Andrew Powell was born on Feb. 19, 1950 in Stepney, in the heart of London's East End. Being born within the sound of the bells of Bow Church qualifies him as a true Cockney, but in truth he grew up in the town of Hemel Hempstead, 30 miles north of the city. Andy first picked up a guitar at the age of eleven. He was originally inspired by the instrumental music of Cliff Richard's back-up band, The Shadows, and in particular by the lead guitar style of Hank Marvin.

Being unable to afford an electric guitar of his own, Andy borrowed instruments until he decided to make one for himself. It turned out to be the first of several self-crafted guitars, and during the first Wishbone dates he could be seen playing a Les Paul-styled axe he'd made himself. (Martin Turner later dubbed this the Les Powell!) These days he is synonymous with the Gibson Flying V, and has probably done more to influence its use than any other player.

From early rock and roll, Andy moved on to soul and R&B. He played in bands around the London area with names like the Sugar Band and the Dekois. He cites his work with their horn arrangements as a factor in the development of Wishbone's famous twin lead guitar lines.

In 1969 Andy answered an ad in Melody Maker magazine, and found that Martin Turner and Steve Upton were looking for a guitar player. In fact, they ended up with two; being unable to decide between Andy and another applicant named Ted Turner, they took both. The new band, named Wishbone Ash and managed by Miles Copeland, was on its way. They released their first album, "Wishbone Ash," in 1970.

Wishbone's third album, "Argus" (1972), was named "The Best British Album of the Year" by Melody Maker, and Andy himself appeared in the guitar polls of many 1970s British music papers. Throughout the years, he has been featured in notable publications, including Guitar Player, Vintage Guitar and Guitarist, and has appeared at the Guitar Institute in Los Angeles. He has worked on sessions for George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Kashif, Stewart Copeland and Renaissance, among others. His instrumental compositions have been used as themes for radio and TV (including the US's “Today Show”) and for the World Soccer Cup.

In 1988, Andy and Ted Turner joined Miles Copeland’s “Night of the Guitar” tour, which featured other guitar legends like Randy California, Jan Akkerman, Peter Haycock, Steve Howe, Steve Hunter, Robbie Krieger, Leslie West and Alvin Lee.

By 1995, Andy was the only original member of Wishbone Ash. His commitment to maintaining the band’s legacy has been evident in performance of new and classic songs on frequent tours of Europe, the UK and the US. He is at once a caretaker of the past and a commentator on the present scene: driving a musical machine that is always moving forward.

Andy added “author” to his long list of achievements in 1996 when he published the "Collector's Guide to Wishbone Ash," a definitive history of the band. The book is available through the UK Fan Club. Visit www.wishboneash.com for details.

Now, after 40 years in Wishbone Ash, there is a lot to celebrate: a musical resumé that includes more than 30 albums and several DVD performances, and the appreciation of thousands of fans worlwide.

Through navigating the highs and lows of the music industry, Andy's insight and persistence have inspired his peers as well as professionals in other fields. Back in April 2004, he was featured in Aspect, a publication geared to health-care marketing professionals. “What can we…learn from Andy Powell?” asked Allen Stegall, president of the group that publishes Aspect. “Perhaps the main lesson is that perseverance and tenacity are essential ingredients to the long-term success of any endeavor.”

Andy is currently in the studio editing and mixing yet another DVD recorded in London celebrating the band’s 40th anniversary. In addition to that, work has begun in France on a new studio CD, tentatively titled “Searching for Satellites”. The current date sheet sees Andy and the band working in no fewer than 10 different countries as they continue the 40th anniversary tour into 2010.