Andy Powell

For other people of the same name, see Andrew Powell (disambiguation).

Andy Powell
Powell performing in May 2015
Powell performing in May 2015
Background information
Birth nameAndrew Powell
Born (1950-02-19) 19 February 1950 (age 74)
London, England
GenresRock, hard rock, progressive rock, art rock
Occupation(s)Singer–songwriter, musician
Instrument(s)Guitar, mandolin, vocals
Years active1963–present
LabelsMCA, AVM, Neat, IRS, Permanent, Talking Elephant

Andrew Powell (born 19 February 1950[1]) is an English guitarist, singer and songwriter. He is a founding member of the British band Wishbone Ash, whose use of twin lead guitars was influential.[2][3]

Early life and career

Powell was born in the East End of London and grew up in the new town of Hemel Hempstead, some 25 miles (40 km) north-west 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.

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.

Personal life

Powell left England around 1980 as a "tax exile", and since then has mainly lived in Redding, Connecticut, US with his wife Pauline. They have 3 children.[4][5]

In 2016 he released his autobiography, entitled Eyes Wide Open: True Tales of a Wishbone Ash Warrior.[6]

References

  1. ^ a b "Andy Powell (biography)". Wishbone Ash. 2008. Archived from the original on 8 April 2018. Retrieved 8 November 2008.
  2. ^ Pete Prown; Harvey P. Newquist (1997). Legends of Rock Guitar: The Essential Reference of Rock's Greatest Guitarists. Hal Leonard Corporation. p. 88. ISBN 978-0-7935-4042-6.
  3. ^ Paul Fowles; Graham Wade (23 February 2012). Concise History of Rock Music. Mel Bay Publications. p. 144. ISBN 978-1-61911-016-8.
  4. ^ "Powell Still Rocking Strong", The Mercury (South Africa), July 3, 2015.
  5. ^ Eric Danton, "A Band Older Than Its Biggest Fans", Hartford Courant, April 20, 2006.
  6. ^ Dave Thompson, "Eyes Wide Open: True Tales of a Wishbone Ash Warrior" (review), Goldmine, February 1, 2016.
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