Ash

Ash formed in June 1992 in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland, after Tim and Mark’s previous band ‘Vietnam’ seized existence. They hooked up with local boy Rick ‘Rock’ McMurray and began gigging and recording material. The band’s Garage Girl demo recorded at Cosmic Rays Studio, featuring 13 tracks, was dispatched and impressed independent label LaLaLand who released their debut single ‘Jack Names The Planets’ on a limited edition 7”, good reviews and airplay from Radio 1 DJ Steve Lamacq soon led to a deal with Infectious records.

Their debut EP Trailer was quickly recorded and released in October 1994, boasting three glorious singles. The band with a growing reputation headed to the Studio with Owen Morris and recorded their brilliant debut album ‘1977’ titled after the year they were born and the year Star Wars was released, boasting five singles including four top 20 hits. In 1997 Charlotte Hatherley, previously a member of ‘Nightnurse’ was welcomed to the Ash fold as an extra guitarist.

The band returned in 1998 with the darker ‘Nu-Clear Sounds’ an album that was full of great rock tracks and ballads which received critical acclaim but commercial disappointment. The infamous ‘Numbskull’ video finally convinced the people that Tim had indeed gone mad.

However Ash returned in 2001 brighter and bolder than ever with ‘Free All Angels’ which crawled to the top of the album charts and had many crowning Ash the most important band in Britain. Several awards followed, including Best single at the NME Brat Awards & Q Awards and Tim picking up an Ivor Novello award for the top ten single ‘Shining Light’.

Ash spent most of 2002 touring America, including support a slot with Coldplay. The band survived a bus crash on tour after a gig in Detroit returning to the UK for the release of new single ‘Envy’ and their 10 year singles collection ‘Intergalactic Sonic 7’s’.

The riff filled full on metal assault of download only single ‘Clones’ introduced Ash back to the public eye with a bang in 2004. The pop punk genius of ‘Orpheus’ preceded their new album ‘Meltdown’ which saw Ash coating their trademark sugar melodies with bone crunching riffs. In 2005 the popular Star Wars Republic Commando game is finally released using ‘Clones’ as title music. Meanwhile ‘Meltdown’ gets a US release date through Warner Bros imprint Record Collection. Back in the UK Tim Wheeler receives a companionship (a honorary degree) from LIPA (Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts)

On the 20th January, 2006, Charlotte Hatherley leaves the band after 9 years to pursue her solo career. An official statement reads: ‘After 9 years Ash and Charlotte Hatherley have mutually agreed to part company. The decision is completely amicable and they wish each other the very best for the future’. Ash decamp to a New York studio to write and record their fifth studio album. In March, ‘Glow’ a collaboration between Tim Wheeler and legendary dance produce Arthur Baker, is released as a single to critical acclaim. The song was originally recorded back in 1997, but was re-recorded for Arthur Baker’s new solo album.

bio courtesy of www.walking-barefoot.com