Ash

Northern Irish alternative rock band

Ash is a Northern Irish rock band formed in Downpatrick in 1992 by vocalist and guitarist Tim Wheeler, bassist Mark Hamilton, and drummer Rick McMurray. The band first gained attention with their debut album "1977," released in 1996, which was named after the year of two of the members' birth and a nod to the year punk rock exploded onto the music scene. The album was a success, earning them critical acclaim and commercial success with hit singles such as "Girl from Mars" and "Kung Fu." Following the success of "1977," Ash released "Nu-Clear Sounds" in 1998, which showcased a heavier sound but did not achieve the same level of success as their debut.