Wishbone Ash - The Limelight Crewe 13th April 2004
Setlist: Vas Dis / You See Red / Warrior / The King Will Come / Throw Down the Sword / Faith Hope Love / Standing Rain / Time Was / Persephone / Running Hiding / Almighty Blues / Living Proof / Blowing Free / / Errors Of My Way / Jailbait
This was the first time I've seen Wishbone Ash when they haven't play Phoenix. There it is, in a nutshell, my whine of the night out of the way. To be honest, I'm really not that bothered, I've seen it often enough and what they did play was superb, with a few unexpected songs slotted in for good measure. In fact, the set was quite refreshing and extremely enjoyable, providing a well-balanced history of the band. I was particularly pleased to hear Time Was and Vas Dis and especially thrilled with Errors of My Way turning up as first encore. Of course, with their back catalogue they could play a different set every night for months and not repeat one song. Andy, if you happen to read this, Master of Disguise would be a nice addition for the next tour.
The first time I saw the current line-up was a couple of years back at the Rockshield Festival and I remember thinking before that gig that it was just Andy Powell and some guys. That night I came away feeling that I had actually seen a band that was worthy of the Wishbone Ash name. Now, for a variety of reasons, I have missed out on some gigs in the intervening years, but after Wednesday's Limelight gig, I was even more convinced that this is a genuine Wishbone Ash and not just a glorified tribute act. Songs were played with spirit and flair and Ben Granfelt isn't just going through the motions, playing someone else's guitar parts, he is giving old songs new life and leaving his own mark on them, as he clearly showed on The King Will Come.
The first time I saw the current line-up was a couple of years back at the Rockshield Festival and I remember thinking before that gig that it was just Andy Powell and some guys. That night I came away feeling that I had actually seen a band that was worthy of the Wishbone Ash name. Now, for a variety of reasons, I have missed out on some gigs in the intervening years, but after Wednesday's Limelight gig, I was even more convinced that this is a genuine Wishbone Ash and not just a glorified tribute act. Songs were played with spirit and flair and Ben Granfelt isn't just going through the motions, playing someone else's guitar parts, he is giving old songs new life and leaving his own mark on them, as he clearly showed on The King Will Come.
Andy Powell's guitar work just gets better and better with the years and he is a much better guitar player than many who are more famous. Bob Skeat and Ray Weston make up a pretty effective rhythm section to underpin the twin guitars and the overall feeling is one of a solid, tight unit, which can get surprisingly heavy at times. Certainly, this group of musicians is as competent as any I've seen and, although they may not be the prettiest bunch around, they sure can rock when they want to. Anyone who thinks Wishbone Ash are lightweights should staple their syrup securely before checking out the live rendition of Living Proof. My daughter had been listening to that track since she was born and for years she didn't realise who it was because, as she said, it was too heavy to be Wishbone Ash.
Wishbone Ash always did have a loyal following and even on a Wednesday in Crewe they can fill the venue with no problem. All right, it may not be a ten thousand capacity cowshed (thanks for that!) but there were more than enough people in attendance to heat the room up and provide some audience feedback. Wishbone Ash delivers goods worth much more than the low price of admission and are well worth the trip to your local venue. This band is what live music is all about. They are a national treasure and let's hope they continue to tour for many years to come.
Mark L. Potts
The God of Thunder
17th April 2004
Wishbone Ash always did have a loyal following and even on a Wednesday in Crewe they can fill the venue with no problem. All right, it may not be a ten thousand capacity cowshed (thanks for that!) but there were more than enough people in attendance to heat the room up and provide some audience feedback. Wishbone Ash delivers goods worth much more than the low price of admission and are well worth the trip to your local venue. This band is what live music is all about. They are a national treasure and let's hope they continue to tour for many years to come.
Mark L. Potts
The God of Thunder
17th April 2004
About the photos...
Unusually, for me, I forgot to recharge the camera batteries after the HTP gig the previous week. By the time I realised, it was too late and I didn't have any spares. I figured that this was just fate and the batteries would either last, or they wouldn't. If it was meant to be...
Well, I waited until they were about half way through the set before I started snapping and, I have to say, I got some pretty damn good shots. I especially like this one where Andy is looking right at me...
Well, I waited until they were about half way through the set before I started snapping and, I have to say, I got some pretty damn good shots. I especially like this one where Andy is looking right at me...