Published on Oct 15, 2019
I still vividly remember what a rarity this show was back in the VHS trading days in the 1980s. It was the only way to see this vintage Wishbone Ash show, and it wasn’t even the complete show. This release has it all — the complete video show, and the CD version as well. If only I’d known this was gonna come out one day…
Wishbone Ash is caught here at its best. They come across very lively and full of enthusiasm. It’s a blistering performance from a band that knows that things are happening around them — they’re part of something very special, and they give themselves away to the music. The band is charismatic and well-rehearsed, but they still take chances on stage.
This show is loaded with great tracks, many of which are now considered classics. “The King Will Come,” which usually closes their current shows is played here as a second track. There is a bulk of solid songs that just rock. Tracks like “The Warrior,” “Persephone,” “Mother Of Pearl,” and “Blowin’ Free” are definitely what the audience came for. But there are plenty more great songs throughout this 95-minute presentation. Simply mind-blowing!
This concert was shown on German TV as the part of the Rockpalast series. Luckily, they held on to their masters, and many of these shows are now receiving an official release. As for Wishbone Ash, this is an incredible document of what once was. Back in the 1970s video was still in its infancy, but many shows such as Rockapalast pioneered its progress.
Wishbone Ash is still with us, and still very much a vital band. What we see and hear here is the original incarnation of the band in action. Many fans still feel this was the strongest lineup (Andy Powell on guitar and vocals, Martin Turner on bass and vocals, Steve Upton on drums, and Laurie Wisefield on guitar and vocals), but the band still continues to release great records and tour regularly. This however can be the only chance to see this particular version of the group. All of the points mentioned before make this a must-have addition to your Wishbone Ash collection.