Wishbone Ash is coming to South Africa
Watch out for this incredible international band, coming to South Africa soon.
International band, Wishbone Ash, will be performing at the Barnyard Theatre at Parkview in Pretoria on Sunday 12 July.
This performance is part of their World Tour 2015 and this incredible band, formed in 1969, will also be performing in Johannesburg and Cape Town while they are visiting sunny South Africa.
They have made records in both the UK and the US, working with producers of the calibre of Tom Dowd (Cream, Clapton & Lynyrd Skynyrd) and Bill Szymczyk (Eagles, Joe Walsh & The Who).
Rekord spoke to Andy Powell, guitarist and vocalist of the band, about their tour, their latest album and the highlight of his career so far.
Have you ever visited South Africa?
Yes, we have. Twice before. A few years ago we played Jo’burg, Durban and Cape Town with Deep Purple and Uriah Heep. Back in the 80s we played at Sun City along with Nazereth.
How do you feel about performing in South Africa?
Well, it is exotic for us. It is a very different tour from the usual places we go to like the US, UK and Germany, but then again it is really quite similar, you know, in terms of audience recognition.
You have been performing for well over 40 years now… Would you say there has been any major changes in your music (with regard to style, motivation, audience?
Well, the music business has changed out of all recognition. Rock was huge business in the 70s and very much the cultural norm. Things are much more diverse now. The rock attitude was quite rebellious. However, our roots go deep and the music always comes first. This has always stood us in good stead and in this way, trends don’t have so much of an impact on us. We just do what we do. Thankfully, guitar playing, which is what we specialise in, is as popular as ever.
How are you enjoying your world tour so far?
I’ve been taking a short summer break but we’ve done about 20,000 miles so far and we’re none the worse for wear. Our audiences love the new album which is gratifying and it is always fun on the road.
What can you tell us about Blue Horizon?
It is all about the songs. But there is lot of jamming and guitar interplay, of course, for the aficionados. It is pretty eclectic music ranging from blues to folk to some almost jazz and progressive rock changes. I’m always pleasantly surprised when I hear it again and it follows on nicely from its predecessor Elegant Stealth.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Oh so many events… I loved the success of our Argus album in the 70s which propelled us into the arenas and stadiums in the States. We toured India three times. That was amazing. Playing the Fillmore West, Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, headlining the Reading Festival in the UK… the list goes on… Oh, and of course, visiting South Africa and the Cape.
What advice do you have for up and coming artists about the industry, with your amazing career?
Don’t let your ego get in the way. Keep ownership of all your own music. Work and play everywhere for nothing until you get recognition and then someone will come along (hopefully) and give you a helping hand.
What are you looking forward to about visiting South Africa the most?
The audiences firstly, but then we’ll take some time out for touristic and cultural events like visiting a game reserve, the wine region and so on. I’m looking forward to meeting South African musicians.
What is next for Wishbone Ash?
We have a direct to vinyl recording up for release in the autumn and also a DVD that we recently recorded in Paris. We’ll play tours of the USA and the UK back to back and then kick off the new year with a tour of Europe.
Do you have any favourite South African bands/artists?
Well, Dave Mathews is South African, even though he lives in the US. I love Trevor Rabin’s work.
Where do you get inspiration for your music?
Traveling, mostly. New experiences… Life, love and the pursuit of happiness.
Tickets for their South African shows are R250.00 per person and can be obtained online at www.barnyardtheatres.co.za.
For more information about the World Tour, go to www.wishboneash.com.
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