Andy Powell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Andy Powell
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Powell performing in 2018
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Andrew Powell |
| Born | 19 February 1950 London, England |
| Genres | Rock, hard rock, progressive rock, art rock |
| Occupation(s) | Singer–songwriter, musician |
| Instruments | Guitar, mandolin, vocals |
| Years active | 1963–present |
| Labels | MCA, AVM, Neat, IRS, Permanent, Talking Elephant |
Andrew "Andy" Powell is a famous English guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He was born on February 19, 1950, in London, England. Andy is a founding member of the British rock band Wishbone Ash. This band became well-known for using two lead guitars at the same time, which was a new and exciting sound in music. Andy Powell was even named one of the top 100 greatest guitarists by Rolling Stone magazine. His most famous guitar is a 1967 Gibson Flying V.
Contents
Early Life and Music
Andy Powell grew up in a town called Hemel Hempstead, which is about 25 miles (40 km) northwest of London. He started playing the guitar when he was 11 years old. He was inspired by popular rock and beat music bands like The Shadows. From age 12 and throughout his teenage years, Andy played in many different rock and soul music groups.
Career with Wishbone Ash
Andy Powell joined the band Wishbone Ash in 1969. He saw an advertisement from singer and bassist Martin Turner and decided to try out. Wishbone Ash became famous for its unique "twin lead guitar" sound. This sound was created by Andy Powell and another guitarist named Ted Turner playing together.
In 1980, Andy Powell moved to America and the band also moved there. Today, Andy Powell is the only original member still playing in Wishbone Ash.
Protecting the Band's Name
In 2013, a situation arose where Martin Turner, a former member of Wishbone Ash, started his own band called "Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash." Martin Turner had left the original band in the mid-1990s and had given up his ownership of the "Wishbone Ash" name.
Andy Powell felt that having two bands with very similar names was confusing for fans. He wanted to make sure people knew that Martin Turner's band was not the original Wishbone Ash. Andy Powell took legal action to ask Martin Turner to change his band's name. He wanted it to be clear that Martin Turner was a former member, not leading a new version of the original group.
Andy Powell won the case. After this, Martin Turner changed his band's name to "Martin Turner Ex-Wishbone Ash." This helped clear up any confusion for music fans.
Andy's Signature Guitar
Andy Powell's favorite guitar is a 1967 Gibson Flying V. He has used this guitar throughout his entire career. In 2024, Andy worked with Tatalias Custom Guitars to create a special "Andy Powell Signature 67 V Guitar." This limited edition guitar is red and looks exactly like the model Andy has always played.
Personal Life
Around 1980, Andy Powell moved from England to the United States. He has mostly lived in Redding, Connecticut, with his wife, Pauline. They have three children. Pauline often travels with the band on tour and helps manage their merchandise. Their son, Aynsley, helped produce Wishbone Ash's 2020 album, Coat of Arms.
In 2016, Andy Powell wrote a book about his life called Eyes Wide Open: True Tales of a Wishbone Ash Warrior.
See also
In Spanish: Andy Powell para niños
