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Andy Powell

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For other people of the same name, see Andrew Powell (disambiguation).
Andy Powell
Powell on stage with Wishbone Ash in May 2015
Powell on stage with Wishbone Ash in May 2015
Background information
Birth nameAndrew Powell
Born (1950-02-19) 19 February 1950 (age 74)
Stepney, London, England
GenresRock, hard rock, progressive rock, art rock
Occupation(s)Singer–songwriter, musician
Instrument(s)Guitar, vocals
Years active1963–present
LabelsMCA, AVM, Neat, IRS, Permanent, Talking Elephant

Andy Powell (born Andrew Powell, 19 February 1950, Stepney, London[1]) is an English guitarist and songwriter, and best known as a founding member of Wishbone Ash. Alongside Wishbone Ash's other twin lead guitarist, Ted Turner, the pair were acknowledged as "Two of the Ten Most Important Guitarists in Rock History" (Traffic magazine 1989).

Early life and career

Although born in the East End of London, Powell grew up in the new town of Hemel Hempstead, some 25 miles (40 km) north-east of London. He first played guitar at the age of 11, inspired by rock and beat bands such as The Shadows.[1] Powell, unable to muster funds to buy a brand-new guitar, made a Les Paul-style guitar himself, and began to play in London-based bands such as The Dekois and The Sugar Band.

Wishbone Ash

In 1969, Powell answered a Melody Maker classified in which Martin Turner and Steve Upton advertised for a guitar player. Being unable to choose between Powell and another applicant (Ted Turner), Wishbone Ash was formed with two lead guitarists. The band went on to find considerable worldwide success, being famed for their pioneering use of twin lead guitars – inspiring the likes of Thin Lizzy, Iron Maiden and Metallica.

Other appearances

Powell has recorded numerous sessions for other artists, including George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Kashif, Cilla Black, Stewart Copeland and Renaissance.

In 1988, Powell contributed to Miles Copeland III's Night of the Guitar project alongside Ted Turner, touring extensively with artists such as Randy California, Jan Akkerman, Steve Howe, Steve Hunter, Robby Krieger, Leslie West and Alvin Lee.

References

  1. ^ a b "Andy Powell (biography)". Wishbone Ash. 2008. Retrieved 8 November 2008.
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