Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash

With millions of album sales and concert attendances worldwide, Wishbone Ash’s heritage as one of the most enduring and best loved British rock acts is assured, while the band’s innovative twin-guitar hallmark has influenced numerous successful rock acts over the years. Fronted by the founding member, lead vocalist and key creative force of the original Wishbone Ash, Martin Turner’s Wishbone Ash remains faithful to the original Wishbone Ash blueprint and, during its live concerts, performs a wide variety of material from the band’s classic album releases.

In a move which is certain to delight Wishbone Ash aficionados and fans of classic rock music in general, 2008 sees Martin Turner revisiting Wishbone Ash’s classic 1972 album Argus. Generally revered as one of the definitive albums of the rock era, Argus won ‘Album of the Year’ awards in celebrated UK music papers Sounds and Melody Maker and was one the best selling UK albums of 1972. As thelead vocalist, bassist and principal song-writing force behind Argus, Martin Turner is delighted to be able to bring his creation to life once more and, in addition to the CD release of a stunning fresh interpretation of Wishbone Ash’s most critically and commercially successful work, Martin Turner’s Wishbone Ash will be making worldwide concert appearances throughout 2008, with the centrepiece of the live show being a performance of the complete Argus album - the first time this rock masterpiece has been performed live in its entirety.

The Argus tour follows Martin Turner’s Wishbone Ash’s highly successful and acclaimed period of UK and European touring throughout 2006/07 to promote their two-part live album New Live Dates. During the Argus concerts, Martin Turner’s Wishbone Ash will perform a two-part set and, prior to the complete performance of Argus, the band will perform a varied selection of material from other classic Wishbone Ash albums.

In addition the band also takes part in a major UK theatre tour during October/November 2008. The Classic Legends of Rock tour teams Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash up with legendary Dutch progressive rock band Focus and UK stalwarts the Groundhogs.

Martin Turner describes working with his current band line-up of Ray Hatfield (guitar/vocals), Danny Willson (guitar/vocals) and Rob Hewins (drums/vocals) as “an extremely rewarding experience on both a musical and personal level, with a positive vibe not unlike the early days of Wishbone Ash. Collectively we have had a great time revisiting many of the classics from the vintage days of Wishbone Ash, recreating the essence of many songs, some of which have hardly ever been performed live, and reminding us all of the diversity contained in the Wishbone Ash back catalogue. I am confident that we have compiled a show that will please all true Wishbone connoisseurs.”

Martin Turner's return to the live stage has clearly delighted the Wishbone Ash fanbase:

“Martin was in fantastic form! This band surpassed everyone's hopes and expectations. The twin harmonies were spot on.”

“The best thing was hearing those bass-lines again. Good to hear a few songs live for the first time.”

“The show was a stormer and the band did more than justice to the songs, many of which I thought I would never again have the privilege to witness live on stage. Martin’s in fine voice and the interplay of his bass with the guitars was a joy.”

“MT and band exceeded all expectations. The band were spot on with just the right feel for Wishbone Ash music..”

“Better than anyone could ever have expected - the best performances of WA classics outside of the Mk.1/2 line-ups. It was quite simply the music as it is supposed to be heard”.

“Martin and band blew us all away. They really were first rate. The two guitarists were incredibly polished and of first division quality.”

“The best Wishbone show I have seen since 1980 - and yes, that includes the original reformed band and definitely anything since.” “Best gig this year, probably this century. Took me back 30 years, can’t believe how good it was to hear those songs sung by the master. I always loved the soul edge in Mart’s voice.”

“The voice is back, and firing on all six.”

“For any Wishbone Ash fans out there, this a must see band. If you fondly remember 1970’s Wishbone, you will not be disappointed. In fact you will be enthralled and inspired as I was tonight.”