We are well – overdue with a new blog entry because we've all been working really hard at getting some serious R&R – that's Rest & Relaxation not Rock & Roll. Still, a lot of planning and preparation are being done behind the scenes. Taking time - out is really important otherwise you burn - out!
My recent activities were covered in the last blog entry ,but since then I've been catching up with my family and recently, we had the whole Powell clan under one roof, which is rare with the huge distances between us these days. It was great fun and forged fresh bonds with extended family members and of course young Sophie Rose was the star of the show.
This weekend, I'm joining some friends for a rock concert: Government Mule, to be precise. I've seen them on video and enjoyed watching and listening to Warren Haynes' playing. As well as being a key member of the Allman Brothers, Warren is the hardest working man in rock. He hails from Asheville, North Carolina, so that's no bad thing. The Mule plays a lot of shows nationally. They are the kings of the US jam band circuit and will play their own material plus stuff as diverse as Radiohead to Sabbath and you never know who will sit in with them. It could be Bruce Hornsby or who knows.
As far as other summer concerts go, the big show in New York City, (down the road from where I live) was Billy Joel at Shea Stadium with Don Henley and John Cougar Mellencamp sitting in. It was billed as The Last Play at Shea . They are pulling the venerable baseball stadium down - demolishing it. Musically speaking, Shea will be forever associated with the Beatles. Billy played a great selection of Beatles songs including She Loves You among others.
As for the other happenings in the Ash camp: The Very Big News is that Muddy Manninen is marrying the beautiful Mia at a small ceremony at home, with family and friends near Helsinki on August 2nd. Some of you have already met Mia on those occasions when she has joined Muddy on the road. I'm sure you'll all join us in sending your love and best wishes to them both. The Mudster smiles just a little bit more these days – especially when Mia is around! They'll be having their honeymoon in Rome! Incidentally Mud told me Iron Maiden recently performed in Helsinki and The Warrior was played over the P.A. before they came on stage. Nice.
Bob has been playing London property mogul in his off time and generally updating his living space with home improvements like a new lighting system, kitchen counters and other good stuff (somehow I can't picture Bob in the kitchen chopping vegetables). He has also been playing club dates around London, with Bad Influence.
Joe is everywhere. He took a 2 week break, with his family, in Menorca (an island off the coast of Spain). He told me; "There was an internet connection there but it took about 5 minutes to load an email so I was basically forced to do other things for 2 weeks. That's a great thing for me."
Joe's also been working on his own website setting up live drum lessons online (www.joecrabtree.com/masterclass). That finally went live about 3 days ago and he tells me he is getting good responses. Joe says "I read about 6 books including "An Equal Music" by Vikram Seth which I enjoyed immensely. Also been practicing of course. That's about it". Not too shabby!
So, expect a new and invigorated Ash back on the boards shortly. We'll kick off with two festivals in August. I'm really looking forward to the one in Austria with Neil Young. Did you know that my song, Master of Disguise, was influenced by Neil's album, "After the Goldrush"? He's a big hero of mine. Then there is AshFest Whoooooh!!! That'll be a BLAST in September! Come and join us in Port St. Lucie, Florida, between September 4th – 7th.
In fact, the next 6 months is almost totally booked up with tours of the USA, U.K. France, Austria, Germany some Swiss shows, Holland Belgium and of course yes, you guessed it – more U.K. touring. It'll be the band's 40th Anniversary year, so expect some SURPRISES!!!
CYA ~ A.P.
