This Melbourne-based hard rock band, which operated between 1968-72, was strongly influenced by Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and Jethro Tull. Their first lineup was Criston Barker (aka Christon Somerset) on vocals, George Edwards on guitar, Dennis Johns on drums and Ian Ryan on bass. The Ash's debut single "Avignon / Sable", produced by John Farrar, is credited as one of the first locally produced 45s to be released in a picture sleeve, packaging which until then was usually only used for EPs. It was the inaugural release for the newly established Havoc label, which was set up by Melbourne jazz saxophonist Frank "The Lion" Smith and agent-manager Rod De Courcy.
There was a major lineup change after the single came out, and by the time they recorded their second single the group consisted of Criston (vocals), Ron Hood (guitar), Gary "Blockhead" Porthouse (bass) and Derek Pellicci (drums); Peter Gregory (ex-Expression) filled in on guitar for a short time. The second Ash single "Midnight Witch" written by Doug Ford of The Masters Apprentices was produced by Havoc house engineer Gil Matthews (The Aztecs). Ian MacFarlane in Freedom Train describes it as: "hard hitting prog-psych, with a series of rich, staccato riffs and a throbbing bass line. The flip side is in similar mould if a little faster."
However, Criston says the band was disappointed both with the production and a perceived lack of commitment from the label, so he and Derek moved to Sydney, hoping to make a new start. There they hooked up with Kim Dawson (guitar) and Warwick Wilkes (organ) both formerly of Lotus, plus noted bassist Tim Partridge, to become the third and final lineup of The Ash. They performed regularly at the Whisky A Go-Go, Chequers and numerous other Sydney venues until the group ended in 1972. Tim Partridge died in 2020.
Members
Criston Barker (vocals), George Edwards (guitar), Ian Ryan (bass), Dennis Johns (drums), Peter Gregory (guitar), Ron Hood (guitar), Gary Mason (bass), Gary Porthouse (bass), Derek Pellicci (drums), Kim Dawson (guitar), Tim Partridge (bass), Warwick Wilkes (organ)
SINGLES
''Avignon / Sable'' 1970 Havoc
''Midnight Witch / Warrant'' 1971 Havoc
References
http://www.milesago.com/artists/ash.htm
However, Criston says the band was disappointed both with the production and a perceived lack of commitment from the label, so he and Derek moved to Sydney, hoping to make a new start. There they hooked up with Kim Dawson (guitar) and Warwick Wilkes (organ) both formerly of Lotus, plus noted bassist Tim Partridge, to become the third and final lineup of The Ash. They performed regularly at the Whisky A Go-Go, Chequers and numerous other Sydney venues until the group ended in 1972. Tim Partridge died in 2020.
Members
Criston Barker (vocals), George Edwards (guitar), Ian Ryan (bass), Dennis Johns (drums), Peter Gregory (guitar), Ron Hood (guitar), Gary Mason (bass), Gary Porthouse (bass), Derek Pellicci (drums), Kim Dawson (guitar), Tim Partridge (bass), Warwick Wilkes (organ)
''Avignon / Sable'' 1970 Havoc
''Midnight Witch / Warrant'' 1971 Havoc
References
http://www.milesago.com/artists/ash.htm
The person you have described as Gary "Boofhead" Porterhouse, is actually Gary "Blockhead" Porthouse. He was in a number of groups after Ash, such as Kush, Linda George and Plant and Rocksteady. Derek Pellicci asked him to join a new band that was being formed, but wouldn't tell him anything about the band as it was all hush, hush and a big secret. Gary was playing with Kush at the time and said no to Derek's invitation. Later the band turned out to be the Little River Band. Gary is still working in a one man band called Round the Block.
ReplyDeleteThanks mate. Updated
DeleteKeep going and do his surname name. Porthouse not Porterhouse.
ReplyDeleteThanks for that.
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