Jail Bait

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Jail Bait" by Wishbone Ash from their 1971 album Pilgrimage, and the Zoo Freaks are surely digging this classic rock vibe. This track, a high-energy blues-rock boogie, was written in a flash—reportedly in about ten minutes—at a pub in Exeter, England, through a spontaneous band jam session. According to band lore, the lyrics, penned primarily by guitarist Ted Turner with tweaks from drummer Steve Upton, capture a sense of longing and mystery, with lines like "I'm wondering why your face no longer shines." The song’s raw, twin-guitar attack, a hallmark of Wishbone Ash’s sound, made it a live favorite, as evidenced by its performance on NBC’s The Midnight Special in 1973. A 2023 post on X by @RepDWSTeets sparked discussion about the song’s provocative title, noting that while suggestive lyrics were common in 1970s rock, a title like "Jail Bait" might not sit well today, reflecting shifting cultural norms.

Another tidbit about "Jail Bait" comes from its live legacy. The song was featured in a stellar performance during Wishbone Ash’s 1976 Rockpalast concert in Germany, where its infectious pace and dual-guitar riffs left audiences buzzing. The band themselves have shared that the track’s energy comes from its deceptive tempo—it feels faster than it is, creating a thrilling sense of acceleration. A live version of "Jail Bait" was released as a single in 2023 from the album Live Dates Live, recorded at Daryl’s House Club in New York, showing its enduring appeal. Fans on Facebook often cite the song as a quintessential example of the band’s ability to blend bluesy grooves with progressive rock flair, with some calling it a highlight of the Pilgrimage album alongside tracks like "The Pilgrim."

Wishbone Ash got their start in 1969 in Torquay, Devon, England, emerging from the ashes of a trio called The Empty Vessels, formed by bassist and lead vocalist Martin Turner in 1963. Drummer Steve Upton joined in 1966, and the duo later moved to London to chase their musical dreams. In a fateful twist, auditions for a guitarist led to the inclusion of not one but two players—Andy Powell and Ted Turner—because the band couldn’t choose between them. This decision birthed their signature twin-lead guitar sound, which drew inspiration from electric blues bands and the likes of Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page’s work in The Yardbirds. Their debut album, Wishbone Ash, dropped in 1970, followed by Pilgrimage in 1971, and their commercial peak, Argus, in 1972, which hit #3 on the UK Albums Chart. The band’s innovative guitar harmonies and blend of hard rock, folk, and progressive elements influenced giants like Thin Lizzy, Iron Maiden, and Metallica.

You can keep up with Wishbone Ash through their official website, where you’ll find tour dates, news, and merch. They’re active on Facebook, sharing updates and engaging with fans, and on Instagram, where they post photos from tours and studio sessions. Their X account offers real-time updates and reflections on their 50-plus-year legacy. For fans looking to dive deeper, the Wishbone Historical site provides a treasure trove of discography details and band history. Fan communities thrive on Facebook groups like the Wishbone Ash Fan Group, where Zoo Freaks and others swap stories, setlists, and memories of epic live shows.