As we grow up various things change the older we get. Musical taste is prime example. First we enjoy children's tunes, easily remembered which of course help with our education. Next are the songs we enjoy in our formative years, those that we hear on the radio or see on television. Then as we enter our teen years and beyond some of us are lucky enough to enter the realms of 'adult music', dragging us away from the fluffy pop orientated drivel spewed out by pop radio. For me my first introduction to 'real rock' was in November 1971, when persuaded by some school friends I was dragged to my first gig, Black Sabbath at Newcastle City Hall. It wasn't an immediate conversion, as the main things I remember from that night are being in a loud, smoky and sweaty smelling hall, being surrounded by what seemed long haired foul mouthed louts (I had a very sheltered upbringing), and then not being able to hear properly for the next two days.

It would be a further 18 months before the conversion would be completed. Another friend had lent me two albums by a band called Wishbone Ash. I'd never heard of the band, but after listening to the albums, 'Pilgrimage and 'Argus', several times over, I was hooked. Ever since then I've had an affinity with the band, and I was lucky enough to see them for the first time in June 1973 on their 'Live Dates' tour.

So, 38 years on, and here I am again at another Wishbone Ash gig. The line-up has changed on many many occasions, and the venues may be smaller, but what you can't change is the music. The current line-up of founder member Andy Powell (lead guitar), Bob Skeat (bass), Muddy Manninen (lead guitar) and Joe Crabtree (drums) are probably the best inception of the band since the original.

Opening the set with probably the bands best known number 'Blowin Free' (usually a closer) surprises the audience of die-hards, who are usually used to a more sedate opening. Powell and Manninen then give us 'true Wishbone' with the instrumental 'Bona Fide'. When I say 'true Wishbone' I refer to the sound which has become synonymous with the band, the twin lead harmony. Whilst many classic rock bands are more than happy to rest on past glories, this cannot be said of Wishbone Ash. They have continued to produce albums regularly, and the set includes a number of songs from albums after the year 2000, and even a rare item the 2010 single 'Reason To Believe'. Other notable inclusions from a personal point of view were 'Front Page news', 'Engine Overheat' and 'Open Road' from the 80's era.

Of course what the audience really wanted were the oldies, and as usual they weren't disappointed. 'Warrior', 'F.U.B.B' started with a great bass riff from the ever smiling Bob Skeat, 'Throw Down The Sword' and 'Phoenix' helped complete the set. 'Phoenix' being dedicated to the people and Wishbone fans in Japan, and Powell told the audience the band would be going out there shortly to play some gigs. The night finished with probably the best version of ‘The King Will Come’ I have heard for a long time. A perfect end to a perfect evening.

At the beginning of the piece I said I had an affinity with the band since my teenage years, but I'm not alone in this. Wishbone Ash seems to instil an amazing loyalty in fans not often seen. This is probably borne out of the respect and affinity the band has with those fans. Whilst many a band has forgotten who keeps them on a stage, Wishbone hasn’t. After each gig they come out, chat, sign autographs and have pictures taken. Long may it continue!