WISHBONE ASH : announce Argus 50th Anniversary Box Set, plus US Live Dates

Legendary British band WISHBONE ASH have announced a forthcoming box set for their most successful album Argus. Released in April of 1972, Argus would be a Top 10 album in the UK, blending prog, folk-rock, and hard-rock. Argus featured such tracks as “The King Will Come”, “Blowin’ Free”, “Warrior” and “Throw Down The Sword” – all favorites that would feature on the band’s 1973 Live Dates double album. The band (current line-up) is also going on a US tour celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Live Dates album. *See info from both press releases below, as well as links.

Celebrating one of the most pivotal entries in the history of great British rock and prog albums, Wishbone Ash’s legendary LP “Argus” gets a 50th Anniversary multi-format Box Set release on 14 April 2023 through Madfish.

Complete with its indelible Hipgnosis designed album sleeve, 1972’s “Argus” saw Wishbone Ash (Andy Powell, Martin Turner, Steve Upton & Ted Turner) mix hard rock, blues, folk and elements of prog to create an anthemic album of resounding quality. “Argus” was the group’s third studio LP and undoubtedly the classic album within the band’s ‘70s canon. It is not only the biggest selling album of their career, featuring the beloved fan-favorite “Blowin’ Free”, but full of memorable and timeless tunes such as “The King Will Come”, “Time Was”, “Warrior” and “Throw Down The Sword”. Widely considered a vital moment in the progression of twin-lead guitar harmonization, Andy Powell and Ted Turner’s pioneering twin lead attack left an indelible stamp on the likes of Thin Lizzy, Iron Maiden, Metallica and Lynyrd Skynyrd. It was also a technique deployed by Steely Dan for their own 1972 hit “Reelin’ In The Years”.

Featuring 2 LPs, 3 CDs, 7” single, DVD and 48-page book with rare photographs and extensive liner notes & contributions from Andy Powell, Martin Turner & Steve Upton

· 3 CDs: Martin Turner’s “Argus” remaster, “Live at The Alexandra Palace 1973 & Memphis 1972”. Also features 4 previously unreleased early version demos.
· 2 LPs: Original “Argus” replica, remastered for this release + “Argus Live” on yellow vinyl (selected recordings from “Alexandra Palace & Memphis”).
· DVD: French & Swiss TV footage, “Live from the Rainbow 1973 & RTS Broadcast from 1974”.
· 7” Red vinyl Single of “Blowin’ Free”.
· Featuring a 48-page book with rare photographs and extensive liner notes with contributions from Andy Powell, Martin Turner & Steve Upton.
· Numbered certificate of authenticity

Pre Orders available here: https://WishboneAshMadfish.lnk.to/argus50

Wishbone Ash achieved considerable success in the 1970s, during which they were among England’s most popular hard rock acts, achieving an impressive eight Top 40 albums. Often regarded as one of the premiere UK live acts of the ‘70s, they toured throughout this period and into the following decades.

1972 was one of rock music’s most memorable years for regal releases – a golden age of classic albums – “Exile On Main Street”, “Machine Head”, “The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars”, “All The Young Dudes”, “Roxy Music”, “Can’t Buy A Thrill”, “Sailin’ Shoes”, “Foxtrot”, “Demons And Wizards”, “Transformer” and “Barnstorm” – by rock royalty – The Rolling Stones, Deep Purple, Davie Bowie, Mott The Hoople, Roxy Music, Steely Dan, Little Feat, Genesis, Uriah Heep, Lou Reed and Joe Walsh. Not least among these amazing artists and records was Wishbone Ash and their groundbreaking album “Argus”.

As they reigned supreme through the ‘70s, Wishbone Ash was centered on inspired musicianship, joyful spirit and inventive songs. Their concerts were uplifting and their recorded work sublime. “Argus” remains a stunning highpoint in the band’s startling repertoire. This is a vital addition to the Wishbone Ash catalogue.

Released by Madfish on April 14, 2023

Pre-orders available here: https://WishboneAshMadfish.lnk.to/argus50

For more information:
https://www.madfishmusic.com/artists/wishbone-ash/
https://www.facebook.com/wishbone.ash.official

“Argus is one of my favourite albums of all time, and every song on it is great…. Wishbone Ash were such an influential band for me, not just with the twin guitars, but also the melodies and the vocals and Martin Turner’s bass playing…” – Steve Harris (IRON MAIDEN)

Wishbone Ash returns to the US!

In 2023, the band, led by founding member Andy Powell (guitarist, lead vocals), will mark the 50th anniversary of their biggest selling, multi-platinum album, “Live Dates,” with tours of Europe, North America and the United Kingdom. In the U.S., February and March will see the band traveling through the Northeast and Midwest.

As the first live album released by the band, “Live Dates” features selections from Wishbone Ash’s first four albums performed live during the summer of 1973. Reviewers have consistently listed it among the finest live rock albums of all time. “Live Dates” includes the cream of the early Wishbone Ash crop: King Will Come, Warrior, Throw Down the Sword, Rock ’N’ Roll Widow, Ballad of the Beacon, Baby What You Want Me to Do, Pilgrim, Blowin’ Free, Jailbait, Lady Whiskey and Phoenix.