Ash

Ash formed in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland in 1992, Tim Wheeler, Mark Hamilton, and Rick McMurray developing a sound that was rooted in punk and alternative rock but had a melodic sweetness that set them apart from most of their contemporaries. They signed to Infectious Records and released their debut single 'Jack Names the Planets' in 1994 — a song of immediate melodic appeal that announced a band with a fully formed voice.

'1977' (1996) was the debut album — one of the finest British rock albums of the year. 'Girl from Mars', 'Angel Interceptor', 'Goldfinger', and 'Oh Yeah' were all excellent singles. The album reached number one. Wheeler was seventeen when the album was recorded — an extraordinary achievement. The energy and melodic invention of the record have never dated.

'Nu-Clear Sounds' (1998) and 'Free All Angels' (2001) maintained the quality. 'Shining Light' and 'Burn Baby Burn' were both top five hits. Ash have continued to record and tour with remarkable consistency, their live shows remaining among the most energetic on the circuit. Wheeler's songwriting has only deepened with age.