Less than 24 hours after watching A.A. Williams, High On Fire, and the incredible Cult Of Luna delivering the majesty of Mariner at Arctangent, I find myself with Wishbone Ash and Clearwater Creedence Revival in the always impressive surroundings of Chepstow Castle, in the town that straddles England and Wales. It is my only visit in 2026 to the excellent Castell Roc summer season.
Wishbone Ash – Clearwater Creedence Revival
Chepstow Castle – 23 August 2026
Words And Photography: Paul Hutchings
Spread over a month in August, each weekend sees an eclectic line-up fill the Cadw-managed venue. There is still some emotion hanging in the air as I arrive, as the iconic location saw The Bastard Sons pay tribute to their much-missed father, Phil, the night before. An evening that, by all accounts, was a touch tear-jerking at times.
Wishbone Ash
Tonight though, I journey back through time to the late 1960s, as the evergreen Wishbone Ash bring a selection of songs from their extensive catalogue to the castle. Led by original member Andy Powell, this is the line-up that carries the official stamp.
It is a healthy crowd that gathers as the sun sets and Ash launch into their intro. Immediately, that classic twin guitar sound that is both distinctive and influential cuts through the still evening air.
It is not hard to see and hear why this band’s work was such an integral part of the rock scene back in the day. Their impact on music cannot be underestimated. Bands as diverse as Iron Maiden, Dream Theater, Metallica and Opeth cite them as major influences. Those bands who performed at Arctangent will also have roots that are deep in the era when Wishbone Ash ruled the world.
Tonight’s line-up is, of course, much changed but probably more stable. Alongside Powell, who is incredibly sprightly for a man of 76, Mark Abrahams provides much of the scintillating lead work. Abrahams is nearly a decade in and joins 30-year veteran bassist Bob Skeat whilst drummer Winston McGilvray is the newest arrival, joining this year and anchoring the band with his solid and controlled display.
It is the dual guitar work that thrills. Aided by the crystal-clear sound, Powell and Abraham cut into Blowing Free from Argus to huge applause. Many of the audience were no doubt teenagers when the seminal release arrived, and judging by the number populating the seating area, not all are in such good shape as the main man on stage.
Whilst I had read reports in advance that Powell’s voice was not so good these days, I did not experience any issues. Sure, it may not be as rich and dreamy as 1969, but harmonies were hit, and nothing screamed at me during the entire set. In fact, Powell and Skeat sounded good to me.
Powell has a genuinely likeable manner, and chatted easily between songs, with short stories littering the evening. It is the succulent playing that really grabs you, though, with Abraham’s work on the likes of Mountainside and Phoenix particularly impressive.
There is something quite spiritual about those double harmonies, and the likes of Warrior, The King Will Come and Error Of My Ways are drenched in beautifully rich guitar work.
When Powell introduces Phoenix, a song that dates back to the ’70s debut album, the crowd whoops in anticipation. It is the finale, a fine extended workout which Powell warns us about, but compelling in every aspect.
A further encore satisfies those wanting even more, before the band wish us goodnight and leave to a standing ovation. Those guitars in this setting make a fabulous evening all round.
Clearwater Creedence Revival
If you want to warm up a crowd at a classic rock gig, then surely Clearwater Creedence Revival are your guys. I have seen the band, who capture the spirit of the ’60s and ’70s so well, before, and they really put on a show.
Obviously, they are a tribute, intent on keeping the memory of the great Southern rockers alive, and they do that with style and flair.
It helps that CCR’s catalogue is full of bangers. From Fortunate Son, Up Around The Bend and Run Through The Jungle, there is song after song that you know, even if you think you did not.
Some extended jams demonstrate the band’s quality, with a nice piece allowing each musician to spend time in the spotlight. By the time we get to Have You Ever Seen The Rain, it is party time in the crowd, although that is mainly a very light jig from side to side.
An inspired support slot, and one that works on every level.
