ROCK HISTORY AT Z7
Wishbone Ash is undoubtedly one of the most influential bands in the entire history of rock. With their unique dual-lead-guitar sound, the English band has had a lasting influence on artists ranging from Thin Lizzy to Iron Maiden. Just under a year after their last Z7 show, the band led by original singer and guitarist Andy Powell is returning to Pratteln with songs spanning nearly six decades of the band’s history.
They’re a Z7 staple. Wishbone Ash has performed here eleven times since 2010, and we just can’t get enough of them. In February 2024, the band visited us on their “Live Dates 50th Anniversary” tour; in January 2025, we were treated to another full-on Wishbone Ash show at Z7; and in February 2026, the fantastic live band from Torquay, England, returned to Pratteln with their “The Time Was Tour” to treat their fans to a rousing show and a setlist of all-time favorites. Founded in 1969, Wishbone Ash is now led by the two lead guitarists Andy Powell (the last remaining original member) and Mark Abrahams (who joined in 2017). Bassist Bob Skeat, who has been part of the band for three decades, sets the pace alongside drummer Windsor McGilvray, who joined the band in 2026. Over the years, the band has experimented with a wide variety of musical styles, ranging from folk, blues, and jazz to pedal-to-the-metal rock and electronic music. But no matter the style—Wishbone Ash’s trademark is and remains the unmistakable sound of its two lead guitars, which has influenced bands such as Thin Lizzy, Judas Priest, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Iron Maiden, and even Opeth. There’s probably no other band that has made more of the twin-guitar concept than Wishbone Ash. Live, the band is still a force to be reckoned with: Andy Powell still performs on stage with unbridled enthusiasm and confidently leads his band through a nearly two-hour journey through Wishbone Ash’s rich back catalog. Our in-house chroniclers at Diebüehrers.com wrote about the final show: “Musically, the quartet effortlessly bridged the gap between early classics and later material. The unmistakable twin-guitar sound of Powell and Mark Abrahams remained the focal point throughout, repeatedly sending chills down the spine as the two guitar lines elegantly intertwined.” The convincing final verdict was: “Without flashy effects, but with plenty of passion and skill, the band impressively demonstrated why they’ve been a thrilling live act for over five decades. We can’t recommend this top-notch show highly enough!” To be continued.
Translated with DeepL
