here, Turner's good-natured character always shines through. Yet this doesn't make for a dull read, more an endearing, insightful one.

When mega US management team Leiber-Krebs offered to manage Wishbone Ash in the mid 70s, they wanted 50 per cent of everything. Turner was tempted but the rest of the band rejected the offer. So they signed Ted Nugent instead, 'an unusual and interesting character'. It's Turner's understated talents - and talent for understatement - that makes this such a diverting autobiography.

Review by Geoff Barton, Classic Rock

Add Date here

Check out this great review of the MTWA Garden Party event.

http://www.getreadytorock.com/reviews2012/mt_wishbone_ash_gig3.htm

SEP 20 2012

Ted Turner expresses his own feelings about attending the MTWA Garden Party on his own website. http://tedturnerguitar.com/

Ted is also featured on a forthcoming all-star tribute CD to The Who. Ted's distinctive guitar playing can be heard on 'Bargain'. More details at:

http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/the-who-get-all-star-tribute-album/

SEP 20 2012

Listen to Martin Turner's interview on Rich Davenport's Total Rock radio show. In order to give listeners a taste of Martin's recently released autobiography, No Easy Road, the interview features Martin's recollections of touring with or .encountering many legendary rock bands and artists, including ZZ Top, The Who, Aerosmith and Joe Walsh, along with his choice of song from each band/artist, and a selection of tracks from Wishbone Ash and Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash.

SEP 3 2012

The classic 1970s Wishbone Ash reunion at MTWA's Garden Party is covered on Classic Rock magazine's website. The article includes exclusive interviews with Martin Turner and Steve Upton - the latter giving his first interview since his 1990 departure.