Concert reviews:

Classic Legends of Rock Tour Sept-Nov 2009

Setlist (variable, chosen from): Why Don't We; Runaway; Living Proof; Blind Eye; Jailbait; Phoenix; Time Was; Sometime World; The King Will Come; Leaf and Stream; Warrior; Throw Down the Sword; Blowin' Free;

pic: John Price - Stevenage 7 Nov 2009

Northampton, Royal & Derngate 30 Sept 2009

The set was…

"Living Proof" - Strange one to start a set with, was played fairly well though. Solos were great, this was the first time I'd seen Danny, I think he is great though (just to mention Mr Buck was in attendance to the show as well!).

Medley ("Blind Eye", "Jailbait", "Phoenix") – I didn’t think this was as well rehersed as it should have been and would have preferred to hear the WHOLE of "Phoenix", Still it was really nice to see this idea being used.

"Time Was" - Much more like it!! I was blown away by the vocals on this track, as per usual Martin's bass shone through! I wish I could play like that. Ray did a great job on his parts here and Dave did some amazing fills that did Mr. Upton's original parts justice and then some. Favourite song of the evening.

"Sometime World" – I like this song. I particularly enjoy the second part with that AMAZING bass riff. "He’s playing that AND singing!"’ – Lauren. Nuff said…

"The King will Come" – I thought this was really well done, the whole band was on top form and this song was a highlight for me (it always is).

"Leaf And Stream" – ‘Our song’, played the MTWA version the night we first went out…brings back some very sweet memories, the lead guitar work was stunning. Better than ANY version I have ever heard of this song.

"Warrior" – the a cappella bit was the highlight, Dave's drumming rumbled through like thunder and filled the theatre with such an amazing sound.

"Throw Down the Sword" – Don’t usually stick around for this one (usually hit the bar) but I already had some pop with me so decided to stay. I am so glad I did. Again probably the best version of this song I've ever head.

"Blowing Free" – What can be said? This one always goes down well. The stage lights went out though and the house lights came up, which was distracting when all I could see was dancing people and MTWA were virtually pitch black. Resisted the temptation to dance but had a good sing along in the car on the way home…

The difference between this gig and the 100 Club gig was incredible. 100 was sticky floor and plastic cups, this was sitting down and carpeted floors. MTWA really can play a variety of places and suit the mood perfectly every time. Well done chaps.

After MTWA set we went to say hello to Martin who was very welcoming and we even got a picture which is great! All in all a great night dispite some little lighting issues…!

Ben Barker

Another Place, Crosby - The Three Stooges en route.

Liverpool, Philharmonic Hall 4 October 2009

Arrived just at kicking off time outside the Phil - only to bump into Messrs Hatfield, Willson and Howlett enjoying the evening air - soon to be joined by Mr. Wagstaffe. After a brief discussion regarding the architecture of this very fine venue we hopped it inwards rather sharpish, and my initial bar-heading nose was dissuaded by Ray who suggested I should take in The Strawbs, so I promptly did as I was told and followed Raymondo in.

Well, I'm glad I did because they were on rather fine form. I don't know much about their music at all. In fact it amounts to 2 facts; (a) they had a big single when I was a kid about the "Union Man", and (b) Rick Wakeman used to play for them. However, the trio sporting a variety of acoustic guitars were quite captivating. I would encourage indifferentes like me, to give them a chance - very enjoyable indeed with fine three-part harmonies on some songs and much witty banter in between.

As MTWA took to the stage it was great to hear "Blind Eye" once more and then it was straight into the Argus cycle for what was indeed a rather truncated set - but a fine performance none-the-less. The acoustics in the Phil are first rate and the band bristled with energy. The audience seemed to love every moment. As the cycle neared its end me and Mick looked at each other nervously because Thijs Van Leer is supposed to play Hammond organ on the end of "Throw Down The Sword" - and was nowhere to be seen! I chuckled as Ray looked behind at the empty keyboard array. It was then I saw Mr Darvill move at an unprecedented speed in search of the errant Focus ivory tinkler - obviously successfully, because TVL appeared just in time to join the guitar reprise, and Mick did a great job fading those swirling keys in from nothing...

And then it was all over with the customary Blowin' something song and back to the bar. I had a brief chat with at least one Strawb, MT himself, various band members, Maria, and then settled into observing the delightful, if somewhat obsessive nature of some Showaddywaddy fans who had made the trek to see Mr Willson do his thing with the 'new' outfit. Actually they were a charming couple and it is heartwarming to see people like that following musicians around for the right reasons ... the love of the music.

At some point I remembered that Focus had hit the stage and although their set has not changed much from last year I did want to catch some of it, which I duly did and they were every bit as good as last year.

Howard Johnston

pics: John Price - Stevenage 7 Nov 2009

Peterborough, The Cressett 9 Oct 2009

From the moment the crickets and New England noises were played over the speakers, to the first note of "Runaway", I knew it would be a good one. The first thing that struck me was Martin's vocals, not just the quality of them but the actual tone of them, the PA was very good that night as was the acoustics. The sound was thick and powerful and I was blown away. Ray and Danny did a great job backing him up (Dave may have to although I didn’t see much of him behind the cymbals!)

We got to the Cresset just in time where we met a few familiar faces. One of which was the lovely Maria on the merchandise stand, doing a cracking job as usual.

Set list, as I said, started with "Runaway" which is a great song. Really great. The sound was impeccable (well done Mick). The band then went into the Argus set which, again was great. This is now the third time seeing the band and each time they did Argus. I would like to hear some variation in the set but why change a winning combination I suppose? Highlight for me was "Throw Down the Sword", which you may be surprised at hearing considering I was never overly keen on that one.

Ray and Danny make a great team and every one looks like they are having lots of fun.

Sound quality – very good
Vocals – great, spot on
Bass playing – perfect
Guitar playing – wonderful, last time I saw them I felt that they should have rolled off the high end a little more but the lower frequencies seemed to be boosted this time round. maybe it was due to where I sat I don’t know.
Drumming – Dave used his own kit this time and it sounded better than last time (it sounded amazing actually). Last time I thought the snare drum didn’t sound quite right for his playing style but this time…SPOT ON. Great guy too.

All in all, I had a wonderful time, with great music and great company.

Ben Barker

pic: John Price - Stevenage 7 Nov 2009

Chesterfield, Winding Wheel 11 Oct 2009

A short review from me as I've just got back from the Winding Wheel. (Acoustic) Strawbs got us underway, I didn't actually recognize any of their stuff - it was quite enjoyable although musically it's not really my bag.

MTWA got us underway with "Runaway" followed by the Argus set which was what I had expected. Great interplay between the guys with Ray on fire and Danny's playing excellent as usual, in fact they all played to their usual high standards. There were quite a few folks in the place and they went down very well. Focus were their usual wacky self, great playing and very odd, but I'm very fond of the band's music.

All in all well worth the money and it was nice to meet one or two forum members. A special thanks to MT himself for finding the time to come up to the balcony and personally say goodbye, very unexpected, and very nice of you mate! I hope to watch the band again soon but it will be unlikely on this tour for me unfortunately. Best of luck with the rest of the tour guys, thanks for a great evening yet again and best wishes to you all.

Tony Clark

Thijs Van Leer of Focus joins Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash on stage for "Throw Down the Sword". Pic: Gary Carter - Swindon 5 Oct 2009

Yeovil, Octogon 13 Oct 2009

In the absence of any South Wales dates this tour, i made it across the border to catch last night's show in Yeovil. Lovely venue with nice acoustics, I don't think I've heard MTWA sound any better than this, either in audio quality or band performance. Like many, I admit I long for the band to start introducing some new and/or new-old material and was unsure as to whether or not I'd enjoy another Argus. Having said that I was surprised by the introduction of some new twists to the usual arrangements, so while it was the same music we've been hearing for the past couple of years, with the new injections, it still remained fresh and exciting as an evolving piece (almost leaving you wishing Argus Through The Looking Glass had been recorded NOW with these enhancements in place). I refer to Danny's beautiful third part harmony added to the "Time Was" intro, more three part in the "change your way of living" section, Danny harmonising with Martin on the last verse of "Leaf and Stream" and Thijs Van Leer (us guys of Dutch descent do get around!) adding Hammond at the end of "Throw Down the Sword". I'm usually of the opinion "if it ain't broke why fix it", but MTWA have proven that an old work can be enhanced to great effect without ever losing track of what made it special in the first place. I STILL long for some new music and new oldies next year, BUT if this is to be the last time Argus is played, then what a way to go out. I don't honestly think any line-up of WA, including the original, could top this. The vocal harmonies were of Crosby Stills and Nash quality, as were those by the Acoustic Strawbs earlier in the evening.

Lee Van Streem

pic: John Price - St.Albans 1 Nov 2009

Truro, Hall for Cornwall 15 October 2009

I wanted to congratulate Martin and the band on an excellent performance in Truro last night; a full run through Argus took me right back to 1974 for a fantastic hour. I'm sitting playing the real thing on my PC right now, and drinking coffee from my new Argus mug. There were a lot of hardcore Wishbone Ash fans there. You could look along the rows and see some rockers beating the bejasus out of their air guitars, and between them, bemused folkies who'd come to see the Strawbs and thought Argus was a catalogue store. Let's hope there were many converts. The layout of the Hall for Cornwall does a band no favours either – steeply tiered seats which don't allow you to get up and express yourself freely... and of course, we're not as young and mobile as we once were. We'd have been better off with standing room only and a bit of flat ground to stomp on. The band worked incredibly hard to carry the concert to the highest level, and they made a lot of old geezers very happy. Here's to the next time!

The others weren't bad either; David Cousins still sounds like the David Cousins of 30 years ago, and they did "Grave New World" and "Lay Down"; Thijs van Leer is a one-off, an eccentric and hugely accomplished performer who surrounds himself with equally competent musicians, and of course they did "Hocus Pocus" and "Sylvia". But for my money it was Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash's night. Thanks for coming to Cornwall.

Pat Malone

Our illustrious leader - backstage in Truro 15 Oct 2009

OK I honestly don't know how I will be able to put yesterday evening's events into words...but I'll try!

Dad and I have some things in common, such as some musical taste (well most of it, I suppose) but there's one thing we don't share. He hates being anywhere early...and I tend to be early for everything. So as you can imagine with a 90 minute drive ahead of us, it took a lot of please-ing to eventually persuade him to get in the car. Finding the venue and the car park was surprisingly easy. And we arrived at about 7:15?. We met Ray, Mick and Danny before we'd even got to the venue and it was lovely to talk to them! A big thank you to them for chatting, and to Mick for showing me the sound desks etc - I don't know if he'll get to read reviews but THANK YOU! if you do. I also bumped into Gary outside which was a nice surprise - yet another thank you for a chat!

First up (after breaking the news to dad that we were in the third row where I had booked rather than near the back where he wanted to be) were the Strawbs. Fantastic!!! A really, really lovely sound. I loved their material before, but now I do so even more - very unique sound with the acoustic set up - but very full sound. The set included: "Grave New World", "Ghosts", "Lay Down", "Oh How She Changed" and "Autumn" (my favourite).

I think it was running late or something because MTWA came directly on. The whole of Argus - as heard on Through the Looking Glass - so with "Blowin' Free" at the end. It was superb! the sound was perfect - extremely tight, just...wonderful. Ray's playing seemed even more confident and expressive than I remember from last time! and I can't really comment on Dave and Danny in such a way, because I hadn't seen them play before. But I was most impressed. Everthing was spot on! The way in which they went from "Warrior" to "Throw Down The Sword" was a nice touch, and I loved the version of "Sometime World". The solos on that stood out.

A daft moment (well, one of several) from Danny was when he got the audience all clapping in time, and then - to my right there were the side stalls, which were empty as they were serously restricted views - so he came right to the edge of the stage and shook his fist at the "occupants" for not joining in. Mad I tell you, but he was very nice. As usual with MTWA, mind you, it all happened too quickly! and with a brief appearance from Martina Turner, it was all finished.

Out to the lobby for signing - great to speak to Martin again. Insane, but sweet as ever. I should imagine he now has cramp from all the autographs he had to do, though, as there was quite a queue!

Last up, Focus - wonderful, wonderful musicians and they didn't disappoint though, unfotunately, by this point, I was absolutely shattered. The set included "Eruption", "Sylvia", "Hocus Pocus", some strangely titled yodelling song and "Focus 3" but unfortunately with an 11pm curfew and a late start, they didn't have too long to play. So with flute in one hand and Hammond organ in the other, Thijs literally watched his watch and played until the stroke of 11! Their guitarist Niels van de Steenhoven is something else. Mind you, there were 5 outstanding guitar and 3 bassists in the theatre that night, so really it stands to reason! With the last notes of "Focus 3", however, time was up and the place erupted (no pun intended). It was a great evening but over so very quickly!! I managed to steal a quick autograph from Niels as he went to the lobby, which was lucky as I wouldn't have had time to stand with about 60 others. But the lady working there had told me that there was no way I could have gone across and asked him from the stage...fair enough...but I hadn't the heart to tell her I'd already been on it. It was now about 11:30 and we really had to start to think about getting home ASAP.

That was, of course, until we came across Dave and Martin in the van stuck behind a retractable bollard which er...well, which wasn't! We had another quick chat with them - begging them to return to somewhere more south than Yeovil again before too long and I managed to aquire the last of the four's autograph's (Dave - who thought he'd got away with it!) through the van window - must have felt like one of the Beatles. But with one last goodbye we trecked back to the car and on back to Plymouth.

Sarah Warren

Leaf and Stream - Ray and Danny, Cornwall 16 October 2009.

High Wycombe, Swan Theatre 26 Oct 2009

First time of seeing MTWA for me and not in any way disappointed. This band takes the best ingrediants of the original/classic Wishbone Ash, reproduces and IMPROVES upon them. What more could a fan of the old band like myself ask for. Well, a kiss from the main man maybe...and he was even happy to oblige in that department (I would happily have settled for an autograph).

Martin has put together a first rate band, the guitarists were top notch, the vocal harmonies like I've never heard in WA before and not at any point did I find myself missing any former members (as much as I respect their original contribution). Martin's lead voice was very strong, of the quality I remembered but with the added benefit of maturity. And the bass lines....what can i say...who needs superlatives, let the notes speak for themselves....

Although I'd not been to a WA show for many years and didn't really know what to expect, I'd seen clips of various line ups playing this stuff on the net and nothing really quite comes close to this. The guest spot on "Throw Down The Sword" from Thjis Van Leer was an added bonus as was the singing of happy birthday to drummer Dave Wagstaffe (who, close your eyes, and it would have passed for Steve Upton on the "skins").

Thanks Martin, band and all involved for a great night, will definitely be back for your next tour whenever that may be.

Carrie O'Khee

pics: John Price - St.Albans, 1 Nov 2009

Newcastle, Journal Tyne Theatre 28 Oct 2009

It’s the 28th and the Legends tour fetches up tonight in the beautiful tightly knit Victorian auditorium currently known as The Tyne Theatre. It’s been home to music hall, drama, pantomime, music of every kind and - for a sad brief time in the early seventies - purveyor of adult films to the discerning local rubber mac brigade but tonight it’s “classic” rock from some of the great innovators of the genre.

Tonight there’s a good atmosphere and an intimate feel to the night as a three-man Strawbs lift the curtain with some perfectly pitched pastoral songs of love and loss and the passing seasons. The playing and harmonising is exemplary and any danger of over sincerity is undercut by Dave Cousins’ gentle between song badinage and they receive a great reception.

MTWA next and the atmospheric build up to the first song leads me to think they’re going to open with “Runaway” but no, it’s straight and no chaser into Argus with a spirited and colourful “Time Was”: “Sometime World” was even better; I was sitting at the front to the left of the row and maybe it was my proximity to the PA but I’ve never heard Martin play bette r- either on record or live - in my life. Ray took off with that soaring solo midway and it was if Martin was after him; over and over they seemed to bob and weave, Ray’s spiralling guitar beautifully counterpointed by Martin’s frenetic but controlled bass; it's the stuff which transcends the moment - the magic which made us fall in love with Wishbone Ash music in the first place and you suddenly realise it's happening all over again in front of you and heart just soars. It was easily the most thrilling ensemble playing I’ve enjoyed since the band's knock out version of “The Pilgrim” at London’s Jazz Cafe a while back (another sonic tour de force!). Danny was next in the spotlight to launch an emphatic “The King Will Come” - the intro seems to be a rite of passage for all incoming WA guitarists and Danny has put his own stamp on the song. Next up (can you guess? 2 points for the title, howsaboutthatthenguysandgals) was of course “Leaf & Stream”. Step forward Ray at this juncture to essay quite the best "Leaf & Stream" solo I’ve ever had the pleasure to witness. Ray pulled off a quite inspired melodic improvisation on the original solo; biting and yet haunting, full of invention and yet in keeping with the song’s autumnal feel. At the end Danny was moved to comment “The man is HOT tonight”. He was! The rest of the set moved majestically on to the hymnal resolution of “Throw Down The Sword” (and Thijs van Leer’s plaintive keening keyboard backdrop to the final dual guitar interplay of Ray and Danny was just perfect). After that it was the boogie of “Blowin' Free” (loved Ray's new "police siren" solo!) and “Jailbait” with the usual shenanigans up front and the crowd left shouting for more. I should say that Dave (hidden from my view at least by Thijs’ formidable organ) was solid and inventive all night - both on drums and in the harmonies.

Next were Focus; they were great - especially on a stunning “Sylvia”- but I’ve blathered on enough. A very good night and well worth the money. For me I’m looking for a reboot of the full MTWA experience in 2010 but this was a great final live Argus for me. Thanks to the band for making it breathe again.

Keith Stoddart

pic: John Price - St Albans, 1 Nov 2009

St Albans, Alban Arena 1 Nov 2009

22/4/1972 - St Albans Civic as it was known then, was my first WA gig and coming back 37 years later to see MT perform there again was greatly anticipated. I confess to being a tad disappointed - not with the band or the music, but I was in the 'uninterrupted 2 hour show' mode and of course this was a triple bill. Wrongly, I think, MT was mid bill so we only had an hour to savour. But this was my first MT gig and it was great hear The Voice of WA in such fine form and still the real dandy if the white suit/shoes are anything to go by! Argus complete plus "Jailbait", beautifully played with the guitars incredibly faithful to the WA sound. The fact that I can see MT less than 40 minutes drive from home and almost 40 years on is not lost on me that's for sure. Bloody marvellous, thank heavens they still want to get out there and do it. Focus were amazing for all sorts of reasons, mainly that Thijs Van Leer is barking and the rest of them looked like they'd inhabited a small darkened room for far too long!

Budiggle

Bilston, Robin 2 5 Nov 2009

Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous.

Has to be one of the best gigs I have been to. It may have been Bonfire Night, but the fireworks were on display on the stage, which was lit up by the brilliance of three superb bands all playing at the top of their game.

I hadn't seen the Strawbs live since circa 1972/73 (electric back then, with a young Rick Wakeman on keyboards), but the superb musicianship, vocal harmonies and folk-rock sound produced was memorable.

Next up, Mart and the boys. O.K. Argus is getting a little old now, and it is all I have heard from the band for the last year plus, but somehow that still make it so fresh and alive. I really like the interplay between and Ray and Danny and a bit of showmanship, put pure entertainment. Mart's vocals were spot on and he really got the crowd rocking. Nice touch to see Thjis van Leer taking stage to do the keyboards on end of "Throw Down the Sword".

Lastly, but not least, Focus played a fantastic set and were really in synch with each others playing. Thjis is a great showman and musical maestro. Just wonder how his ancient Hammond stands up to it all (I noticed the tape holding it together!). Their drummer is fantastic and definitely of the old school of players (Steve Upton included) who have a real feel for ryhthm and don't just sit there bashing away.

All in all, a great night, appreciative audience, great live music venue.

Gus

End of tour party, Buxton - Danny and Ray with Chas Cronk and Dave Lambert of the Strawbs (above). Band with MTWA sound engineer Mick Howlett (below).

Buxton, Opera House 8 Nov 2009

This gig was UNBELIEVABLE! From The Strawbs throught to Focus it was just mesmeric, but MTWA were without doubt, the show stoppers. What a fantastic night it was, culminating in Focus deciding to have Thyss van Leer accompanying the band on his trusty Hammond, whilst Bobby and Niells provided a show stopping dance routine at the back of the stage!! Priceless.

Of course, not wishing to let the moment pass, Martin and the band ably assisted the boys from Focus in their own inimitable way! Danny, almost naked, Martin donned a cape and lamp shade (honest), Ray pushing Danny on stage in a wheel barrow,just in his underpants, and Dave doing his best to be inconspicuous in whatever other garb could be found back stage. It was a fitting way for all the bands to end what was without doubt a fantastic tour, and to top it all their was an after show party back at the hotel in the company of the the one and only Mr. Martin Darvill.

Thanks for a night I will never forget boys, and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year. God bless you all.

Rob Holt

MTWA prepare for surprise "grand entry" during Focus set - Buxton 7 Nov 2009

Live photography - as credited. On tour photography by Maria Lundy, Dave Wagstaffe, Danny Willson, Ray Hatfield and Mick Howlett.

above pics: Gary Carter, Basingstoke 2 Oct 2009

above pics: Gary Carter - Swindon 5 Oct 2009

above pics: Gary Carter - Tunbridge Wells 16 Oct 2009

above pics: John Price, St.Albands 1 Nov 2009

above pics: John Price, Stevenage 7 Nov 2009

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