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The complex, duelling guitars of Ted Turner and Andy Powell made Wishbone Ash cult heroes of the British hard rock scene and pioneers of prog rock in the 1970s. Formed in Torquay, Devon in 1967, they were unique in featuring two lead guitarists and caught the attention of Deep Purple's Ritchie Blackmore, who took them on tour and arranged a record deal with American Decca. With a mix of influences from blues and jazz to folk, their sound was more intricate than the most of the stomping, three-chord plodders of the time, and they scored critical acclaim for their early albums Wishbone Ash (1970) and Pilgrimage (1971). Named album of the year by Melody Maker and Sounds magazine, Argus (1972) reached Number 3 in the UK charts and stands as their finest moment. However, Turner left in 1974 as the band turned to a softer rock sound in order to appeal to the American market. New England (1977) and Front Page News are highlights of the band's work in the late 1970s, but their reputation began to wane and bass player Martin Turner left in 1980. Powell continued the band with various line-up changes and regular reunions and released the band's 23rd album Elegant Stealth in 2011.
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