Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash - Official Site: Live Dates

Tour Archives (1969-present)

Concert reviews:

Life Begins Tour 2010

Setlist (variable, chosen from): The King Will Come; Vas Dis; Ballad of the Beacon; Rock n Roll Widow; Sorrel; Everybody Needs a Friend; Blind Eye; Phoenix; Sometime World; Lost Cause in Paradise; Errors of my Way; Ships in the Sky; Persephone; You See Red; Warrior; Throw Down The Sword; Blowin' Free; Time and Space; Living Proof; Jailbait

pic: Maria Lundy, Skegness 31 Jan 2010

Chislehurst Beaverwood Club 28 Jan 2010

Busy club/pavilion with people coming in all times up to and beyond the 8.30 start. Seating at tables along the front of house, already occupied at 7.45; but the ladies there did get up and jig around at Mart's request from "Jailbait" onwards (their larger partners stayed put!).

I particularly liked the run of four Wishbone Four songs in the first set. Bass work on several songs was dynamic, some great playing by Mart on "Ballad of the Beacon" and "Throw Down The Sword" particularly. Similarly I enjoyed (as did others I spoke to) the trade offs and interplays in singing and harmonies, with Ray taking lead on "Errors of my Way" and Danny on several others in part/whole. "Ships in the Sky" fully 'new' to me, as I've not got No Smoke Without Fire...yet.

Lots of smiles, fun and interplay on stage - respect to the boys for learning so many new songs, which can only get (even) better as the tour progresses and full familiarity is honed. Great 'encore' song sequence!

Hull Mick

London 100 Club 29 Jan 2010

I really think The 100 Club might well be becoming MTWA's spiritual home, since on each of the three occasions I have seen them there (each with a slightly different line-up as it happens) they have really risen to the occasion and really rocked the ruck out of the place. There is something special about the venue with its history (even though it has the most un-rock'n'roll entrance lobby you have ever seen and is a bloody weird shape with columns everywhere) and sweat-drenched walls and floors.

I suppose it is special when you play the capital - in the city where Wishbone Ash was first given life - and the crowd is very enthusiastic in that place. I actually spoke to a few people who I didn't know but recognised their faces from the two previous visits. They might be 100 Club regulars for all I know - but they were certainly MTWA regulars.

Into the venue at about 8:45 bumping into Maria and Gary with assorted MTWA band members, MT family members, and other MTWArriors around with only 10 minutes or so to wait before the band hit the stage - perfect timing I'd say!

No messing around we were straight into "The King Will Come" which taken away from its by now familar Argus cycle reverts to a fine set-opener. Then came the first of many nice surprises that night the first time (I think) I have ever seen Martin perform "Vas Dis". I don't know how others responded to this but it was one of those moments for me that transported me right back to my earliest listening days of WA - when I detected something rather different about WA - that weird mix of folk, blues, rock and, in this case, jazz. Next, another welcome appearance - the wonderful "Ballad Of The Beacon" (always a Wishbone Four fave of mine and one of the original Live Dates tracks) with Ray offering a deeper, richer take on the AP vocal part and Mart and Danny leaping into the response part. Next up was Danny's turn with a song I have been waiting an age to hear again - "Rock And Roll Widow". So pleasing to see the introduction of these fine Wishbone Four numbers completed by tasteful versions of "Sorrel" and "Everybody Needs A Friend". The first set was rounded off by two old favourites - staples now of any MTWA gig - "Phoenix" and "Blind Eye". You either get the little birdy song (as MT dubbed it) or you don't (and I know a few don't) but for me this song epitomises Wishbone Ash. An excellent and energetic outing which has an interesting twist these days - believe me, you haven't heard this song until you have witnessed Ray Hatfield's spoons solo! Perfect. And so an entirely WA#1 set climaxed with two tracks from the debut album leaving the audience more than satisfied...

During the intermission I heard that Kid Jensen had showed up and also saw Dave Ling from Classic Rock. In fact I was told all sorts of important music figures were there - but since I didn't really know any of the names - it all sounded like facts and figures to me.

For the second set I joined Mr. Mick EQ Howlett in the sound booth from where I struggled to get a few photos (to be posted later). Mick was enjoying himself and as usual defying the non-acoustically designed venue and getting a mighty powerful sound. As others have said - the bass was blasting away centre-stage (as it should in any proper WA soundscape) cutting through with the finely balanced harmony guitars flanking it - all held together with nicely syncopated drums. All four musicians were on fine form. Martin, as we all know, kicks the rock out of his "viking longship" and reinforces my own view that WA were ALWAYS a three-guitar band. Almost everybody I spoke to commented upon the power of that bass sound. If you don't like the bass - then you don't get the band in my opinion. That prowling, growling sound was there from day one back in 1969/70 - at those first gigs and on that debut album - and long may it continue to be so. No Martin Turner on up-front bass guitar ... no Wishbone Ash - plain and simple...

But let us not forget the other guys. Both Ray and Danny add their own respectful, yet personal approach to the history of Wishbone Ash guitarists and playing - and their on-stage jinks bring a welcome dose of very British tomfoolery reinforcing the essential English/Britishness of the band and its ethos. They both make it look effortless. Danny, interestingly admitted to the excitment of playing some of this stuff for the first time on this tour - Ray as ever (Martin's reliable first lieutenant) performs with consumate ease - a MTWA veteran of 4.5 years. New guy Dave is really settling in, bringing his understated yet perfectly precise style into play with some nice flourishes and underpinning.

The featured numbers opened up the timeline somewhat with a welcome airing for one of MT's autobiographic numbers "Lost Cause In Paradise", although I must admit I don't really see the need for the keyboard backing tape. It might be an essential part of the studio original, but it would be nice to hear it in a more raw state with the interesting business then of having to think up a way to start it up. Right back again to the first album with another long-absent number "Errors Of My Way". Perhaps not an obvious live number this one with its waltz-time - but a good one for the audience to sway to. Even more welcome was the performance of a song I don't believe WA#2 ever actually did live - "Ships In The Sky". The great thing about small clubs is that you can do numbers which work well in a more intimate setting - that might not have seemed obvious live tracks in a stadium or auditorium. This song is a great example of that. Like perhaps "Lady Jay", it has that moody intro and is a perfect showpiece for the vocal harmony qualities of this band. A surprising choice perhaps - but one which amply demonstrates the great spectrum that was the music of Wishbone Ash. Another aspect of this which "Ships in the Sky" and the following number - the brilliant stomping "You See Red" (as well as the choice of encore) is the crucial role Laurie Wisefield played in the development of Wishbone Ash music - as one of the three principal writers (alongside Martin and Ted). There is no doubt that some of the best live WA songs that really get the audience going are LW numbers. Back to WA#1 now and the closing part of the Argus cycle with strong performances of both "Warrior" and "Throw Down The Sword". For songs that this band must have played a great many times now - there is surprising resilience in these numbers and their enthusiasm for them appears to be undiminished (especially MT who must have done them thousands of times over the years).

A rousing version of "Blowin' Free" brought the second set to its conclusion and with the quickest visit to the dressing room on record (!!!) - the band launched into the encore with the excellent vehicle for this role - "Time And Space". I am so pleased to see this underated number return. I thought it was a great song when it was added when Keith and Rob were still in the band (I still remember a brilliant performance of it at the M Club in Crewe). For me it is the missing 8th Argus song with its lyrical references to similar themes from that album and really takes off on stage. Straight into LW's "Living Proof" (what WA show would be complete without it?) - the ever rousing anthem - before diving right back to the early days with the closer "Jailbait".

All the WA#1 albums were present and correct then with three songs from Wishbone Ash / two from Pilgrimage / four from Argus / four from Wishbone Four. WA#2 (and WA#1R) was less well represented with nothing from There's The Rub, Locked In, New England, Front Page News, Nouveau Calls or Strange Affair and only one track each from No Smoke Without Fire, Just Testing and Here To Hear. Hopefully this will change as the tour progresses (as MT has suggested it might). I would like something from every album - in the 40th year of celebrating the music of Martin, Ted, Laurie, Steve and Andy - it would be good to hear from right along the timeline - particularly from WA#2 and WA#1R. Therefore I'm putting in a request for the return of "Rest In Peace" and "Outward Bound", and introduction of "Don't Come Back", "Right Or Wrong" and "Walk On Water" for starters (please?).

Howard Johnston

pics: Maria Lundy, Skegness 31 Jan 2010

Skegness, Rock n Blues Festival 31 Jan 2010

Thanks for a great show at Butlins. Always frustrating when you have to 'cherry pick' the set to fit into an hour. We were especially impressed with Danny, who seems to have have really come on in terms of vocals AND playing. We last saw you at the Rhythm Fest where, I suspect, there were problems with the vocals monitors because the vocals were 'not quite'...but yesterday almost perfect!

John and Pauline Alderdice

Cardiff The Globe 3 Feb 2010

Fantastic evening with MTWA last night. What a show, what a set list, what a performance.

I must admit I was concerned when I'd read that Martin had returned from Greece with a cold, but you would never have guessed that from tonight's show. His voice was strong and powerful, and he sang with great passion and feel and with near flawless pitching.

The band as a whole mastered the new material very well. I was surprised to find so many different tracks in the set when compared with last years show (usually a couple of variations being made from one tour to another in the past). And this is the real PLUS for this tour. In the 40th anniversary year MTWA are pulling out all the stops and giving us anoraks a dream set list yet also pleasing the casual audience by including all the songs that they just "have" to play (ie. "Blowin' Free", "Jailbait", "Living Proof", "Warrior", "The King Will Come", etc). I hope MTWA will continue the practice of putting a new brace of songs in each year, as the back catalogue is so deep with so many hidden treasures. MTWA seems to have the ability to tackle ANY aspect of the WA catalogue and do it well. All of the fresh additions were beautifully performed and of the returning songs, "Everybody Needs a Friend" was particularly welcome, as was "Lost Cause in Paradise" as a representation of the often-overlooked reunion era. The only track I could have done without would be "You See Red". Although played and sung well, it has been done a lot over the past few years and is getting a little stale IMO. Would like to have heard another never or rarely played (by MTWA) song instead.

I could single out individual performances from the guys, but you all know what the deal is by now. What I will say is that all in all this was probably the most enjoyable MTWA show I've attended since the first gigs in 2006. Fantastic sound quality, so top marks to Mick Howlett for his knob twiddling skills.

The only slight disappointment was in the sartorial department. I'd seen pictures of the band in London and thought Mart looked ultra-cool in that tassled leather jacket and black kecks - every bit the classic rock star. So was surprised when he came out in the white suit and skull shirt. Admittedly he looks great in them, but he's been wearing these since the mid nineties. New year, new tour, new set of songs, so how about a new look to go with it, Mart (or what about dyeing the white suit pink, that would be different)?

Life Begins. Nice title, great show.

Lee Van Streem

pic: John Price, Skegness 31 Jan 2010

York Fibbers 5 Feb 2010

I think I can honestly say that I am addicted to Wishbone Ash music after a three year apprenticeship. I was introduced to the band via Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash after the shock and awe of seeing the Buck, Hatfield, Hewins, Turner line-up reproducting some of WA's finer moments with considerable skill. It's interesting to remember how good the first lineup sounded and yet how nervous they looked. Martin led from the front of course but Ray and Keith were a little subdued in the background...playing beautifully but absorbed in concentration.

What a difference three years makes. Last night's gig was a revelation (which was a revelation after three years of revelations). Martin now has a band rather than three competent backing musicians. Vocal harmonising is superb with the full range covered expertly. The added bonus is that Ray and Danny have very good voices, accurate but full of character. Guitar playing is simply magnificent. Both guitarists are technically astonishing in my humble opinion. I've rarely seen the guitar played so effortlessly.

Most of all now I can see that Martin has three personalities beside him. It was great to see the relaxed banter on stage. You could sum it up with the word fun. The band are having a ball and that comes across to the audience.

The venue Fibbers is quite tiny. There is a raised section to the right of the stage just infront of the mixing desk which was where I stood and got a great view. The venue was busy and pretty noisy at times. There was a fair amount of singing from the audience which helped to create a great atmosphere.

"The King Will Come" is one of my favourite WA songs. It opened the set with very good vocals. Danny taking the high AP parts. And then on to "Vas Dis" with it's improbable scat singing, beautifully done. I think this song helped me to realise one thing about WA music and that is that (albeit to me) it just isn't right unless it has Martin's bass. And that bass has to be prominent in the mix, clear as a bell and played with aggression. It really is the third lead guitar of the band. Anything less is not 'the real deal'. Kudos for the sound mix last night.

"Ballad of the Beacon" was beautiful and kicked off a four from four section. Ray has a deep but soulful voice that seemed appropriate for the song. "Rock n Roll Widow" was awesome. It has a grand stadium rock introduction and the hand over to Danny for lead vocals was well thought out. I thought his voice sounded remarkably similar to Ted. Great slide playing from Ray.

"Everybody Needs a Friend" was the song the friend I'd come with had always wanted to hear. He was a very happy man. I have to admit that I'd wondered if Martin could pull it off as it has some very high notes but that problem section was slightly altered and the whole was wonderfully moving.

Running out of steam to cover ever song (you may be glad to hear).

Really enjoyed "You See Red" from the second half. Danny's vocals really made me see this song in another light. The instrumental section had an assured confidence and the solos were blistering.

"Ships in the Sky" was moody and atmospheric. Have to say that the talkers standing near me spoilt the song a bit. Interesting to hear Martin take the lead vocal. The mini Argus set was wonderful. Nice touch for Martin to dedicate "Warrior" to troops far and wide as I have a friend serving in Afghanistan. Small gestures like that can be very meaningful. I thought Martin's vocal during "Warrior" was very strong. I was surprised at how good "Blowing Free" was. This is not my favourite track but it seemed to rock like crazy last night.

The encore came too soon and then we were off. Not before due thanks to Steve Upton, Ted Turner and the 'GREAT' Andy Powell. That to me sums up Martin's approach to his band which is to respect the original WA members and legacy, nothing more nothing less. Martin's band is not Wishbone Ash but with the members he has now and the form he is in now I think it must convey some of the excitement of the original.

Lucius

pics: John Price, Skegness 31 Jan 2010

Southampton, The Brook 11 Feb 2010

Hadn't originally intended going to this one, but managed to blag a stop over with some relatives who live local. So made it out of Wales and across to Southampton and arrived at the venue just in time to catch the tail end of "The King Will Come". And what's this? Martin playing a Rickenbacker bass? Don't think I've even seen him pictured with one on stage since the Pilgrimage era, unless someone can correct me on that (as I'm sure some clever d**k will!). He kept the Rick on all night and it sounded beautiful. This was the classic VERY early WA bass sound and when Mart tore into "Vas Dis", it was like watching him play on that Old Grey Whsitle Test clip that we all know and love. So, nice to see this reference to earlier times, especially in a set that includes so much material from the earliest days of the band. I won't bore everyone with a song by song rundown, there are people who do that better than I do. Band played beautifully, great harmony vocals throughout, the new songs sounding even stronger than in Cardiff.

Bought a lovely orange Pilgrimage t-shirt. I'd bought a Pilgrimage shirt a few years ago from another site which I dont think we're allowed to mention on here, but it looked very poorly designed and the transfer disintegrated after a few washes. But these are classy, this is merch in the same league as what the mega bands produce. There were some nice new sweatshirts too as well as some Life Begins shirts. Wish I'd brought a few more pennies with me as I would have bought the set. Thankfully the extremely helpful Maria and Gary told me the new shirts will all be available through the site soon, so hopefully I'll be able to get the others soon.

Speaking of clothing, no white suit for MT tonight, was great to see Mart wearing the tassled leather jacket that he'd been pictured in at the 100 club and looking every bit the definitive image of classic rock star. MTWA really do give the impression of moving FORWARDS on this tour in every regard, yet at the same time retaining full respect for the WA legacy.

Only one disappointment, that for me this is probably the last one I can get to for a while, family commitments clashing with Worcester, which would usually have been on the "must see" list (fantastic venue, great setting and stunning acoustics).

Lee Van Streem

Not something I would normally do but what can I say. I have been a Wishbone fan for nearly 40 years now and supported them through all of their many guises, but last night's concert at the Brook was one of the best I think I have ever seen the band play. My son brought me the new Argus album and I thought that was technically better than the original, but hearing songs from that and the other albums played last night was just a sheer delight. It is great to see a band come on stage, work hard and really look to be enjoying themselves, will continue to spread the word, keep up the good work and can't wait until your back this way later in the year. Hope the rest of the tour goes well.

Gavin Baker

I hadn’t seen MTWA since March of last year (also at The Brook), and was really looking forward to the new set. My mate and I were not disappointed. I’m not going to go into every individual song, simply because earlier reviews from the Life Begins tour, and the published set list kind of handles that side of things anyway. Suffice to say that these four guys have really tightened up. To an almost full venue, they played for just over an hour, had a 15 minute interval, and then played for another hour. This was their first gig for a few days, and they looked sharp. Mart’s voice was strong, particularly on "Everybody Needs A Friend" off Wishbone Four. His vocals of "Living Proof" were really swaggering, vintage MT. Like so many people who are going to see this outfit, I just love the way that they replicate the original songs. They don’t ad lib, they don’t improvise, they don’t get hideously self-indulgent – they just play the songs as if you were listening to a live version of the exact studio version, if you get my drift. The sound quality was absolutely first rate, and being a progressively grumpy old git, I was glad that they didn’t do the usual of cranking up the volume towards the end, and swamping the overall sound.

High points for me personally were a superb version of "Ballad of the Bacon" (MT’s words, not mine!), and a barnstorming, rocking "Phoenix", the perennial crowd pleaser. Low points? Not so much a low point, as I knew the song well from the No Smoke Without Fire album – the inclusion of ‘Ships In The Sky’. As good as the three-part vocal harmonies were, this was adventurous, to say the least. Personally, I thought "Anger In Harmony" off the same album would have been more appropriate. Hey ho, it’s only an opinion, nothing more.

If the blokes on stage look as if they are enjoying themselves, us lot watching will probably be doing likewise, and enjoy themselves MTWA did. Keep playing like this chaps, and we’ll keep coming along to watch. Thanks for yet another great gig. P.S. A personal request – "Hometown" please. Ta.

Paul Bedelle

Another great gig from the guys ! Great sound, great songs, great playing. The set lists continue to grow, allowing for lesser well known, but equally great songs to be included. Like another reviewer commented, hats of to the guys for learning so much material over the last two / three years! Wouldn't it be fantastic if the guys could manage every Wishbone song in their repertoire? How long would that gig be? Heaven!!.

Interesting to see Mart play the whole gig on a Rickey. I know he used to play one many, many years ago and over the years his Gibson T-Bird has become synonymous with his image, as much as Andy Powell with his Flying V, but the Rickey offers a great unique sound of it's own that did not sound out of place, despite Martin telling me after the show that it is an "old woman's guitar". Easy Mart!

Look forward to the next tour. Maybe MTWA should consider highlighting other featured albums as well on future tours, like they are doing with Wishbone Four on this tour and Argus on the previous tour!

Phil Tidy

Sutton, Boom Boom Club 12 Feb 2010

This must be about the fifth time MTWA have played this venue - possibly more than any other? - and although it has its faults/limitations, the advantages were that the band are comfortable there, Mick gets a great sound, and the place was pretty full.

I must say, having seen some of the ecstatic reviews of late, that I wondered if they were possibly a bit OTT, but if anyone was in any doubt, I can tell you that the set list sounds a lot better live than it does on paper, if you know what I mean. Even though four Wishbone Four numbers might be stretching it a bit, the band are on absolutely top form.

We certainly got trademark MTWA in terms of upfront bass, the original lead singer, terrific backing vocals and a generally subtle rather than bludgeoning approach to the songs. The guitarists managed to strike a balance between faithfully reproducing the music and adding their own flourishes.

Martin again used the Rickenbacker all night, but did not seem totally comfortable with it and I would not be suprised if that is the last we see of it for a while.

It would perhaps have been nice to have heard "Blind Eye", or something other than "Jailbait" as the final encore number, as even without the thank you to the original band members, this to me seemed to be spun out too long and lost its way a little. Ah, I am being picky now, off to bed!

Mike Tarling

Well, seeing Mart and the boys twice in two weeks, and only because we enjoyed the 100 Club gig so much that we sought out the Boom Boom Club, and boy, were we glad we did! At the Boom Boom we were honoured to have a little chat with Danny at the bar before the gig...what a nice, unassuming guy. We told him we'd been knocked out by his playing at the 100 Club, and by the sync he'd developed with Ray.

However at the Boom Boom Mart seemed in great form.....really strong vocals and great sound with wonderful separation between the instruments (well done sound desk!)....Mart's Ricky bass was really crisp and clear.

Highlights....many...including a wonderful "Sorrel", and superb "Everybody Needs A Friend" and a sublime "Rock n Roll Widow" [what do you mean that Four's my favourite album!!].

Lowlights..."Ships in the Sky" (sorry Mart) and "Living Proof" is still just a bit on the slow side. However overall you had me in tears twice over. Thanks to Mart, Ray, Danny and Dave for two wonderful evenings. I can't wait to catch up with you all again. Having seen MTWA about five times with Keith I have to say that Danny is even better....you guys just look like you're having a blast....and you deserve bigger venues!

Thanks again and all the best,

Ian Kirkpatrick

Worcester, Huntingdon Hall 13 Feb 2010

pic: Richard Phillips, Worcester 13 Feb 2010

The last time I saw MTWA was in this same venue 11 months ago. It had been too long, but last night demonstrated what I had been missing. The band were on top form, and the revitalised setlist has come at just the right time.

The band threw us a curve ball at the beginning by moving "Time And Space" to set-opener, but it worked well there. It meant that the Argus songs were all together at the end, which also seemed to fit. The highlight for me was the "Four from Four " section, with Ray in particularly good form on slide guitar on "Rock n Roll Widow". "Errors of my Way" was another well-performed song in set 2. "Ships In The Sky" was never one of my favourite songs, but it was interesting to hear it given a live airing.

If the band were musically spot-on, the comedic banter between Danny and Ray was something to behold. Ray playing spoons on Danny's backside brought a laugh from the audience during "Phoenix". This band exudes a sense of fun which adds to the already excellent musicianship.

As for on-stage fashion, Martin came on wearing a tasselled cowboy-style jacket over the skull and crossbones shirt. He discarded the jacket just before "Phoenix", and Ray decided to wear it during "Jailbait". Suits you Sir! Ray's shirt was a playing cards design, whilsy Danny wore a nifty green and grey vertical stripes. Dave went for an understated yellow tee shirt. And as Mickey predicted, Martin went back to the Thunderbird for this gig.

Alan Bloor

pic: Richard Phillips, Worcester 13 Feb 2010

Thought I'd say what a fine set MTWA played in Worcester. I've been watching the band since 2007 (though am a veteran of many WA shows of the 70s-80s), but this was the best yet, by a mile. I'd lost faith a little last year with the repetition of the Argus and Legends of Rock tour, but the new set is very refreshing. Beatiful selection of songs, all sounding revitalised. In fact the song list was near perfect (but could have lived without "You See Red" which is becoming a bit boring now as one of the few songs remaining from the first year of MTWA, also I don't see the need for more than one "feature" song apiece of the other vocalists in the band). But this is nit-picking i know. This was a top notch performance by a first rate band.

A special mention should be made for the venue (second time there for me to see MTWA), which was first class also. Great acoustics, good view of the stage from wherever you sat. Would much rather see the band in this kind of venue than some of the toilets they have played in the past and it seemes to suit the band's "mature" audience. To whoever is responsible for promoting the tours, more venues like this on the datesheet please. I do think some of the club venues put off some of the older folk from going. Many times friends of mine, as well as my Mrs, have expressed an interest in coming to see the band with me, with wives in toe as well, only to be put off by the thought of standing all night looking at the back of someones head in a sweaty club. For Worcester I'd been able to reassure that it was a civilised small theatre and stage-diving would be unlikely. As such I brought my wife and two other couples along. If it had been a club, five of those tickets would have not been sold and I'd have gone on me todd. None of us are getting any younger and it's great there are places we can still go to see quality live shows. Top marks Huntingdon Hall.

Blowing Free

Derby, Flowerpot 18 Feb 2010

Well, what can you say about the Flowerpot - it's a nice pub! Big-ish reversed 'L' shaped room. Speaking to Mick Howlett (soundman), not the best to get the sound right as he says "it's a circle of sound" but he did a sterling job. The guys just get better, were tighter and more powerful than I've witnessed before. The first spot wasn't as good as the second in my opinion, possibly because they aren't my particular set of favourites. Although talking to a group of guys during the break - first timers - they thought they were amazing! "Ballad Of The Beacon" and "Phoenix" were the standouts.

The second set was pure joy. I was disappointed that "Time and Space" was dropped and replaced with "Blind Eye" but you can't have it all! All in all a good night, and very good turnout to say it didn't stop snowing from when I set off to returning home!

Eamonn

There was a decent turnout, especially to say the weather was a bit iffy. I had a chat with the band as usual after the show and MT very kindly allowed me to have an inspection of his "girls bass" - modified Rickenbacker 4000 - very nice! Why didn't you play it? I was with Rob Hewins all night and Pete. Rob was in fine spirits and was very impressed with the band.

For me, highlights were "Vas Dis" (a long time fave of mine and played excellently I might add), "Ships in The Sky". as I've never heard that live before (I don't think it's been played before this tour has it?), "Phoenix", and the ultimate for me was "Everybody Needs A Friend" - Ray's solo's were nothing short of stunning. Even Rob was getting emotional! I would say that was the best I've seen Ray play - what a tone! All in all another excellent gig and how refreshing it is to hear a new set list including the likes of "Errors of My Way" and "Rock and Roll Widow". Great work by Mick on the sound by the way. I love the pub but the room is horrible acoustically, and when they first started you couldn't hear the drums that well, this was soon put right and the sound overall was great. Well done fellas! It was great to chat to you all and I hope to catch you again soon if possible.

Tony Clarke

Wolverhampton, Robin 2 19 Feb 2010

I think all the superlatives have been said before. So I'll just say they were great - as always. Superb musicianship and great harmonies in places.

Highlights? Well loads really but the ones that spring to mind are "Ballad of The Beacon", "Rock 'n' Roll Widow" - great slide from Ray, "You See Red" and Danny's solo at the end of "Living Proof" - totally improvised and so good I had to congratulate him on it after the gig. You were wasted in Showaddywaddy mate. Also I think you should consider give the purple suit an airing sometime!

During the show, looking around all you could see were smiles and nodding heads. They loved every minute of it and gave the band a rousing reception at the end.

Thanx for another great night.

Neil Ferguson

Another great evening. My ninth MTWA since the end of 2006. In a nutshell the band are incredibly entertaining and always give an excellent nights entertainment. I don't think I've ever left a gig feeling short changed.

The Boardwalk is a small venue but a great venue. It's dark and dingy but cosy with some excellent beer on offer. Everything sounded brilliant. I especially enjoyed Martin's bass playing last night. All sounded fat, chunky and intricate but clear as a bell. I also enjoyed the singing. At the Fibbers gig I thought Martin was just slightly buried in the mix. Last night he was very easy to pick out and sang very well indeed.

The venue was definitely busy and appreciative. Two to three hundred? Either way there was a warm atmosphere and the band played it's heart out. Several songs are now probably as good as they can be. The four from Four were beautiful.

It was nice to have a few words with Ray. I've been wanting to congratulate him for King of the West for ages. And it was good to talk to Danny (mainly about Steve Hackett!). Some nice merchandise available. I was able to have my first cup of tea from a very nice Argus mug today. Rock and Roll!!

Don't know when I'll be seeing MTWA again. All I know is that I'm there if it's anywhere near me and I'm really looking forward to seeing how this year progresses. Have fun in the studio and keep on doing what you are doing.

Lucius

Liverpool, Baby Blue 22 Feb 2010

Great night. Attendance was pretty good for a cold Feb Monday night. The venue is very much a 'cavern' below ground level at Albert Dock, so a real feel for being in Liverpool.

Loved the first half set list. Only ever seen the OGWT footage of "Vas Dis", so great to hear this (the "Jazz" part of the show, as Mart called it. Nice.). Surely must warm the fingers up, this one.

Four from Four was the highlight of the show for me, just proving what great songs are on Wishbone Four, (and how much it needs a remaster, hint hint, MT). Ray sings the AP part in "Ballad Of The Beacon" and Danny sings lead on "Rock 'n' Roll Widow", as I think Ted originally did. The birdy song closed the first half, with the usual tomspoonery.

Bought a Pilgrimage Tshirt from the merch desk at half time. Definately the one to be seen in this year. On more familiar territory in the second half. Can never tire of "Errors Of My Way". "Ships in The Sky" was something really different though, and calmed things down a bit before "You See Red" and the Argus numbers.

MT dedicated "Warrior" to our boys in Afghanistan. The hugely enthusiastic crowd knew all the Argus songs by heart, so Mart hardly needed to sing. The band play these so well now, indeed it is hard to imagine how the presentation of the WA songs can be bettered. The place was really rockin by the end. Crowd loved it.

Martin H

If it was entertainment and fun needed then I definately came to the right place. Its obvious when seeing these guys play that what's really important to them is the buzz they get from performing to people who thoroughly enjoy their music and appreciate the effort that they put in. I, like so many on here are truly grateful to MTWA for the effort they put in in bringing classic WA to us on a regular basis, and to the really small locations like this one in Liverpool. Having said that, I'm sure that there are hundreds of thousands of fans of bands who'd give anything to see their music heroes perform under such intimate surroundings.

Highlights for me were "Phoenix" (love the spoons Ray!) and "Jailbait", which went down a storm as the last one. I look forward to seeing another terrific performance in the near future and hopefully in Manchester.

Enjoy the rest of your shows lads, and once again a big thank you for bringing it to me.

All the best,

Phil.

Stratford, Cox's Yard 27 Feb 2010

What a great performance - I really enjoyed it. Good fun atmosphere as well.

Loved the interesting set - highlights for me were "Lost Cause In Paradise" and "Ships In The Sky" - always nice to hear songs live for the first time. I also really enjoyed "Errors Of My Ways" and "Everybody Needs A Friend" - beautiful versions. And that a capella bit at the end of "Warrior"...stunning!

Credit to the sound man - I could hear every note played and word sung from the front row, and the volume was just right. Martin seemed to be in good voice and Danny and Ray also sang well - what flexibility to have three vocalists...and those great harmonies. I always enjoy Martin's powerful melodic bass-playing and Ray and Danny seem to get better every time I see them. Dave looked a bit squashed in on Stratford's tiny stage, but it didn't cramp his style.

Wish I'd taken my camera as they didn't seem as crushed up together as some other bands I've seen at Stratford...I was nearly on stage with Robin Trower!!

I was a bit concerned when Danny tried to get us all pogoing to "Blowin' Free" - upstairs venue with a wooden floor...dodgy!!

Great stuff - thanks Martin, Ray, Danny and Dave.

Linda Raymond

Leicester Y Theatre 13 March 2010

(DVD shoot including Cancer Research UK presentation)

What a great day! After a two hour journey that should have only taken one (SatNav) and a quick meal at Nandos we arrived at the Y around 5.30. Obviously doors didn’t open until much, much later but we thought we’d try our luck. We walked in timidly but tried to make it look like we were ‘meant’ to be there. In the end the lady behind the ticket desk presumed that we were. The plan had worked. Ray came up and shook my hand which was unexpected. Met little Amy, and her mum and dad, Maria and a few others. We managed to catch a glimpse of what to expect. After the check Amy Bannister got up and played the classic "Throw Down the Sword" to our surprise. We were very impressed with her playing. She seemed to have improved since the last time I saw her play it! Well done girl you’re a star in the making.

After the general who-ha of sound check we went back into the foyer for a sit down as we'd been wandering around for some time. At this point we got the chance to talk to the Bannister family who were very friendly. We commented that during sound check Amy got an applause where as MTWA didn’t! After some sitting around Maria came through with a predicament. ‘There isn’t enough room for you all’ she said ‘but you (Ben) have been invited backstage to meet every one’ to my surprise, I looked at Lauren for permission and she agreed. ‘You can come too but im afraid that there isn’t enough room for all four’ said Maria. So off we went. This was mine and Lauren's chance to see what goes on back stage at a gig. I must say that my preconceptions of sex orgies, coke snorting, dead sharks and TV-out-of-window-throwing contests were severely mislead. Instead we had J20 in polystyrene cups, tea and sandwiches. That’s more like it. We had a chat with every one in there. It was nice to talk to Martin D, Danny, Gary, Ray, Martin T, Maria, ect, ect.

We hung out there for a while and then eventually left to find a good place to stand. The theatre its self was a nice building, very classic style. Good size and the place had clearly sold out. I was told that the balcony wasn’t going to be used although it was - maybe they were in such demand that they opened it up? I don’t know but it was packed. Dancing even went on upstairs which was great to see over my shoulder. The sound was very good, even Chris the resident pessimist and technical proficient one commented on how good it was. We’d brought Chris, our bands bassist, not because he was a fan but because I wanted to show him how to really play bass. He went away very enthused and keen to get on his bass. He also has a long list of requests for Wishbone Ash songs he wants us to learn! Great news! Even at sound check he was buzzing.

As the lights faded and the opening track began to play I knew we were in for a treat. The sound check proved the band was in top form and I was excited as I'd already had a sneaky look at the set list. "Time and Space" was really great. I had only recently gotten into No Smoke Without Fire so it was great to hear this rarity. I can't remember the exact running order now but I believe the Jack McDuff classic "Vas Dis" was up next. Great scat singing and drumming. Very impressive and faithful rendition of a staple of the MK1 set. After that was the Four from Four which let RayHatfeild.com have a chance to be in the spot light, which was a role he filled very well. Must buy his CD soon as I have been listening to it online for a while. Next it was DannyWilson.co.uk's chance to show off his vocal chords for "Rock 'n' Roll Widow" which was fantastic, he sings wonderfully. Then came "Sorrell", another favourite, this time sung by Captain Mart Turner who, again played really well. It was great to hear this tune played live and had a lot more Oomph than the original. Then came "Everybody Needs a Friend" which toned things down nicely. The audience swayed to this majestically but not for long as next was the big one. "Phoenix". A little song about a little bird or a big song about a big bird. It was really well played and the bass rumbled through the stage floor and right into the front row and beyond. Awesome!

Second set - We had "Lost Cause in Paradise", which was the reunion representative of this tour. Not my favourite but certainly not my least from that era. Again, it was well played and sounded great. I loved the backing track on this one. After that we had a few others, I can't remember but I think it was "You See Red", "Ships in the Sky", "Errors of My Way" and maybe one or two more. "You See Red" was great, as was "Ships in the Sky", this sounded much better than the original, the vocals were great and the lyrics were emphasised by the smoke machine that went into overload. Like I said about "Time and Space", I'd only just gotten into this album so three from this was a real treat. Then came Argus which was note perfect and sounded flawless from where we were. Not much to say really. We have all heard Argus played live no end of times. It was great to hear it again tonight but the real highlight for me was the rendition of Wishbone Four (or most of it) it always was a favourite album that was probably the best non Argus album with the worst sound. I would love to hear the rest of the album played live some day so that we can get a sense of how it was meant to sound.

Lance Corporal Dave was in top form and we were all impressed with him. His drum kit looked great from down the front of the stage and the Life Begins design is really well done. I like it.

Thanks to all for a great night, was nice to meet so many nice people again.

Ben Barker

What an amazing night in every way.

The band were fantastic, Mart's voice and stage presence was top form - really cannot fault it. In fact wish we could do it again and again....brilliant.

We went as a family and had one of the best nights of our lives. And yeah, great review Ben, good to meet you and Howard and of course all the QEDG crew, auction winners, etc. The room was full of lovely people and had an excellent atmosphere.

Just another comment, Carole from Cancer Research (an avid Kenny Rogers fan) was a little apprehensive at going to a "rock" gig but guess what? She is now a big MTWA fan and cant wait for the next time she can go. Thats a tough conversion but the boys did good !

Brian Bannister