Bloc Party's Russell Lissack Joins Ash For Tour

Ash have announced the recruitment of Russell Lissack, who will bolster the 3-piece on guitars and keyboards, for their forthcoming UK Tour. Russell - of Bloc Party and solo project Pin Me Down - is a life-long Ash fan, "I've always loved Ash, my first ever stage performance was part of an Ash covers band, so when they asked me to join them on their forthcoming tour I jumped at the chance!"

Ash's Tim Wheeler: "We first met at South By Southwest in 2005, we'd heard he and Kele Okereke met when Russell was playing Ash songs at a party, so we've always felt that connection with him. We've loved Bloc Party since their first single and have always really admired his guitar playing."

Ash's tour coincides with the release of their A - Z Vol 1 compilation on April 19th. The compilation marks the halfway point in Ash's groundbreaking 26 single campaign, the A-Z Series. Wrapping up singles A to M alongside a host of bonus material, the compilation illustrates Ash's rejuvenated creative zeal. It is also available in a limited edition CD/DVD format featuring the A-Z tour documentary A is For Ash.

Following their A-Z road trip this past fall, the new tour covers more traditional venues in the UK.

But before the band hits the road overseas, they'll play one special NYC show on April 3rd at Santos Party House.

UK TOUR DATES:

• 19th APRIL, SOUTHAMPTON, University (www.seetickets.com)
• 20th APRIL, CAMBRIDGE, Junction (www.junction.co.uk)
• 21st APRIL, NORWICH, Waterfront (www.ueaticketbookings.co.uk)
• 23rd APRIL, BIRMINGHAM, Irish Centre (www.gigsandtours.co.uk)
• 24th APRIL, LEEDS, Metropolitan (www.lunatickets.co.uk)
• 25th APRIL, NEWCASTLE, O2 Academy (www.gigsandtours.com)
• 27th APRIL, GLASGOW, O2 ABC (www.gigsinscotland.com)
• 28th APRIL, MANCHESTER, Academy 2 (www.gigsandtours.com)
• 30th APRIL, BRISTOL, O2 Academy (www.gigsandtours.com)
• 1st MAY BRIGHTON, Concorde (www.seetickets.com)
• 2nd MAY OXFORD, O2 Academy (www.gigsandtours.com)
• 4th MAY LONDON, Electric Ballroom SOLD OUT
• 5th MAY, NORTHAMPTON, Roadmender (www.seetickets.com)
• 6th MAY, LONDON, Koko (www.seetickets.com)

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