As we enter The Brook, I am reminded of how much I love this venue. Perfectly lit to create a warm and friendly environment – and they really know their audience, I notice they have put extra tables and chairs out for tonight, in anticipation of the seasoned Wishbone Ash fans. – By Heather Bennett
Their new extended stage looks great and it looks like every part of it will be used tonight.
Tonight Wishbone Ash are celebrating 50 years of recording and touring, which is a phenomenal achievement. When you see a band that has been around for so long, there’s always the fear of disappointment. Are they “past it”? Will they have the vibrancy of their glory days?
Wishbone Ash are not past it. This is a band that truly loves what they do. All the members connect with the audience in a way you don’t often see these days. You feel part of the gig – and actually Andy Powell, the only remaining original member, remarks at one point “We couldn’t do what we do here, without you doing what you do there”.
Opening with Real Guitars Have Wings they fill The Brook with their energy, and of course those beautiful solos. They lead us through their heydays with The King Will Come and Sometime World from their infamous album Argus before moving to their newest song, We Stand As One, which really packs a punch and will be featured on their new album, coming in January 2020.
After In Crisis and The Way Of The World, they take a short break, before taking us back to their first album with Blind Eye and treating us to a medley spanning their whole career – Deep Blue from their 2014 album Blue Horizon( “Did we buy it?” Andy asked), before moving through their treasure trove of progressive rock until they peak with Jailbait, a true rock song that showcases their groundbreaking dual guitar solos.
However, never one to disappoint, they respond to the chants of “We want more!” by stomping out Blowin’ Free. What a way to end the evening. Thank you for letting us celebrate with you!
