Band Member Profiles

Andy Powell - Guitar/Vocals
1970-present

Born in Stepney, East London on February 19th 1950, Andy Powell was first inspired by the guitar based music of the Shadows and took up the guitar at the age of eleven. His first band was a Shadows-based group, before his direction turned towards soul in semi-professional groups such as the Sunsets, the Decoys and the Sugarband. The Sugarband would open for established acts of the day such as the Small Faces and the Who. When the band broke up, Andy turned to blues, joining band such as the Ashley Ward Delegation. In the Summer of 1969, Andy was invited by Martin Turner and Steve Upton to join their new band alongside Ted Turner.

The twin lead guitar sound would eventually become Wishbone Ash's trademark - after Ted Turner's departure Andy would be "twinned" with an ever changing rooster of players such as Laurie Wisefield, Jamie Crompton, Phil Palmer, Roger Filgate and Mark Birch. Andy Powell remains one of the leading exponents of his chosen instrument, with an instantly recognisable personal style, which displays just the right balance of feel and technical exactitude.

Following the departure of drummer Steve Upton in 1990, Andy went on to take over the Wishbone Ash managerial duties which Upton had previously handled and, following the disintegration of the reformed original band, Andy has continued to perform under the Wishbone Ash name with various line-ups. In 1994, Andy also compiled the book "The Collectors Guide to Wishbone Ash", which was published by Canadian company CGP. Andy also played with US blues band Blue Law with whom he recorded the 1996 album "Gonna Getcha".

Andy Powell's present incarnation of Wishbone Ash features Joe Crabtree (drums), Bob Skeat (bass) and Muddy Manninen (guitar). The band released its most recent studio album, "The Power of Eternity ", in 2007.

For further details of Andy's Wishbone Ash activities visit www.wishboneash.com

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