Paice Ashton Lord: The Rise and Fall of a Rock Supergroup
When Ian Paice and Jon Lord decided to form a new band after the dissolution of Deep Purple in 1976, they aimed to create something different from their previous work. They joined forces with the charismatic singer and keyboard player Tony Ashton to bring a fresh sound to the music scene. The trio, along with guitarist Bernie Marsden and bassist Paul Martinez, recorded their debut album, "Malice In Wonderland," which was released in October 1976. The album showcased a blend of blues, soul, and funk elements, reflecting the diverse musical backgrounds of the band members.
Despite their initial enthusiasm and the fun they had recording the album, Paice Ashton Lord faced challenges when it came to performing live. Ashton, known for his lively stage presence in smaller venues, struggled to adapt to larger stages. This became evident during a show at the Rainbow Theatre in April 1977, where Ashton fell off the stage and broke his leg. The incident highlighted the mismatch between Ashton's comfort zone and the band's aspirations for bigger performances.
Recognizing the limitations of their collaboration, Paice and Lord made the difficult decision to disband before completing their second album. They realized that the band's direction required a different dynamic that Ashton couldn't fully embrace. Following the end of Paice Ashton Lord, Paice and Lord went on to join David Coverdale's Whitesnake, while Ashton shifted his focus to his art career. Ashton's health declined in later years, and he passed away in 2001 at the age of 55 after battling cancer. Despite the challenges faced by the band, the legacy of Paice Ashton Lord lives on as a unique chapter in the history of rock music.