MADFISH MUSIC PRESENTS
WISHBONE ASH – AT THE BBC 1970-1988

12-DISC SET INCLUDES 72-PAGE HARDBACK BOOK, 11 CDs OF LIVE MATERIAL AND A DVD OF PERFORMANCE FOOTAGE FROM THE BBC

RELEASE DATE: 28TH MARCH 2025

Madfish Music proudly presents Wishbone Ash – At The BBC 1970-1988, an extraordinary collection of iconic performances, rare recordings, and behind-the-scenes gems, captured over nearly two decades from one of the most celebrated bands in rock history.

Four years in the making and shaped by the input of devoted fans and band members alike, this long-awaited release is the definitive archive of Wishbone Ash’s unforgettable relationship with the BBC.

PRE-ORDER WISHBONE ASH AT THE BBC 1970-1988 (28th MARCH 2025)

Packaged in a protective slipcase, the audiovisual book set is comprised of:

11 CDs of electrifying live material including never-before-heard sessions and performances, expertly restored and remastered by Pete Reynolds. Includes iconic shows from the Paris Theatre, Glasgow Apollo and Hammersmith Odeon, as well as performances on John Peel’s Sunday Concert, Sounds of the Seventies, Top Gear + more.

a DVD of Old Grey Whistle Test footage from 1971, 1977 & 1980. Includes rare outtakes, full performances, and behind-the-scenes moments.

a beautifully bound 72-page hardback book, complete with rare photos, session documentation from the BBC vaults and exclusive insights from the band.

For fans, collectors, and newcomers alike, this is the ultimate treasure trove of Ash’s signature melodic twin-lead guitars and progressive rock mastery. The wait is over.

* 9 of the 14 1971-72 studio session tracks are from transcription discs

* the only off-airs are CD1 tracks 1-5 and 9-11

* everything from CD2 – CD11 is from master sources (tape or transcription disc or a combination of both, as some concerts were sold abroad with X tracks but broadcast in the UK with Y tracks: this box combines everything related to each concert).

WISHBONE ASH – AT THE BBC 1970-1988 TRACKLIST

DISC 1
1. Vas Dis (John Peel’s Sunday Concert 19/11/70) [04:24]
2. Phoenix (John Peel’s Sunday Concert 19/11/70) [14:13]
3. Where Were You Tomorrow (John Peel’s Sunday Concert 19/11/70) [06:23]
4. Queen of Torture (Sounds of the Seventies 1/1/71) [03:30]
5. Errors of my Way (Sounds of the Seventies 1/1/71) [06:38]
6. Blind Eye (Sounds of the Seventies 21/4/71) [03:52]
7. Lullaby (Sounds of the Seventies 21/4/71) [02:48]
8. The Pilgrim (Top Gear 5/7/71) [06:57]
9. Jail Bait (Top Gear 5/7/71) [04:54]
10. Lady Whiskey (Top Gear 5/7/71) [05:39]
11. Lullaby (Top Gear 5/7/71) [03:12]
12. Jail Bait (Sounds of the Seventies 1/11/71) [04:59]
13. The Pilgrim (Sounds of the Seventies 1/11/71) [08:39]
14. Lullaby (Sounds of the Seventies 1/11/71) [03:15]

DISC 2
1. Time Was (Paris Theatre London 25/5/72) [10:27]
2. Blowin’ Free (Paris Theatre London 25/5/72) [05:32]
3. Jail Bait (Paris Theatre London 25/5/72) [05:23]
4. The Pilgrim (Paris Theatre London 25/5/72) [10:25]
5. Warrior (Paris Theatre London 25/5/72) [05:40]
6. Throw Down The Sword (Paris Theatre London 25/5/72) [06:27]
7. The King Will Come (Paris Theatre London 25/5/72) [08:24]
8. Phoenix (Paris Theatre London 25/5/72) [19:35]

DISC 3
1. Blowin’ Free (Top Gear 18/4/72) [06:47]
2. Warrior (Top Gear 18/4/72) [04:50]
3. The King Will Come (Top Gear 18/4/72) [06:10]
4. Ballad Of The Beacon (Paris Theatre London 14/2/74) [06:01]
5. Sometime World (Paris Theatre London 14/2/74) [07:36]
6. Rock n Roll Widow (Paris Theatre London 14/2/74) [05:58]
7. Blowin’ Free (Paris Theatre London 14/2/74) [05:22]
8. Jail Bait (Paris Theatre London 14/2/74) [09:08]
9. Time Was (Paris Theatre London 14/2/74) [07:33]
10. Phoenix (Paris Theatre London 14/2/74) [18:34]

DISC 4
1. Runaway (John Peel Show 19/11/76) [03:36]
2. The King Will Come (John Peel Show 19/11/76) [07:39]
3. Lorelei (John Peel Show 19/11/76) [06:23]
4. Mother Of Pearl (John Peel Show 19/11/76) [06:01]
5. Blowin’ Free (John Peel Show 19/11/76) [05:56]
6. Come In From The Rain (Old Grey Whistle Test 11/10/77) [04:45]
7. Goodbye Baby Hello Friend (Old Grey Whistle Test 11/10/77) [03:35]

DISC 5
1. Blind Eye (Glasgow Apollo 17/10/77) [02:48]
2. Lady Whiskey (Glasgow Apollo 17/10/77) [02:50]
3. Warrior (Glasgow Apollo 17/10/77) [05:38]
4. Throw Down The Sword (Glasgow Apollo 17/10/77) [04:24]
5. Front Page News (Glasgow Apollo 17/10/77) [05:55]
6. Goodbye Baby Hello Friend (Glasgow Apollo 17/10/77) [05:31]
7. Come In From The Rain (Glasgow Apollo 17/10/77) [05:21]
8. Phoenix (Glasgow Apollo 17/10/77) [12:39]
9. Blowin Free (Glasgow Apollo 17/10/77) [06:37]
10. Bad Weather Blues (Glasgow Apollo 17/10/77) [08:26]

DISC 6
1. The King Will Come (Hammersmith Odeon 25/10/78 (part 1)) [06:55]
2. Warrior (Hammersmith Odeon 25/10/78 (part 1)) [06:11]
3. Errors Of My Way (Hammersmith Odeon 25/10/78 (part 1)) [06:28]
4. You See Red (Hammersmith Odeon 25/10/78 (part 1)) [06:47]
5. F*U*B*B (Hammersmith Odeon 25/10/78 (part 1)) [10:05]
6. Front Page News (Hammersmith Odeon 25/10/78 (part 1)) [05:39]
7. The Way Of The World (Hammersmith Odeon 25/10/78 (part 1)) [10:22]
8. Phoenix (Hammersmith Odeon 25/10/78 (part 1)) [13:36]
9. Anger In Harmony (Hammersmith Odeon 25/10/78 (part 1)) [04:44]
10. Time Was (Hammersmith Odeon 25/10/78 (part 1)) [06:47]

DISC 7
1. Runaway (Hammersmith Odeon 25/10/78 (part 2)) [03:46]
2. Lady Whiskey (Hammersmith Odeon 25/10/78 (part 2)) [03:00]
3. Jail Bait (Hammersmith Odeon 25/10/78 (part 2)) [05:10]
4. Queen Of Torture (Hammersmith Odeon 25/10/78 (part 2)) [03:13]
5. Blowin’ Free (Hammersmith Odeon 25/10/78 (part 2)) [07:05]
6. Bad Weather Blues (Hammersmith Odeon 25/10/78 (part 2)) [08:57]
7. Blowin’ Free (Wembley Empire Pool 22/11/79) [07:04]
8. Living Proof (Wembley Empire Pool 22/11/79) [05:44]
9. Helpless (Wembley Empire Pool 22/11/79) [04:16]
10. Bad Weather Blues (Wembley Empire Pool 22/11/79) [09:07]

DISC 8
1. Doctor (Hammersmith Odeon 2/2/80) [06:07]
2. Blind Eye (Hammersmith Odeon 2/2/80) [03:50]
3. The Way Of The World (Hammersmith Odeon 2/2/80) [09:15]
4. Insomnia (Hammersmith Odeon 2/2/80) [07:01]
5. Queen Of Torture (Hammersmith Odeon 2/2/80) [03:20]
6. Lifeline (Hammersmith Odeon 2/2/80) [07:13]
7. Living Proof (Hammersmith Odeon 2/2/80) [06:02]
8. Blowin’ Free (Hammersmith Odeon 2/2/80) [06:39]
9. Helpless (Hammersmith Odeon 2/2/80) [04:01]
10. Jail Bait (Hammersmith Odeon 2/2/80) [05:32]
11. Bad Weather Blues (Hammersmith Odeon 2/2/80) [09:30]

DISC 9
1. The King Will Come (Hammersmith Odeon 2/6/81 (part 1)) [06:31]2
2. Lady Whiskey (Hammersmith Odeon 2/6/81 (part 1)) [03:27]
3. Where Is The Love (Hammersmith Odeon 2/6/81 (part 1)) [04:32]
4. Living Proof (Hammersmith Odeon 2/6/81 (part 1)) [05:57]
5. Underground (Hammersmith Odeon 2/6/81 (part 1)) [05:28]
6. Warrior (Hammersmith Odeon 2/6/81 (part 1)) [06:26]
7. Loaded (Hammersmith Odeon 2/6/81 (part 1)) [07:04]
8. Kicks On The Street (Hammersmith Odeon 2/6/81 (part 1)) [04:45]
9. Blowin’ Free (Hammersmith Odeon 2/6/81 (part 1)) [07:33]
10. Get Ready (Hammersmith Odeon 2/6/81 (part 1)) [04:28]

DISC 10
1. Phoenix (Hammersmith Odeon 2/6/81 (part 2)) [15:29]
2. Number The Brave (Hammersmith Odeon 2/6/81 (part 2)) [05:41]
3. Helpless (Hammersmith Odeon 2/6/81 (part 2)) [07:16]
4. Long Live The Night (The Friday Rock Show 24/5/85) [03:47]
5. Love Is Blue (The Friday Rock Show 24/5/85) [04:07]
6. People in Motion (The Friday Rock Show 24/5/85) [03:54]
7. Cell Of Fame (The Friday Rock Show 24/5/85) [04:53]

DISC 11
1. Tangible Evidence (Hammersmith Odeon 4/3/88) [03:55]
2. Living Proof (Hammersmith Odeon 4/3/88) [06:29]
3. Genevieve (Hammersmith Odeon 4/3/88) [03:57]
4. No More Lonely Nights (Hammersmith Odeon 4/3/88) [06:23]
5. The King Will Come (Hammersmith Odeon 4/3/88) [06:23]
6. Throw Down The Sword (Hammersmith Odeon 4/3/88) [05:22]
7. Clousseau (Hammersmith Odeon 4/3/88) [04:54]
8. In The Skin (Hammersmith Odeon 4/3/88) [06:03]
9. Phoenix (Hammersmith Odeon 4/3/88) [13:48]
10. Blowin’ Free (Hammersmith Odeon 4/3/88) [06:38]
11. Jail Bait (Hammersmith Odeon 4/3/88) [06:22]
12. Bad Weather Blues (Hammersmith Odeon 4/3/88) [06:52]

DISC 12
1. Vas Dis (take 1) (Old Grey Whistle Test 12/10/71) [04:50]
2. Vas Dis (take 2) (Old Grey Whistle Test 12/10/71) [04:48]
3. Jail Bait (take 1) (Old Grey Whistle Test 12/10/71) [01:10]
4. Jail Bait (take 2) (Old Grey Whistle Test 12/10/71) [05:00]
5. Jail Bait (take 3) (Old Grey Whistle Test 12/10/71) [00:59]
6. Jail Bait (take 4) (Old Grey Whistle Test 12/10/71) [05:30]
7. Come In From The Rain (Old Grey Whistle Test 11/10/77) [04:39]
8. Goodbye Baby Hello Friend (Old Grey Whistle Test 11/10/77) [03:29]
9. Helpless (Old Grey Whistle Test 13/5/80) [03:32]
10. Blowin’ Free (Old Grey Whistle Test 13/5/80) [06:17]

WISHBONE ASH ‘NO EASY ROAD – WISHBONE ASH LIVE IN THE 70s’ COFFEE TABLE BOOK OUT NOW

INCLUDES CD WITH PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED LIVE RECORDINGS FROM KRO-NCRV CONCERT IN HOLLAND DURING THE STARTRUCKIN’ 75 TOUR

CLICK HERE TO ORDER ‘NO EASY ROAD’ OUT NOW

Madfish are proud to present ‘No Easy Road’, an exclusive Wishbone Ash Coffee Table Book and the first official tribute to the band’s life on the road during their classic years from 1970-1980. This beautifully crafted 216-page set, set for release on 6^th September, offers a unique glimpse into the band’s journey and features contributions from Martin Turner, Andy Powell, Steve Upton, Laurie Wisefield and head roadie Mark Emery. 

‘No Easy Road’ includes many previously unseen photographs captured by renowned photographers Jill Furmanovsky (Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin), Michael Putland (The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney), Barry Plummer (Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley) and Dick Barnatt (Alice Cooper, Rod Stewart), alongside personal photographs from the band members’ private archive plus images of rare memorabilia and tour ephemera.

Limited to just 1000 copies, each book comes with a photo signed by four band members: Laurie Wisefield, Andy Powell, Steve Upton and Martin Turner.

The book comes packed in a rigid slipcase containing a bonus 10-track KRO-NCRV concert CD, originally broadcast in Holland during the landmark Startruckin’ 75 Tour – an essential addition for any Wishbone Ash enthusiast.

The ultimate chronicle of one of the world’s greatest live bands, ‘No Easy Road’ follows Madfish’s recent 50th anniversary edition of the band’s 1972 classic, ‘Argus’.

Wishbone Ash celebrate the 50th anniversary of their classic album Argus with a new 7-disc multi-format Box Set

• 5 shows on double LP with 60 page book, replica tour newspaper and numbered certificate 
• 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

Order ‘Argus 50th Anniversary Edition

Wishbone Ash achieved considerable success in the 1970s, during which they were among England’s most popular hard rock acts, achieving an incredible 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 award-winning ‘Album of the Year’ – Argus.

Undoubtedly the classic album within the bands’ ‘70s cannon. Argus is not only the biggest selling album of their career, featuring the beloved fan-favourite ‘Blowin’ Free’, but full of memorable and timeless tunes such as ‘The King Will Come’, ‘Time Was’, ‘Warrior’ and ‘Throw Down The Sword’. Featuring a heady blend of prog rock, folk and hard rock, it’s widely considered a vital moment in the progression of twin-lead guitar harmonisation.

Madfish are now proud to present the most complete edition of this album to date. Argus is available here on LP and CD, plus two live albums from Alexandra Palace, 1973 and Memphis, 1972, available in full on CD and in select parts on yellow vinyl LP, an exclusive red vinyl 7″ of fan favourite ‘Blowin’ Free’ plus Rare TV footage from France and Switzerland is found on a DVD disc and a 48-page book with rare photographs, extensive liner notes and contributions from original band members forms the centre point to this magnificent package.

As they reigned supreme through the ‘70s, Wishbone Ash was centred 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.

Order ‘Argus 50th Anniversary Edition

Wishbone Ash – Living Proof – Live Recordings 1976 – 1980

Strictly limited to 1000 copies

5 shows on double LP with 60 page book, replica tour newspaper and numbered certificate 

Madfish are proud to present a new 10LP box set containing five concerts recorded between 1976 – 1980. Initially appearing on ’The Vintage Years’ CD box set in 2018, four of the shows will be issued on vinyl for the first time, with a newly sourced and previously unreleased recording from the band’s October 1976 run of shows in Nakano Sunplaza, Tokyo on the New England tour exclusively available within. 

Featuring the second classic Wishbone Ash line up of Andy Powell, Martin Turner, Laurie Wisefield and Steve Upton, these recordings showcase a band at their live best and firing on all cylinders across four different tours. Album notes and ‘making of’ track-by-track interviews by author and Wishbone expert Campbell Devine are on display within a lavish booklet with sleek design and rare live photographs. 

Limited to 1,000 copies as a one time pressing, this is a must have for all Wishbone Ash fans. 

The live shows included are: 

• Nakano Sunplaza, Tokyo, Oct 1976 (New England tour) 
• Usher Hall, Edinburgh, 18th Nov 1976 (New England tour) 
• Marquee, London, 29th Oct 1977 (Front Page News tour) 
• Winter Gardens, Bournemouth, 30th Oct 1978 (No Smoke Without Fire tour) 
• Civic Hall, Guildford, 12th Feb 1980 (Just Testing tour) 

Pre-Order ‘Living Proof’ Now

Wishbone Ash – Portsmouth 1980 – newly found classic Wishbone Ash live set from 1980 released via Madfish on 2CD & 2LP

Strictly limited

Following on from 2018s ‘The Vintage Years’, a 30-disc collection of the bands material, Madfish are proud to release a newly discovered classic live recording from 1980, while they were at the height of their powers.

The newly remastered 14-track set captured live at one of the country’s premier live venues, Portsmouth Guildhall in February 1980 in support of the recently released Just Testing album. Including classic Wishbone Ash tracks such as ‘Phoenix’, ‘Blowin’ Free’ and ‘The King Will Come’ along with the tour’s regular set closer, an inspired cover of Chuck Berry’s ‘Too Much Monkey Business’.

This classic Wishbone Ash line up includes original members Andy Powell (vocals, guitar), Martin Turner (vocals, bass), Steve Upton (drums) as well as latter-day addition Laurie Wisefield (vocals, guitar). This set finds them in scintillating form.

Order ‘Portsmouth 1980’ Now

Wishbone Ash release their live performance in Glasgow from the Front Page News tour for the first time

Strictly limited to 1,000 copies on vinyl

Following the success and appreciation for the 30 CD deluxe box set The Vintage Years 1970-1991, the band have unveiled a new live recording from their Front Page News tour at Glasgow Apollo in 1977. This 14 track live recording has never been released before and has been newly mastered from the original tapes by Pete Reynolds who also mastered The Vintage Years.

Live at Glasgow Apollo 77 features the classic tracks “Phoenix“, “Blowin’ Free“, “Sometime World“, “Warrior” and “No Easy Road“. It is presented as a double vinyl album in a wide spine sleeve featuring new artwork and unreleased photography from the lens of Steve Emberton. Authorised by all of the original band members.

Pre-order Live At Glasgow Apollo 77 here

WISHBONE ASH
The Vintage Years
(1970-1991)

Limited Edition Deluxe 30CD Box

Authorised by all of the original band members

OUT NOW

Madfish celebrates Wishbone Ash, one of Britain’s most enduring and best-loved rock acts, by releasing a comprehensive deluxe 30 CD box set, The Vintage Years. Loaded with rarities, memorabilia, a new interview and a lavish 156-page hardback book, a third of this new collection features previously unheard & unreleased material.

Following decades of being starved of unreleased material from the true vintage years from Wishbone Ash, fans will soon be able to enjoy the long-awaited, remastered anthology from this esteemed and influential band in its pure quality in both musical and printed content.

This box set is strictly limited to 2,500 copies and includes all 16 studio albums between 1970-1991, all of which feature bonus material including rare album outtakes, B-sides and 12 previously unreleased studio tracks.  These are presented in mini-gatefold sleeves.  Three of the 16 albums are currently out of print on CD (Nouveau Calls, Here to Hear & Strange Affair).   The box set will feature brand new cover artwork designed by Colin Elgie, the original designer behind the award-winning Live Dates sleeve artwork.

There are 3 original live albums (Live Dates, Live Dates Volume Two & Live in Tokyo) and 8 previously unreleased live albums (on 11 discs) recorded between 1973 & 1980.

1. Portsmouth Guildhall 1973 (2CD) from the Wishbone Four / Live Dates tour
2. Southampton University 1973 from the Wishbone Four / Live Dates tour
3. Edinburgh Usher Hall 1976 from the New England tour
4. Marquee Club 1977 from the Front Page News tour
5. Newcastle City Hall 1977 from the Front Page News tour
6. Bournemouth Winter Gardens 1978 (2CD) from the No Smoke Without Fire tour
7. Guildford Civic Hall 1980 (2CD) from the Just Testing tour
8. Chelmsford Odeon 1980 from the Blowin’ Free tour

All music has been remastered from the original multitrack and ¼” tapes, sourced from Martin Turner and Andy Powell’s personal collections, and from the Universal Music and Atlantic archives.

Accompanying this thorough collection of repertoire is a 156-page coffee table hardback book written by Classic Rock’s Dave Ling, which includes personal photos, rare posters and flyers and collector’s memorabilia.

Fans lucky enough to purchase this set also receive: –

• 36-page poster book covering the early years through to Here to Hear.
• Four reproductions of original posters for:
•  – Christmas at the Palace Dec 1973
•  – Live Dates European tour – Hamburg Musikhalle 1974
•  – Europe 1975 tour
•  – Front Page News tour – Empire Pool Wembley 1977
• A Facsimile MCA debut album promo pack.
• A 7″ flexi disc for the single Blind Eye, the first of the 11 Japanese singles series
• Individually signed photos of each band member: Martin Turner, Andy Powell, Ted Turner, Steve Upton and Laurie Wisefield.

Talking about the release, founder member Martin Turner explains, “I looked after most of these tape recordings for decades, wondering when they would ever see the light of day and I am very glad that they will at last be available for everyone to hear.  I wanted to mix the live performances myself, but being a busy chap and not famous for my speediness, we decided to give it all to the wonderful Pete Reynolds whom I believe has done a brilliant job of mixing and remastering a massive collection of work.  It’s almost like having one’s whole musical life in one box.  It certainly represents the most comprehensive Wishbone collection that I know of and I hope you enjoy it.

Andy Powell agrees, “It’s truly amazing to look back at the musically fertile 70s and 80s and wonder at the sheer amount of incredible creative output from our band. We had great roots and a really strong blue-print for success. I feel blessed to have played my part in it all and I’m truly thankful that it’s set the course for my entire life and all the music that’s followed, as the band continues to live on into the 21st century.”

Rarely is an anthology of this quality ever released… Wishbone Ash: The Vintage Years is so comprehensive and lovingly-compiled, with such beautiful and quality accompanying material … if ever there was a box set not to miss, this is it!