I just checked my blog entries and it tells me that I have seen Wishbone Ash more than 30 times since 1972. To be honest I think that is a somewhat conservative estimate. Anyway, I always enjoy seeing this band so the opportunity to catch them again could not be passed up. The Wylam Brewery is a lovely building situated within Exhibition Park Newcastle. It still operates as a brewery as well as a concert venue and a very successful venue for weddings. You drive up a little road into the park, past a little lake and up to the majestic hall.
This tour is entitled the Live Dates tour, commemorating 50 years of their live albums of the same name. I run into an old friend and fellow blogger Peter. Lovely to meet you Peter. We chat and realise that we were both at the same concert in 1973 at Newcastle City Hall when the Live Dates album was first recorded. I could not resist going back and reproducing my memories of 50 years ago. See below.
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”, “Blowing 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 from 1973: 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.
So, roll on 50 years and I am treated to a set which is very similar to that of the momentous 1973 Newcastle City Hall concert. Wishbone Ash start with “Real Guitars Have Wings” before moving swiftly back in time to the Argus album and a particular favourite of mine “The King Will Come”. The rest of the first set is very similar to the original, and even includes the old blues standard, originally by Jimmy Reed, “Baby What You Want Me to Do”.
The second set comprises further classics including another particular favourite “Jail Bait”. They close with the epic “Phoenix” a track which I used to think was too long, but I have grown to love over the years. The encore moves us forward a few years to another favourite of mine “Living Proof”. A great selection of songs.
As often is the case, there are some omissions from the original 1973 set which would have added to the delight of the evening: “No Easy Road” and a track that is rarely featured in their live shows “Where Were You Tomorrow”. You can’t have everything. Hopefully it won’t be long until they return to the north-east. Happy days and 6 nights of concerts in a row. A night of rest before I start again!
Setlist: Set One: Real Guitars Have Wings; The King Will Come; Warrior; Throw Down the Sword; Rock ‘n Roll Widow; Ballad of the Beacon; Baby What You Want Me to Do.
Set Two: The Pilgrim; Blowin’ Free; Jail Bait; Lady Whiskey; Phoenix
Encore: Living Proof; Persephone.
Vintagerock's Weblog. 
Posted by treetopflier2009 on September 23, 2023 at 1:52 pm
It was great to meet face to face at last. A wonderful night, as good as I have seen them! Thanks for the name check. Pete.
Posted by vintagerock on September 23, 2023 at 1:54 pm
I agree Pete. They were wonderful 🙂 Peter
Posted by John Johnstone on September 23, 2023 at 2:18 pm
Hi Peter, I saw WA in Kendal last week, thought that they were brilliant as usual. They have been coming to Kendal for the last 13 years (save for the pandemic years) and this is so appreciated by the townsfolk. I’ve been to all of these local gigs and they seem to be getting better with age, especially now they have a great new second lead guitarist in Mark Abrahams. I managed to blag a backstage meet and greet with them this time and the guys were really friendly and welcoming. Like you, I first saw them on the 1973 tour but at Sunderland Mecca. Unlike you, I have only seen them 15 times!
Posted by vintagerock on September 24, 2023 at 10:22 am
Hi John great to hear from a fellow Wishbone Ash fan. I was also at the gig at the Mecca! They continue to be fantastic. Happy days Peter
Posted by Lesley Griffin on September 23, 2023 at 3:51 pm
You are on a roll Peter – keep enjoying the music!
Lesley Griffin
Posted by vintagerock on September 24, 2023 at 10:19 am
Thanks Lesley I fully intend to do so 🙂 Peter
Posted by colinc1958 on September 23, 2023 at 4:03 pm
I too was at that show back in June 73 and I love to read your reflections on these old shows because my memories are very hazy from those days, (I was 15 back in 73). What I do remember is, it was a brilliant show, Ted and Andy were wonderful that night. To this day, Argus is still one of my favourite albums from the 70’s 👌
Posted by vintagerock on September 24, 2023 at 9:49 am
Thanks Colin. Yes Wishbone Ash were truly wonderful in those days. That was a great night. Many thanks for supporting my blog. Best wishes Peter
Posted by colinc1958 on September 24, 2023 at 9:51 am
👍
Posted by ciarant1step on October 8, 2023 at 2:30 pm
Great review – wish I had been there. Nicely complements your review of Martin Turner’s band a few months ago.
Glad this was such a good concert. This is some sequence!
Posted by vintagerock on October 8, 2023 at 3:52 pm
Many thanks Ciaran. Yes I was quite knackered after 6 nights in a row of concerts. Wishbone Ash was an excellent end to the 6 night run. Happy days Peter