Back in October, Irish music bringers Ash brought the party with the new elpee Ad Astra, and how better to mark that, than with a nice plump tour of the UK?
The band will play its Craufurd Arms date this Sunday (Feb 8) although tickets sold-out as soon as they were released.
It doesn't seem possible that the band has been around such a long time. Obviously the musical landscape and industry has changed massively since they debuted on the scene – what are the benefits, and the negatives?
"It doesn't feel like we've been doing this as long as we have either," drummer Rick McMurray told Total MK, "I guess we've been having too much fun!
"And, yeah, the music industry has changed so much since we started releasing in 1994. But to be honest the constant evolution is something we've always been conscious of.
"We've seen it as a source of creativity and something to work with as we've evolved too. Not every change has been for the best but it's a reality you need to engage with and use to your benefit if you can. It keeps you on your toes for sure.
How do you stay musically energised?
"It always feels like a huge deal to commit to the next release. We're always learning from previous experience. You have to be in the moment and excited by what you're doing. If you're not, it's not worth doing."
The Craufurd date is one of many intimate shows that the band is choosing to play. The temperature will be hot!
"It's been so much fun doing this tour over the last few months," Rick saiod, "We've always loved doing intimate venues in between festivals but it felt like COVID had put paid to that for a while. It's great to get back and support small venues which are a vital part of a healthy music scene."
This fast-paced Ash machine seldom slows down, so it can be difficult to recall everything they've done, and when.
But Milton Keynes is etched into the memory, even if Rick can't recall why...
"I remember having a great time there in 2009, but I don't actually remember why..."
