The Rise and Fall of Wishbone Ash: From Twin Guitar Pioneers to a Band Divided
The Rise and Fall of Wishbone Ash: From Twin Guitar Pioneers to a Band Divided
Wishbone Ash emerged from a Devon‑based rhythm section that struggled to find a guitarist. In 1969, bassist Martin Turner and drummer Steve Upton moved to London, hired manager Miles Copeland, and auditioned two guitarists. The decision to keep both Andy Powell and Ted Turner created a twin‑guitar sound that would shape progressive rock and inspire future metal giants.
Origins and Twin Guitar Innovation
The band’s name was chosen by drawing “wishbone” and “ash” from separate piles of paper, reflecting their democratic ethos. Their self‑titled debut, recorded at Dellay Leah Studios and released in December 1970, reached number 29 on the UK charts. Songs such as “Blind Eye” and the sweeping “Phoenix” showcased interlocking harmonies in thirds and fifths, a technique that set them apart from contemporaries. A pivotal moment came on May 18, 1970, when Andy Powell traded licks with Deep Purple’s Richie Blackmore during a soundcheck, leading Blackmore to recommend the band to producer Derek Lawrence.
Peak with Argus
By 1972, Wishbone Ash had become a touring powerhouse, sharing stages with The Who and Black Sabbath. Their third album, Argus, released April 28, 1972, peaked at number three on the UK charts and earned “album of the year” honors from several publications. Tracks like “Blowin’ Free” and “The King Will Come” became radio staples, and the album’s twin‑guitar counterpoint influenced Iron Maiden’s early harmony work. The cover art, featuring a lone warrior in a Welsh valley, added to the album’s mystique.
Decline, Legal Battles, and Legacy
The pressure to replicate Argus led to a shift toward simpler rock on Wishbone 4 (May 1973), which received mixed reviews. Internal tensions grew, and Ted Turner departed on May 2, 1974. Subsequent lineup changes, relocation to the United States, and a 2013 court ruling that awarded Andy Powell the trademark name fractured the group further. Despite legal disputes, the twin‑guitar architecture remains a hallmark of progressive and metal music.
Key Facts
- Formed in 1969 by Turner, Upton, Powell, and Turner.
- Debut album (1970) reached UK #29.
- Argus (1972) peaked UK #3 and influenced Iron Maiden.
- Twin‑guitar harmony pioneered interlocking counterpoint.
- 2013 court ruling granted Andy Powell exclusive use of the Wishbone Ash name.
FAQs
Q: What made Wishbone Ash’s twin guitar sound unique?
A: The band used interlocking harmony lines in thirds and fifths, creating a counterpoint system that treated each guitar as a melodic voice, a technique that was rare in rock at the time.
Q: Did the original members ever reunite?
A: In 1987, all four founding members recorded Neuvo Calls, an instrumental album, but subsequent legal and personal disputes prevented a lasting reunion.
Conclusion
Wishbone Ash’s pioneering twin‑guitar approach reshaped rock’s sonic landscape, inspiring generations of musicians. Though the band’s unity dissolved under creative and legal pressures, their music - especially Argus - continues to resonate with fans worldwide.