The 30-year history of Wishbone Ash has hardly been smooth, with numerous personnel changes and gradually fading popularity since the band's most acclaimed album, Argus, was released in 1972. What you'll witness here, t... more »hen, is an inspiring and altogether good-natured example of survival embodied by original Wishbone guitarist Andy Powell. Looking youthful at 50, his formerly long hair now shaved off altogether, Powell remains a virtuoso ax-man, matched by fellow ace Mark Birch (temporarily filling the shoes of the departed Ted Turner) to recreate Wishbone's signature twin-guitar sound. As the sole survivor of Wishbone's original lineup, Powell happily presides over the group's considerable legacy, epitomized here by outstanding performances of the Ash classics "Phoenix" and "Blowin' Free." The concert's a no-frills affair with an occasionally uneven mix, but the music comes through with clarity and gusto, reminding us that Wishbone Ash's unique blend of musicianship remains influential some three decades later. --Jeff Shannon« less
Actor:Wishbone Ash Genres:Music Video & Concerts Sub-Genres:Pop, Rock & Roll, DTS Studio:Eagle Rock Ent Format:DVD DVD Release Date: 02/12/2002 Original Release Date: 01/01/2000 Theatrical Release Date: 01/01/2000 Release Year: 2002 Run Time: 1hr 40min Number of Discs: 1 SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Total Copies: 0 Members Wishing: 2 MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated) Languages:English
"Difficult to keep a handle on who Wishbone Ash are as they've had more band member changes than their 30 years of playing good 'ol traditional British Rock. This show, recorded in April 2000 in London was put together by sole surviving founder member and co lead-guitarist Andy Powell, features 12 songs ranging from the early Blowing Free and band theme Phoenix to later acoustic works such as Errors of My Way and Ballad of the Beacon. No chicken-mutilating theatrics or pyrotechnics feature here, just quality, laid back rock from craftsmen musos who care more about harmony and melody than shredding prowess or the latest digital sound processing gizmo.This DVD is shot in full-frame 4:3 video and is of excellent quality with only minor aliasing detracting from an excellent transfer. The soundtracks too are excellent and feature surround DTS and DD 5.1 tracks with good use of surround and centre channels to setup a realistic sounding soundstage.Probably won't appeal to Korn freaks or axe-hero worshippers but to those who appreciate quality and musicianship, with a little laid-back nostalgia, it's recommended."
Required viewing for classic rock fans
TJD | South Pasadena, CA USA | 12/31/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"For Wishbone Ash fans who have yet to see them live, this is a well-produced tribute both to the past and present. It is somewhat amazing that Andy Powell has been able to maintain the Ash sound over 30 years while musicians (typically of high caliber) came and went from the band. The DVD video is crisp and shot in a very straightforward fashion; the lack of glitz is welcome. Generally the sound (Dolby 5.1) is clean and well mixed; however, unfortunately, Claire Hamill's vocals either got lost in the mix or suffer from a malfunctioning microphone or amp. In sum, although the overall performance lacks a little energy, it is a refreshing experience to view and hear classic rock without the MTV baggage that accompanies most music today."
Class Act
SamIAM | United States | 02/16/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"My view on this release is that it was just a great thing for Andy Powell to do. And it is done so well, a great production. The sound is excellent and the video is very well shot and edited. Andy Powell is a class act. He just keeps rolling along. I also have to commend Martin Turner, Ted Turner and Steve Upton for allowing Wishbone Ash to continue. These guys are all very cool. Some people may take issue with the fact that the band only has one original member, so this DVD is not for the purist or the uptight. It's is for the fans who love to see this music kept alive and performed live. It is great to see Laurie Wisefield again. Overall a very enjoyable DVD. Well worth the money."
Straight ROCK ...Straight in the face
I. Banerjee | Memphis, TN USA | 06/22/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Classic rock though classic has not faded away. Whenever the twin guitars roar , it raises its head and punches the neorock in thier face. THIS IS ROCK ! Not Metal but ROCK. This is a great DVD , worth collecting not only for the music and workmanship but just for the mere fact that is has become so freaking rare. technically brilliant. Great stage pressence and crystal clear video and audio. 30 Years and it just begun all over again....Rock hard ride free....Free Bird - Phoenix."
The Andy Powell Band...to be more accurate
Lee J. Davito | 06/26/2008
(1 out of 5 stars)
"As of 1993....Andy Powell has been basically billing himself as Wishbone Ash....and his "bandmates" are nothing more than hired hands...and it would be more accurate to refer to this band as "The Andy Powell Band"
To consider any efforts after 1993 to be remotely considered "Wishbone Ash" is without a doubt blasphemy to the memory of the original band.
To set the record straight....Andy is a hard musician to work with.....one by one...he ran off each past member...as they failed to meet his expectations....Which is very odd...considering that in the early days...1969-80...Martin Turner handled a very large majority of the lead vocals...and was also a very strong musical contributer....Laurie Wisefield...was also a strong singer/player/writer and he left as well...Ted Turner...was the first member to depart...a very talented musician in all areas...Guess they just grew tired of Andy's domineering control over the band.
I'm not saying Andy is a weak player..by any means....He's great...but he isn't Wishbone Ash..and his band doesn't even come close....and to call this a "30th anniversary concert"..is a major misrepresentation and injustice to the original band..
It's a real shame that there isn't any real concert footage of these guys in those early days..You'd do best to stick with the cd's"