– Ash – Live At Pinkpop 2011 – June 11, 2011 – VPRO/3VOOR12 – The Netherlands –
Perennial favorites Ash tonight, recorded live at Pinkpop 2011 in The Netherlands on June 11th. Certainly a band with their fair share of ups and downs, they have weathered it all and have come out the other end to be one of the most critically acclaimed Post-Punk bands of the 90s and 2000s – a band once referred to Mojo Magazine as “one of the 50 bands you need to see before you die”, and since I am a die-hard fan of Mojo, I believe them wholeheartedly. Their 1996 album 1977 was also named one of the 500 Greatest Albums Of All Time.
Still gathering an audience in the U.S., they have achieved huge popularity in the UK and Europe. Their 2012 tour of the East Coast of the U.S. and an appearance at the 2012 SXSW Festival have gotten the ball rolling in that direction.
Starting off as a three-piece, but adding a fourth member (Charlotte Hatherley, 2nd guitarist and vocals) before eventually going back to a three piece with Heatherley’s departure in 2006. The band have stayed with that lineup ever since, although word got out in 2011 that Heatherley would return, but not confirmed for how long.
Earlier this year they released their 6th studio album Kablammo! to enthusiastic reviews and a Summer tour this year. Ash are slated to hit the road starting this month for a tour of the UK and Europe, ending up on December 20th with a concert in Belfast.
But tonight it’s a return to Pinkpop 2011 and a set from a band who are, at the very least, powerhouse. With a renewed energy, Ash are back in the saddle, and this 2011 concert gives you some idea of they’re up to. For those not familiar with Ash, this set gives you a good introduction to a band Mojo says you’ve got to see before you die. Don’t take my word for it.
Play loud.
