ENTERTAINMENT DAILY: ENT2- ASH RECORD SIGNING

(30 Jan 2001) English/Nat Title: Ash Date: 29th January 2001 Location: London After nearly two years away from the music business, rock group ASH are making a comeback with the single "Shining Light." To celebrate the launch of the single, the band invited their fans to Virgin Megastore on London's Oxford Street for a special performance and a CD signing session. There was not a smile in sight as hundreds of the UK's "misunderstood youth" turned out in all their pasty-faced, grungy-clothed, black eye-linered glory to get a glimpse of their idols, who played a dazzling performance of their latest material. Touting themselves as "better than Phil Collins", Ash hail from County Down, Northern Ireland and first achieved fame with their second album "1977" which was acclaimed by critics and adored by their newfound fans, who made the band one of the hottest bands in the UK. Hotly tipped to be the new Oasis or Blur, the band released their long awaited third album, "Nu-Clear Sounds" in 1998 which presented a much harder image to the pop rock fusion sound of their previous album. The album was called "self-indulgent" by critics and fans alike and failed to do as well as was anticipated. Fortunately, Ash have returned to their old style of music with their new single "Shining Light" which sounds very similar to their hits of the past like "Girl From Mars." Although it was hard to tell by their stony faces, the return to their old sound seemed to please the fans who attended the gig at the Virgin Megastore and the single looks set to reinstate the band as rock gods. Ash consists of Tim Wheeler (lead vocalist/guitarist), Mark Hamilton (bass guitarist), Rick 'Rock' McMurray (drums), and Charlotte Hatherley (guitarist/backing vocals). The single was released yesterday (29th January 2001) and in case you missed the special gig and signing, Ash will be doing another performance and signing for their fans in the north of England at the Virgin Megastore in Leeds. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...