So just when everybody thought they'd heard the word Ash enough over the past few weeks, along comes the perky Irish rockers to remind us all that we really don't need to associate the word with big bad clouds and volcanoes.
The band came to Manchester last night to play to a very sweaty but energised gig in the rainy city. Playing a massive set which included tunes from their A-Z Series, the lads mixed new with old satisfying fans from both this century and the last.
The band set themselves a massive task when they embarked on their 'journey' through the A-Z Series. With an aim to release 26 singles in 1 year, some might think they have enough on their hands without touring the country as well. Last night's gig showcased a good few of these new songs including True Love 1980 and The Dead Disciples which made for a pretty lengthy show. Old favourites Girl From Mars and Oh Yeah sounded as good as they did 14 years ago (yes 14!!) and really got the crowd going.
Bloc Party's Russell Lissack also makes an appearance on this tour, apparently fulfilling his childhood dream by playing back-up guitar!
It's hard to believe that Tim and the guys have been around for 18 years and show no signs of slowing down, if the A-Z Series is anything to go by. Listening to the songs brought back loads of great memories of 90's music in general with bands like Ash, Supergrass, Suede, The Verve and Shed Seven providing the soundtrack to my school days as we sneaked out after dark to Hawthorns, Bolton's infamous Indie Club (now sadly demolished after the roof caved in!).
Ash still have yet to play shows in Bristol, Oxford and London so there's still chance to go along and see them if you haven't already.Labels: 90s, 90s bands, a-z series, ash gigs, Volcanic Ash
