WISHBONE ASH Announces New Live Album, 'Live Dates Live'

August 11, 2023

Almost fifty years ago to the month, British rock legends WISHBONE ASH brought out "Live Dates", their most commercially successful album. A milestone not only for the band, but also in the history of rock music. "At the time, we had been on tour non-stop for three years, had released 'Argus' – from today's point of view our most important studio album – and were like a well-oiled machine," remembers founder Andy Powell, who continues to helm the group. "We had made a name for ourselves as a dynamic live act, so it only made sense to capture the energy and vibrancy of our shows on a live album. Fortunately, the record company funded the costly Rolling Stones Mobile recording truck, so we were able to record several shows during our U.K. tour and compile the most powerful moments on 'Live Dates'."

Fast forward half a century and we find ourselves in the summer of 2023, with WISHBONE ASH celebrating the anniversary of their 1973 concert classic with a new edition. "New" meaning: the same material in exactly the same sequence, performed by the current lineup and recorded at Daryl's House Club in Pawling, New York. The new release is titled "Live Dates Live" and will be available on CD, vinyl double LP and for digital download on Steamhammer/SPV from September 29.

Powell explains: "'Live Dates Live' is our tribute to the original and our thank you to all those fans who have been instrumental in making WISHBONE ASH one of the few bands from the early '70s who are still active today, who still record new albums and tour on a regular basis."

WISHBONE ASH in 2023 probably seems to have little in common with the 1973 version but on closer look, there are many parallels. For one, guitarist/vocalist Andy Powell still keeps a tight hold of the musical reins, maintaining a sound that is known and loved. First-rate musicians Mark Abrahams (guitar),Bob Skeat (guitar) and Mike Truscott (drummer),some of whom are of a younger generation, ooze the original spirit and philosophy of the original lineup, making for a 2023 band that is still 100 percent WISHBONE ASH.

"Live Dates Live" track list:

01. The King Will Come
02. Warrior
03. Throw Down The Sword
04. Rock n Roll Widow
05. Ballad Of The Beacon
06. Baby What You Want Me To Do
07. The Pilgrim
08. Blowin' Free
09. Jailbait
10. Lady Whiskey
11. Phoenix

In a recent interview with Batavia Daily News, Powell — who founded the group in England in 1969 — said that WISHBONE ASH didn't set out to be an influential early hard rock band. "We had a great plan," he explained. "We had a blueprint that we laid down, which was to develop our own sound as a band. That's composed around the music; that was really intrinsic to our success and initially, longevity. Timing is everything when you're coming on the scene."

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