Ash at 100 Club for BRITs Week War Child 2024

Northern Irish rock trio, Ash, has a legacy dating back to the early 90s. Through thick and thin, members Tim Wheeler (vocals, guitar), Mark Hamilton (bass) and Rick McMurray (drums) have achieved great success together throughout the years, and continued to do so with their release of Race the Night on Valentine’s Day of this year. Last night, Ash took the stage at 100 Club in London for the first time to support War Child, a charity that aims to help children amid war-torn areas have a brighter and safer future.

Jazzy music and chatters filled 100 Club in preparation for Ash’s arrival; silence then consumed the venue as representatives from War Child graced the stage to provide details on their cause. After the crowd dipped their heads to donate, Ash was introduced and the respectful quiet was replaced with cheers.

Ash wasted no time with their set: 16 songs were packed into a single hour, and although the night was fast-paced, transitions between tracks were seamless. It all began with Like a God; the heavy, powerful mix of the bass, drums and guitar ignited a fire within the venue and set up the next songs perfectly. Without missing a beat, Race the Night, Petrol, Jack Names the Planets and Angel Interceptor followed.

The band took a brief break to introduce themselves to the audience. Although this pause could have broken the consistent energy that brewed from the nonstop action of the previously played tunes, the trio recovered quickly with A Life Less Ordinary. Wheeler, Hamilton and McMurray performed with gusto, each song sounding stronger and prouder than the one before it. With flashy tricks, and a bass and guitar in tow, Wheeler and Hamilton played to an intimate crowd as though it was a big-time music festival.

Goldfinger, Oh Yeah, Orpheus, Confessions in the Pool and Shining Light all maintained the same intensity as Like a God from the start and fans began to mosh in front of the stage, bodies flailing and mixing to the forceful drums and electric riffs. Most would be exhausted at this point in the night, but Ash and the majority of attendees worked in unison to keep up the effervescent and lively atmosphere.

Wheeler took another brief break to thank the venue, briefly discuss War Child and to thank the band, but just as before, a rapid transition into Braindead ensued. Kung Fu was next, followed by Ash’s most popular track, Girl From Mars. The audience knew the night could not be over – the energy was still much too high after ending on a good note, so attendees remained rooted in their spots, chanting “One more song!”, until the trio inevitably returned for Crashed Out Wasted and Burn Baby Burn.

Overall, Ash performed flawlessly. With rarely any breaks to come up for air, and immediate song changes that could cause whiplash if done carelessly, Wheeler, Hamilton and McMurray put on a great gig in honour of a special charity.

Taryn Crowley
Photos: Jed Cullen

For further information and future events visit Ash’s website here. For further information on Brits Weeks for War Child, visit the website here.

Watch the video for the single Girl from Mars here: