Wishbone Ash Live 1980 “Just Testing”
1980 was a year of change for Wishbone Ash. The year started with the release of “Just Testing” – their tenth studio album, which included the excellent single “Living Proof”, a great rocker which remains a live favourite to this day. “Just Testing” spent four weeks on the UK chart, peaking at number 41. On the same day as it was released, Wishbone Ash commenced a 30 date UK/Irish tour, commemorating the band’s 10th anniversary. I saw the tour at Newcastle City Hall on 21st January 1980. It was another good concert, but their popularity had peaked, and the venue was not full. And it was the old favourites that everyone had come to hear.
A review of the Oxford New Theatre concert summarised the mood of the time: “…last night they proved their famous two-pronged lead is definitely of virtuoso vintage – but the “vintage” golden oldie tag is getting too close to comfort for a band still determined to take their rightful place at the top. Despite the promotions razzamatazz of their Tenth Anniversary World Tour, it was clear the band rely too heavily on past glories that climaxed with Argus seven years ago…
The tracks they took from Just Testing – were not in the same league as their other material.. the synchronised splendour of their twin lead flourished in ‘Blind Eye’, ‘The King Will Come’ and ‘Blowin’ Free’.” (Oxford Mail concert review, February 1980).
Set list for “Just Testing” Tour January 1980: Doctor; Blind Eye; The Way of the World; Living Proof; The King Will Come; Runaway; Lifeline; Insomnia; Phoenix; Blowin’ Free; Helpless; Queen of Torture; Jailbait; Bad Weather Blues; Too Much Monkey Business. I think the support at the City Hall 1980 might have been The Dukes. The Dukes were formed by guitarists Jimmy McCulloch and Miller Anderson. McCulloch passed away in 1979. The band continued, and Martin Stone and Charlie Tumuhai (ex BeBop Deluxe) were also members at one point.
In May 1980
Wishbone Ash went out on a 12 date UK tour, entitled the “Blowin’ Free” tour, which I caught at Sunderland Mayfair on 28th May.
Setlist for “Blowin’ Free” Tour May 1980: Doctor; Lady Whiskey; Helpless; I Need People; The Pilgrim; Lookin’ For a Reason; Runaway; Living Proof; The King Will Come; Phoenix; Blowin’ Free; Jailbait; Bad Weather Blues; Too Much Monkey Business
In October 1980
the band met to discuss their future and talked of recruiting a lead singer/front person, in a bid to acheive the hit single success which had previously eluded them. Frontman Martin Turner felt unable to go along with the majority decision and relinquish his lead vocalist duties, so he left the band. The last appearance of the classic Mk II 1970s Wishbone Ash line-up had been on September 20th 1980
at the Colmar Festival, France.
Many thanks to my friend John for sourcing a better quality ticket for the Mecca concert, courtesy of eBay!
Archive for the ‘Dukes’ Category
28 Jan
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