Wishbone Ash Newcastle City Hall 24 June 1973 “Live Dates”
Wishbone Ash released their fourth album “Wishbone Four” in early 1973. It represented a departure from the sound of their first three albums and their most successful release “Argus”; there was less evidence of their trademark twin guitars, and more of a focus on harmonies and songs. A group of school mates were absolutely massive Wishbone Ash fans, and went straight out and bought it, but we all felt that it didn’t quite reach the standard which had been set by “Argus”. The music on “Four” had more of a folk-rock sound, although the album did contain a couple of rockers more typical of their earlier music, notably “No Easy Road” which had been a single in 1972, and which I’d seen them perform at Sunderland Mecca, and “Rock ‘n Roll Widow”. A few of the songs from the album were played live at the time, including “So Many Things to Say”, “Ballad of the Beacon” and “Everybody Needs a Friend”.
Wishbone Ash were back touring the UK in June 1973, and recorded a double live album at concerts in Croydon Fairfield Halls, Reading University, Portsmouth Guildhall and Newcastle City Hall, using The Rolling Stones Mobile Recording Studio. 
I attended the Newcastle gig, during which three tracks: “Warrior”, “Blowingg Free” and “Throw Down the Sword” were recorded for the album. We didn’t know about the recording until we got into the City Hall. We could see a couple of mikes hanging from the ceiling (aah, such was the technology in those days 🙂 ). Then it was announced over the PA, to a big crowd cheer, that they were going to be recording the show for a future live album. The place was packed and the capacity crowd gave Wishbone Ash a tremendous reception, cheering before and after each song, all of us hoping that our voices might be heard on the lp.
Set list (thanks Mitch): The King Will Come, Warrior, Throw Down The Sword, Ballad Of The Beacon, Rock N Roll Widow, Everybody Needs A Friend, The Pilgrim, Blowin’ Free, Jail Bait, Doctor, So Many Things To Say, Baby What You Want Me To Do, Phoenix.
Encores: No Easy Road, Where Were You Tomorrow, Lady Whiskey.
I’ve just listened to my copy, but couldn’t pick out my own cheering 🙂 This was the last time that I would see the classic Wishbone Ash line-up of Ted Turner (guitar, vocals), Andy Powell (guitar, vocals), Martin Turner (bass, vocals) and Steve Upton (drums) (at least for many years, until later reunions). Ted Turner left the band later in 1973, and Wishbone Ash decamped to the USA to record their fifth album. They returned to the UK with some new songs and a new guitarist in late 1974. I’ll write about that tour tomorrow.
22 Jan
Vintagerock's Weblog. 
Posted by Mitch on January 22, 2015 at 3:48 pm
I was at this concert. I recall they played rather a lengthy set and for that reason there was no supporting act.
Set list was:
The King Will Come, Warrior, Throw Down The Sword, Ballad Of The Beacon, Rock N Roll Widow, Everybody Needs A Friend, The Pilgrim, Blowin’ Free, Jail Bait, Doctor, So Many Things To Say, Baby What You Want Me To Do, Phoenix.
Encores: No Easy Road, Where Were You Tomorrow, Lady Whiskey.
Blowin’ Free from the Live Dates album is also from this concert as well as Warrior and Throw Down The Sword.
I have always considered The King Will Come as a great concert opener – alongside the likes of Highway Star and Watcher Of The Skies.
Wishbone Ash are still going strong despite recent court battles over use of the band’s name. They toured the UK towards the end of last year where they played the entire Live Dates album within their set. I was lucky enough to catch them at Newcastle Cluny which was thoroughly enjoyable. The show at Chesterfield was recorded and a CD entitled Roadworks 4 is available on the wishboneash.com website. The track listing is the whole of the Live Dates album in 2014 style.
Posted by vintagerock on January 22, 2015 at 3:54 pm
Many thanks indeed Mitch That’s why I couldn’t remember who the support act was! I’ll update the setlist.
I haven’t seen Wishbone Ash for three or four years now. I’ve missed the last couple of tours. Will try to catch them next time methinks. Cheers Peter
Posted by Neil Thompson on January 22, 2015 at 8:04 pm
Note the misspelling of Miles Copeland on the ticket stub (Stewart’s brother)
Posted by vintagerock on January 22, 2015 at 9:27 pm
Thanks Neil you’re right and I hadn’t noticed that at all Cheers Peter