Wishbone Ash, 02 Institute, Birmingham - review

Two guitarists just blasted straight into a duelling solo and then suddenly the bass and drums kicked in – that song was Jail Bait and from that moment on I was absolutely hooked.

I’d never heard two guitars played in such a way, where they complimented each other so superbly. Later in life I’d discover that was sound that made Wishbone Ash so unique.

There have been a lot of reincarnations of the band since their heyday back in the early-to-mid seventies but whatever line-up takes to the stage these, it’s always going to be a wonderful gig.

Andy Powell was the only original member to grace the 02 Institute stage in Birmingham last night but it mattered not because we were all treated to some seriously, brilliant rock 'n' roll.

As the years have passed, so many innovative artists have come and gone but if you want great music it’s impossible to beat a lead guitar – or two if you’re being spoilt by Wishbone Ash – a bass and some drums.

The gig was split into two sets, which was a nice touch because it meant, following a fantastic opening section, the fans knew there was more to come.

Real Guitars Have Wings launched the evening, with its quick build-up giving way to some seriously good soloing, the hallmark of any great Wishbone Ash song.

Fifty years the band has been touring for now but when their on stage the energy they perform with just fills the room.

The King Will Come – it was clear the kings had come as they launched into another song filled with solos before the break hit us, ‘In the fire, the king will come’ followed by another of those memorable riffs.

It was time to mellow out a bit, with Throw Down the Sword, before we were hit with Sometime World, another beautiful, bluesy number where Powell’s voice was so nicely supported by guitars, drums and bass. All you can do is stand there and take it all in.

Harmonies

And there was still time for more of those laidback vibes with The Way of the World, which was again dominated by Powell’s hauntingly, understated voice before the guitars kicked back in.

The song format is implicitly itself but when you add the dual guitars and harmonies suddenly it becomes a real work of art.

If ever there was Living Proof that classic rock 'n' roll is the greatest genre of music, then we needed to look no further than Wishbone Ash on top of their game.

‘Oh, oh, you tell me you just want some’, screamed Powell – yes, we did, and yes it was provided in abundance.

Blind Eye is a personal favourite. It just has everything – screaming guitars and all-out blues. ‘You turned a blind eye to everything I ever said. You turned a blind eye to everything I ever did’, preached Powell.

And if that wasn’t bluesy enough for us, then band then hit us Deep Blues – a song that seriously does everything it says on the tin.

Absolutely wonderfully, simple riffs, melodies and the odd solo. Nothing else is needed.

Wishbone Ash truly are an Enigma – and what a song that is. The guitar playing gets a bit more complex in this one at the start before making way for another all-out rock song. And then the guitar picking gently returns in the background.

But if you want to just sit back and enjoy the sound of the guitar, when it’s played by one of the best in the business, then The Pilgrim is the track. It takes a while to kick in too, but when it does it gets the whole gig rocking.

Tales of the Wise allowed the guitarist to let loose once more and then, just when I thought they might be leaving it out for this gig, they hit us with Jail Bait.

Perhaps I’m a little biased because it was one of those songs that just blew my mind at such a young age, but I cannot think of a better rock song. Controversial, maybe, but I don’t care.

‘I want to make you cast away your fears’, screamed Powell before he launched into one the greatest-ever dual guitar solos ever written.

There was still time for an encore – I don’t think they crowd would’ve let them leave alive had they not come back on – and Blowing Free was the perfect way to end a wonderful evening.

Seeing Wishbone Ash play live is another one off the bucket list and I’m so grateful they lived up to all my expectations. Long live rock ‘n’ roll.