Every Year Again' is the slogan accompanieing  Wishbone Ash on their concert tours throughout Germany, well at least what's up to the last 2 decades . But that's wasn't always meant for Munich. Because here in this town, the band had played last time about 5 years ago. 
So it's about time for Andy Powell and Co to return to this town to not forget us completely. Well the risk for that ain't that high, as Wishbone Ash have certainly written Music History. and they are known to every music lover of our generation anyway. But as well as many other acts of this kind, also Wishbone Ash have had low times as well over all those years, including line up changes and breaks. 
Meanwhile there has even shown up a second version of this band, led by another original member, confusing the fans.
But it is Andy Powell who had never left those Wishbone Ash who had continued from the past, from their birth, and he owns the rights to the name, it's as easy as that. He never stopped and is still releasing new records, just as right now with the new CD 'Elegant Stealth'.
  

The current longplayer has shortly been released and now gets promoted with this tour. Although on the setlist there are only about 3 new songs shown, as Wishbone Ash belong to those bands, who do not need to release another record, as fans at their concerts mainly want to hear their greatest hits and not so much new stuff. 
There are about 500 guests, who have found their way tonight to Munich's Freiheiz Venue, mainly people of the elderly generation, those who have seen Wishbone Ash already live on Stage in the Seventies, but also some curious kids have come along. And tonight the band remembers those times with a mental trip to the past. - 
And we are here tonight, where Wishbone Ash 2012 feat. a still very fit - Andy Powell, bassist Bob Skeat, who is in the band for 15 years now, finnish guitarist Muddy Manninen, who is in the boat for 7 years and drummer Joseph Captree, who probably could easily be Andy Powell's son. 

However, first of all it's Swiss new talent Fabian Anderhub, who shows us his talent for about 40 minutes. 


He has grown up in Canada and has discovered his love for Jazz and Blues at a very early age. His talents have helped him to stick with it. Meanwhile he's moved back to Switzerland and has released his first full Album ‚It’s A Blues Thing’. And we get to hear quite a bit out of this. But not only him, also his backing band is pretty good, most of all guitarist Chris Stalder, who's performance is almost even more delicate, than the one of Fabian. 
Within the set there is also space for a hommage to John Lee Hooker, who's obviously Mr. Anderhub's idol. 
Let's put it that way...it is always good to see, that there are still young talents coming along what's up to Bluesrock, though they don't have such a reputation yet as Joe Bonamassa for instance. But never mind - who knows what the future brings along. 

http://www.anderhub-music.com


30 minutes later Wishbone Ash are starting their set in a rather dark atmosphere (not very nice for us pro photographers - including me  for Classic Rock Magazine) - with the classic tune ‚The King Will Come’.

Though in the very beginning the mood is still rather mellow, but maybe that's due to the advanced average ages here, who can't make their minds up to sing and clap along until later during the show. Or this is due to songs such as ‚Warrior’, ‚Can’t Go It Alone’ or ‚Lady Jay’, which defines a fine line of nicely knitted cords, combined into a tune DNA performed by some extraordinary musicians. It's a rather advanced muscial subject, more suitable for a carefull
listening party than a hard rocking along session...  
                                                                  


Newbe's are Reason To Believe’, ‚Invisible Threat’ and the groovy rocking 'Mud Slick' within the encore. That's it. The real fans rather want to hear ‚Keeper Of The Light’ and ‚The Pilgrim’ - and that's what they get, even in  extended versions. The 2 hour's show is finished with Wishbone Ash's raw diamond 'Blowin' Free', yet another highlight. 
                                                                                                                                                                  


End of story is a 2 hours lasting dejavu of the glory times, musicially perfect, but for some of us a little 
too extended as I can realize, which doesn't mean they are bad, no they have delivered yet another brilliant performance with no complains... And the Die hard Wishbone Ash Fan definately wants them back as soon as possible. And that's the point. So I'm pretty sure, that in eight years, this band will definately celebrate their 50th anniversary - so or so.... 
http://wishboneash.com/

Andy Powell
the last original of the original Wishbone Ash
(click pic for some Statements according the Band
the music, the new album and more....)
(streaming Audiofile via WMP  ca 13 Min.)

A Live Review and Pictures can be found in the next 
print issue of 

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