Led by Andy Powell, Wishbone Ash notched up millions of album sales, created their iconic twin-guitar sound and inspired bands from Thin Lizzy to Iron Maiden.

Andy began playing guitar at the age of eleven, inspired by the style of Hank Marvin, from Cliff Richard’s band, The Shadows.

He played with bands such as the Sugar Band and the Dekois and then, in 1969, he answered an advertisement in Melody Maker magazine, ending up as one of Wishbone Ash’s original guitar players, along with Ted Turner.

The band released its self-titled first album in 1970 and, through various personnel changes, has recorded and toured for 46 years producing such classics tracks as The King Will Come, Throw Down The Sword and Blowin’ Free.

Andy plays the Gibson Flying V guitar which he first spotted in the hands of the blues maestro Albert King.

He has worked with such luminaries as 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.

By 1995, the guitarist was the only original member of Wishbone Ash left, so he took over the reins and has managed the prog rock chiefs for two decades.

He recently completed his autobiography, Eyes Wide Open: True Tales of a Wishbone Ash Warrior.

The prog rock giants will be performing at Swindon Arts Centre, Devizes Road, Old Town, on Tuesday, November 6.

Tickets are £22.50 from 01793 524481 or visit www.swindontheates.co.uk