Ash is a
Northern Irish alternative rock band, formed in
Downpatrick in 1992 by vocalist and guitarist
Tim Wheeler, bassist Mark Hamilton and drummer Rick McMurray. As a three-piece, they released mini-album
Trailer in 1994, followed by
1977 in 1996. This 1996 release was named by
NME as one of the 500 greatest albums of all time. After the success of their full debut the band recruited
Charlotte Hatherley as a guitarist and vocalist, releasing their second record
Nu-Clear Sounds in 1998. After narrowly avoiding bankruptcy the band released
Free All Angels in 2001 and a string of successful singles.