Sounds For Sendai update
APRIL 27 2011
Further to our previous post, Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash is delighted to have been invited to headline the "Sounds for Sendai" event to help raise funds for Japanese earthquake and tsunami disaster charities.
MTWA is proud to be associated with respected brand names such as organisers Yokohama, and event sponsors Marshall and Yamaha.
MTWA headline a bill that also includes special guests Stray and Motherlode
Tickets for the event, which is staged at the Marshall Amplification Theatre, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK1 1DQ on Sunday 22 May 2011, can be purchased at the following website:
MTWA headline concert to support Japanese disaster charity
APRIL 17 2011
Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash has been invited by Yokohama tyres to play at a charity show, to support the people of Japan in the wake of the recent earthquake and tsunami disasters.
Yokohama’s head office is in Japan and, although their buildings were not affected, they did lose members of their staff.Marshall amplification - the legendary UK brand that has powered the rock industry for five decades - is supporting this charity show, and are giving their theatre to the charity to hold the event. They will staff the show and are also supplying the backline.
Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash is pleased not only to be able to support the disaster charity but also to be associated with Marshall amplification - one of the most prestigious and long established brands in the music industry.
MTWA will be headlining, with support from Stray and Motherlode, which will take place at Marshall's Buckinghamshire centre on Sunday 22 May 2011. An auction will also be held, with prizes from Marshall and Yamaha, as well as donated merchandise from Uriah Heep, Asia, ELP, Focus and Curved Air. A raffle will also be available with equally great prizes.
Watch out for more information on this special event soon.
Live Dates 2011 - Videos
APRIL 7 2011
The first batch of live "home movie" videos from the Live Dates 2011 tour can now be viewed at the official MTWA You Tube channel.
We have uploaded The King Will Come, Jailbait, Doctor, Prelude, In The Skin and Outward Bound for your enjoyment.
Look out for more footage from both the stage and the studio over the coming days....
Worcester - Last date of Live Dates 2011 first leg
APRIL 7 2011
A quick reminder that tomorrow night's show at Huntingdon Halls in Worcester is the last show of the first leg of the Live Dates 2011 tour. Don't miss this chance to see the band in one of the UK's most popular live music venues. Following this date, the band take a short break from live work to concentrate specifically on studio recording in addition to acoustic rehearsals.
Major Austrian Festivals with Santana
APRIL 5 2011
We are pleased to announce that Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash will be appearing at major festival dates in Austria as special guests of Santana.
Further dates have also been added to the Live Dates 2011 touring schedule including a return visit to Holland for shows in November.
Updates can be found at our tour dates page.
Live Dates 2011 tour review - Room Thirteen website
MARCH 30 2011
|
The Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash Life Begins Tour which began early last year was a celebration of forty years of Wishbone Ash and the band seems to have been continually touring ever since.
All those years ago, the band was brought together by Martin and Steve Upton's Melody Maker advert which was answered by guitarists Ted Turner and Andy Powell. Millions of album sales followed along with live performances around the world. The rest, as they say, is history. There are now two versions of the band, "Wishbone Ash" headed by Andy Powell and, of course, this one.
The Stanley Theatre, Liverpool is part of the University Of Liverpool Campus and offers a friendly, intimate atmosphere; seating if you want it (or if you've arrived early enough) or plenty of standing room. This night, all seats were taken and a great deal of the standing space. There was no introduction, just the ever so familiar opening riffs of 'The King Will Come' building up from the chattering of the audience to a crescendo of sound and appreciation from the audience. The quality of sound was excellent and the musicians that Martin has put together showed that they are very competent indeed. Instantly, the band had the audience in their grasp. It seemed inevitable that a song from the massively selling album Argus would open the evening and it was no surprise to hear most of the other songs from it as the evening went on.
The songs rolled on, one after the other: 'Living Proof', 'Doctor', 'Errors', 'Prelude' 'In the Skin' and 'Outward Bound'. All the memories of their classics started to come back; the twin guitars weaving in and out of the melodies All this was held together by Martin's impeccable bass playing. Yes, forty years of the band and the original songs still stand up in their own right today.
They finished off the set with 'Warrior' and 'Throw Down The Sword' from the infamous and everyone-should-have-a-copy Argus album. After a short break, the band came back on stage to deliver an even more impressive set. From 'Blowin' Free', they sailed through classics such as 'Rock & Roll Widow', 'Sorrel' and 'FUBB'; finishing off with 'Way Of The World'. Throughout, the audience was bobbing, some dancing and the music and atmosphere was just right.The twin guitars of Ray Hatfield and Danny Wilson fitted in sublimely. Martin was his usual, competent self whilst the drumming of Dave Wagstaffe drove it all along; another memorable 'Ash night.
Rob Dodgson
|
Room Thirteen - Where Music Rocks
© 2003 - 2011 RoomThirteen.com - All rights reserved.
Martin Turner joins major rock names to offer support the people of Japan through Udo Artists website
MARCH 30 2011
Martin Turner is among the major rock artists who have posted messages on the website of Udo Artists, offering support in the wake of the recent earthquake and tsunami disasters.
Udo Artists is the biggest Japanese concert promoter andstaged Wishbone Ash's seminal concerts in the 1970's.
Martin's message is displayed among those of other top rock names such as Eric Clapton, Sting, David Coverdale, Hall & Oates, Paul Simon, Joe Elliot, John Wetton, Geoff Downes and Steve Howe of Asia, Uriah Heep, Jeff Beck, Keith Emerson, Jon Bon Jovi, Ritchie Blackmore, Billy Joel and Wishbone Ash favourite Laurie Wisefield.
Click here to view the page
MTWA make triumphant return to Deal
MARCH 21 2011
Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash were delighted to return to the newly re-opened Astor Theatre in Deal last Friday - scene of one of the first ever MTWA shows over five years ago.
A full house included Dave Cousins of the Strawbs, reacquainting with MTWA and reminiscing about the good times shared on the 2009 Classic Legends of Rock tour alongside Focus.
Maurice Douglas CD
MARCH 16 2011
We are pleased to announce and support the release of the debut solo CD from MTWA associate Maurice Douglas.
Maurice's guitar skills impressed many MTWA supporters when he filled the vacant guitar slot for a number of shows during 2008/09 - during a transient period following Keith Buck's departure at a time when Danny Willson was unavailable due to previously contracted commitments. Now Maurice turns his talents to a full solo album of self-penned compositions.
The Word Is Out also features guest appearances from MTWA's Danny Willson and Ray Hatfield and is produced by former MTWA drummer Rob Hewins, who also plays drums and a variety of other instrumentation on the album (including a lead vocal on one track). MTWA sleeve designer Howard Johnston also designed the album sleeve.
Wishbone Ash fans should find plenty to enjoy here. The album is highly melodic, covering a wide range of song styles and moods, highlighting Maurice considerable electric and acoustic guitar talents and songwriting ability, together with first rate production by the multi-talented Rob Hewins.
Maurice says of the album:
It all started when I met up with Rob & Ray. I was invited by Martin Turner to fill in for the vacant guitar player role at Basingstoke and really I never looked back from that moment. Imediately I hit it off with the band and went on to do further gigs in the UK & Europe. Rob offered to produce my album and its taken a whole year to put this project together. It was always a case of do we produce a quick album or take the time and produce an album to be proud of and of course we opted for the second option. This album The Word Is Out is only the start of things to come. I think this album will apeal to a wide audience as I feel there is something there for everyone to enjoy, from rock, pop & acoustic songs, etc."
Everyone involved with MTWA wishes both Maurice and Rob every success with this project.
To order the CD and for further information and audio previews, visit www.mauricedouglas.co.uk
Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami
MARCH 16 2011
We are both shocked and saddened to hear of the recent disasters in Japan and everybody involved with MTWA – both band and our behind the scenes team - wishes to extend their hearts to those affected.
I have nothing but fond memories of my time spent in Japan, dating back to Wishbone Ash’s memorable tours of the country back in the mid to late 1970’s. The people of Japan showed us a great deal of love and warmth during our time spent in their beautiful country and I have always felt a strong affinity with them. I pray that all our friends and supporters out there, as well as their families and loved ones, are safe and well.
Love,
Martin Turner
MT at London Bass Show - Update
MARCH 8 2011
Further to our previous post, we can now confirm that Martin Turner will be appearing at booth C15 (Rotosound) at the Bass Guitar Show at Olympia, London on Sunday 13 March 2011 from 1pm onwards.
Please support Spirefest
MARCH 4 2011
Friend of www.wishboneash.co.uk Brian Bannister is organising an all day charity music event on Saturday 9 April 2011 at the Winding Wheel, Chesterfield in aid of Cancer Research UK.
Over to you, Brian...
Spirefest will be a full day event starting at around 1pm and finishing somewhere around 11pm. Headline act in the evening being the fabulous Miss Chantel McGregor and her band.There will be 3 bands in the afternoon and a guitar show for all the musos. You will be able to see and even buy, guitars, amps, accessories whilst enjoying the music and the ambience of the 1920's venue, The Winding Wheel.
Anyone will be able to vote for the bands during the course of the afternoon by placing cash in the relevant bucket, even the bands can vote for themselves (hee hee) and the winning band will hopefully be the support act for the evenings entertainmentNow, back to the evening, we are so lucky to be bringing the awesome talent that is Miss Chantel McGregor to our small market town. Chantel has developed a huge following over recent years and has performed around 90 gigs in 2010. A good number of which have been festivals and overseas events.Imagine the tone of Robin Trower, the feel of Bonnie Raitt, the inspiration of Hendrix, the influence of SRV, the energy of Bonamassa and the intensity of Walter Trout all rolled into one. Welcome to the wonderful world of one of the most of exciting rock/blues guitarist the UK has ever produced’ – Ladies and gentlemen introducing the formidable guitar and vocal talent that is Chantel McGregor.Star of the 2010 Skegness Rock & Blues Festival, Chantel McGregor is one of the most exciting rock blues guitarist in the country. At the age of eight she became the youngest person in the country to pass a Rock school exam and at 12 she was jamming in her native Bradford before quickly developed into an incredible rock and blues musician. Described as a "prodigy", at fourteen she was told by major labels "great voice, but girls don't play guitar like that!" Wisely ignoring that advice she enrolled at world renowned Leeds College of Music and became the first student in the college’s history to achieve a 100% pass mark with 18 distinctions. After clinching the prize for outstanding musicianship for 2006/7 and a First Class Honours degree in Popular Music in July 2009, she has stepped out in the pro-musician word with her own rock blues trio, playing night after night, her stunning performances proving what a lot of fans already know, she’s the most exciting guitarist to hit the scene for years.
If you can tell an artist’s prospects by the company they keep, then this Miss is heading in the right direction.
Top of the list is Joe Bonamassa, the American blues star who Chantel emailed to inform him of her music and was subsequently invited to jam at his sound-check. “He ran out of time during the sound-check, so he asked if she wanted to get up and play for the encore”, says McGregor’s spokesman. “She obliged and ended up jamming through a BB King song called You Upset Me Baby”. He consequently invited her back to perform again with him again on his next tour and they’ve remained friends ever since and stay in regular contact. Chantel is currently on tour, ahead of releasing her debut album
Anyone wishing to help with sponsorship, raffle prizes etc should contact me, Brian Bannister, in the first instanceALL proceeds from the event will be going to Cancer Research UK
Many thanks to all of you and hope you can join us for what should be a great day
Best Regards
Brian
Full information can be found at www.spirefest.co.uk
MTWA headlining MCN event - confirmed
MARCH 4 2011
Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash will be appearing at the prestigious Motor Cycle News Live event on Saturday 2 April 2011.
The band are confirmed as the headining act on the second day of this four-day event, which is held at Butlins, Skegness, and will be playing a "hits" orientated set.
Martin Turner appearing at London Bass Show
MARCH 3 2011
We are pleased to announce that Martin Turner is now an official endorsee of Rotosound strings, joining respected names from the bass community such as Trevor Bolder, Chris Squire, John Paul Jones, Geddy Lee, Paul McCartney, Roger Waters, and numerous other top players.
Martin will be making a personal appearance at the Rotosound stand at the London Bass Show at Olympia, London on Sunday 13 March 2011. He will be available for signings, etc from 1pm onwards. Further info to follow.
Live Dates 2011 Opens with Sell Out
FEB 5 2011
Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash opened it's Live Dates 2011 tour last night with a sold out concert in Fletching. A packed house applauded the powerful new set list:
The King Will Come; Living Proof; Doctor; Errors of My Way; Prelude; In The Skin; Outward Bound; Warrior; Throw Down the Sword;
Blowin' Free; Rock 'n' Roll Widow; Jailbait; Ballad of the Beacon; Persephone; Diamond Jack; Sorrel; FUBB; The Way Of The World; Sometime World; Blind Eye.
The site has already received a number of highly positive e-mails and forum posts complimenting the band on its opening night. One first time MTWA attendee wrote:
"Was really impressed with the band's performance, which captured all the best elements of the Wishbone Ash style and sound. Martin Turner has clearly lost nothing in the bass and vocal departments and still has stage presence in abundance. He has formed a first rate line-up with each player given the chance to shine at different times in the show. Interesting to see a few famous faces in the crowd - I spotted Steve Hackett talking guitars with Ray and Danny after the show, as well as album cover artist Roger Dean."
Other comments have included:
"Something like the best I've seen them gel. The three instrumentals in the first set worked well in an intimate atmosphere."
Check the tour dates page for the latest tour dates listing, including newly added dates.
More Tour Dates
JAN 26 2011
Further dates have been added to Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash's Live Dates 2011touring schedule. These include added UK dates plus two shows in Greece.
See our tour dates page for full details.
Life Begins DVD Pre-Sale Update
JAN 13 2011
We are pleased to announce that pre-orders for Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash'sLife Begins DVD have now been despatched by registered post and copies ordered to date should be received within the coming days.
We look forward to hearing fans views on the DVD. Please feel free to post reviews at our feedback forum or e-mail us.
Any queries concerning delivery of orders of the DVD should be directed to QEDG. E-mail: qedg@qedg.co.uk
New Years Greeting From Martin Turner
DEC 29 2010
Greetings to all Wishbone Ash fans worldwide,
And so we reach the end of another busy year for MTWA. The Life Begins period of touring was a thoroughly enjoyable experience for all concerned, as we marked the 40th anniversary of the formation of Wishbone Ash in suitable style. As always, my band did a tremendous job recreating the intricacies of a wide range of material from the classic years of Wishbone Ash, with a set list that developed and evolved across the year, including much material that had never been played on stage before.
The Life Begins tour was, of course, captured on the new DVD, which we are all very pleased with. Our thanks go to Gavin Crumpton and the crew at Effigy Music for filming, recording and editing the concert, Daniel Earnshaw at QEDG for co-ordinating the project and our roving reporter Gary Carter for supplying additional “fly on the wall” bonus footage. We believe we’ve put together a value for money package that takes the viewer closer to the MTWA experience and provides unprecedented access to the band both on and offstage.
Other highlights during 2010 included the band’s appearance at the inaugural High Voltage festival in London. This was a great opportunity to meet up with a lot of old friends and make some new ones as well. It was great to once again appear on the same bill as headliners ELP and ZZ Top – both of whom Wishbone appeared alongside in the early days.
It was also fitting that this experience be shared by my old mate Ted Turner. We had a wonderful few days rehearsing, socialising and performing with Ted, who flew in from Arizona especially for the festival. I’m delighted that Ted is performing and recording music once again and we both keep the door open as regards future collaboration. It was also lovely to see Laure Wisefield, John Wetton and Trevor Bolder backstage at High Voltage. Add to this regular communication with Steve Upton. I am thankful that all members of Wishbone Ash are alive and in good health and wish them all nothing but success, happiness and prosperity. This includes my old friend Mr Powell and his current chaps.
I would point out that there can be very few bands ever in the history of modern music who still have such a passionate following after 40 years. I think it demonstrates just how strong was the original melodic take on rock music created and delivered by the early Wishbone Ash band all around the world. We should all celebrate this fact, not bitch and carp about it!
As we move towards the new year, there is much activity going on behind the scenes. Our archivist Gary Carter and I have been hard at work compiling an autobiographical book, to be published later in 2011. These memoirs should make for a fascinating read for anyone interested in the history of Wishbone Ash and indeed the workings of the music business in general. The book will be packed with anecdotes charting the events which helped shape my career in music – from my early days as a fledgling musician in the West Country, through the classic Wishbone Ash years and right up to the present day with MTWA. The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth!
2011 will also see the band finally moving forwards with new material. Much of this is already written and we will be getting together to rehearse and record early in the new year. Everyone is excited about getting creative with fresh music in the studio. We will also be back on the road in the Spring for our “Live Dates 2011” tour, which will no doubt see us delving further into the extensive WA catalogue. We are in discussions with promoters all round the world, and will be spreading the music wider and louder in 2011. It gives us all so much pleasure to meet with everybody who is passionate about Wishbone Ash music.
I close by thanking my immediate team – my band: Ray, Danny and Dave for being not only great musicians but also fantastic company on the road; our soundmen Mick Howlett and Mark “Hobbit” Emery; Martin Darvill, Maria Lundy, Patzi Cacchio, Nathan Parsons and Daniel Earnshaw at QEDG management; Don McKay at Rhino agency; Gary Carter, our webmaster, Ellie and Roland, our PR; Marcus Sollner and Kultopolis in Germany; also our legal advisers and our labels. Most of all my thanks to all our fans worldwide for continuing to support the band. We look forward to seeing you in 2011 and beyond.
Wishing everyone a very happy and successful new year.
Best Wishes,
Martin Turner
Life Begins DVD - Orders now being taken
DEC 15 2010
We are pleased to announce the final content for the special edition of Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash's Life Begins DVD.
The DVD available online features:
* Full length in concert performance from the Y Theatre Leicester, 13 March 2010. Over two and a quarter hours of classic Wishbone Ash music - an especially extended set list including a special performance of the seminal Argusalbum performed in its entirety.
* MTWA In Conversation. Behind the scenes with Martin and the band, including exclusive interviews, soundcheck footage and Cancer Research UK charity presentation.
* DVD Trailer. Promotional trailer for the DVD
* Life Begins: Second Leg - The Rehearsals. Fly on the wall footage of the band rehearsing additional material for the second leg of the Life Begins tour.
The DVD is region free and will play on most players worldwide.
Life Begins is the ultimate MTWA audio-visual experience. The DVD is the perfect concert souvenir that brings you closer to the band both on and off stage.
Life Begins can now be ordered online via our dedicated Life Begins website.
Dispatches will begin w/c 20 December and it is hoped that at least some people will receive in time for Christmas.
Time & Space - Life Begins DVD Preview
DEC 5 2010
Another taster of the forthcoming "Life Begins" DVD is now online.
We have uploaded the opening track "Time and Space" to our You Tube channel.
MT BCFM Radio Interview
DEC 5 2010
Martin Turner will be appearing on BCFM's Rock Show, presented by John Wisby, tonight. The show airs at 10.00pm and Martin is expected to appear around 10.30pm.
More Live Dates For 2011
DEC 1 2010
Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash is pleased to announce further UK dates for next year, including UK appearances alongside Skinny Molly (Lynyrd Skynyrd/Blackfoot spin-off) during May 2011.
We can also now confirm the Worcester Huntingdon Hall show, previously listed as subject to confirmation, as a definite booking.
See our tour dates page for full details.
Life Begins DVD - Trailer Online
NOV 28 2010
A short trailer previewing the forthcoming Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash Life Begins DVD has now been added to our official You Tube channel.
The DVD is on course for release during December 2010. Aside from the full concert track list, as previously listed, the version of the DVD available through our webstore will include a 30 minute behind the scenes documentary including exclusive interview footage with the band.
Further details to be announced shortly.
MTWA sell out in Hamburg
NOV 20 2010
Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash received a tumultuous reception in Hamburg last night as yet another show recorded a sell out. The band would like to thank the audience which included fans travelling from UK, Greece, italy and Norway. A special thank you to the promoter, Uwe. Next stop Dresden.
Look out for images from the European tour to be uploaded within the coming days.
Live Dates 2011
NOV 9 2010
The first MTWA live dates announced for 2011 are now online at our tour datespage. More will follow in due course as 2011 promises to be yet another busy period of live activity.
Live Begins - The DVD
NOV 3 2010
We are pleased to announce that production work on Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash's Life Begins concert DVD is now complete.
The DVD is the perfect visual souvenir of MTWA's live show and captures the band in top form during the first leg of the Life Begins tour. The DVD features the full concert performance from Leicester Y Theatre on 13 March 2010, including a full performance of Argus.
Full concert track listing: Time and Space; Vas Dis; Ballad of the Beacon; Rock 'n' Roll Widow; Sorrel; Everybody Needs a Friend; Phoenix; Lost Cause in Paradise; Errors of my Way; Ships in the Sky; You See Red; Time Was; Sometime World; The King Will Come; Leaf and Stream; Warrior; Throw Down the Sword; Blowin' Free; Living Proof; Jailbait.
The DVD will be available to order through the web store during December 2010, in advance of a full general release early in 2011.
Look out for further information on the DVD coming soon, as well as preview tracks which will be added to our YouTube channel soon.
Thank You
NOV 3 2010
Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash wish to thank all those who attended the most recent UK tour. The shows were well supported, and concluded with two sold-out performances, enthusing the band for the upcoming European dates which, together with the band's appearance at the HMV Forum, London on 13 December, will conclude the "Life Begins" tour.
BBC Suffolk Interview Online
OCT 21 2010
Martin Turner was interviewed by Sue Marchant of BBC Suffolk, ahead of last weekend's Progbury event. An audio file of the interview has been added to ourYou Tube channel.