Time Was

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Time Was" by Wishbone Ash from their iconic 1972 album Argus, firing up the Zoo Freaks in the audience. This track, a nine-minute epic opening the album, is a fan favorite for its blend of folk, prog, and hard rock, showcasing the band’s signature twin-lead guitar sound. According to Wikipedia, "Time Was" was penned by Ted Turner and Martin Turner, with lyrics reflecting a nostalgic yearning for simpler times, a sentiment that resonates with the song’s acoustic-to-electric transition. In a 2008 interview published in Classic Rock, Martin Turner recalled being emotionally overwhelmed when hearing the final mix of Argus, including "Time Was," describing it as “the male equivalent of giving birth” due to the intense creative energy poured into it. He noted the song’s recording at De Lane Lea’s new Wembley studio, which offered upgraded 16-track tape for richer sound separation, enhancing the track’s dynamic shifts.

On social media, fans on Reddit’s r/progrockmusic have singled out "Time Was" as a standout, with one user calling it a “proto-NWOBHM” gem for its heavy yet melodic vibe, hinting at its influence on later metal bands like Iron Maiden. A post on X by @ProgRockWorld in 2022 praised Argus for its “medieval vocal harmonies,” with "Time Was" setting the tone for the album’s mythic atmosphere. The song’s pastoral opening, driven by acoustic guitars, builds into a soaring electric duel between Andy Powell and Ted Turner, a technique that, as Powell explained in a Prog Magazine interview, evolved organically from their contrasting styles—Turner’s bluesy feel complementing Powell’s frenetic solos. This interplay, recorded in just a week, helped make "Time Was" a live staple, as evidenced by its inclusion in the 2023 Argus 50th Anniversary Box Set, which features live versions from Memphis and Alexandra Palace, per pinkfishmedia.net.

Wishbone Ash formed in 1969 in Torquay, Devon, England, when bassist/vocalist Martin Turner and drummer Steve Upton, previously of The Empty Vessels, sought to create a band with a unique sound. As detailed on their official website, they relocated to London and, after auditions, recruited guitarists Andy Powell and Ted Turner (no relation to Martin). Powell, inspired by Chuck Berry and The Shadows’ Hank Marvin, brought a disciplined approach, honed through his teenage years arranging horn parts for soul bands, which translated into crafting Wishbone Ash’s intricate guitar harmonies. Their self-titled debut in 1970 introduced their twin-guitar style, but it was 1971’s Pilgrimage and 1972’s Argus that cemented their legacy, with the latter hitting No. 3 on the UK Albums Chart, per Wikipedia. Managed by Miles Copeland, the band toured relentlessly, playing clubs before headlining arenas, influenced by the era’s rock explosion from bands like Cream and Fairport Convention. Despite lineup changes, Powell has led the band for over five decades, maintaining their influence on acts like Thin Lizzy and Opeth.

Fans can connect with Wishbone Ash on their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates and archival content. The band’s official website offers a deep dive into their discography and history, including details on their 2020 album Coat of Arms. For fan communities, the Wishbone Ash Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant hub for Zoo Freaks and others to discuss albums and share memories. Additionally, wishboneash.co.uk, a fan-driven site, chronicles the band’s history with insights from Martin Turner’s perspective, while greatanonymousmusic.com, inspired by Wishbone Ash, reviews their early works like Argus. These platforms keep the band’s legacy alive, much like the timeless grooves of "Time Was" spinning on THE ZOO.