Mark Ashton (musician)

Mark Ashton or Mark Ashton Vey (born Mark McVey; 23 June 1949) is a British painter, musician, compositer, ex-drummer of an English progressive rock band Rare Bird.

Mark Ashton was born 23 June 1949, in Bridge, Kent, England. Soon he moved to Scotland and grew up in the Scottish countryside of Stirlingshire, near Glasgow. At a very young age, he shows a talent for drawing and music, and the passion for music soon predominated.

When he came back to England (Herne Bay, Kent) he joined his first band The Vikings as a drummer at 11 years old. The 2nd bad Corvettes was voted the best band in Kent, U.K and played in a band which opened for acts such as The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd and The Yardbirds, at this time he began writing music. Formed his first band in 1965 Turnstile at 16 years old, began composing and released their first single Riding A Wave (Side B "Trot") on Pye Records. devoted to the original songs, as early as the single "Riding Wave" will be released by pie record.

In 1968 Mark Ashton moved to London. he joined a band called Rare Bird and their first single "Sympathy" became an international hit record, sold more than 2 millions albums, and over 350 cover versions.

After "Rare Bird", he quit the drums and concentrate to writing music. In 1974 Mark formed "HEADSTONE" and made two albums with Trident Production - EMI Records, 1st album Bad Habit (1974), the 2nd album Headstone (1975). Producer John Anthony has already produced the 1st Album of Yes (1968) and Queen(1973).

In 1976 he recorded his first solo album Mark Ashton L.A. in Los Angeles and the producer was Chris Bond (produced of Hall & Oats).

Then the second solo album Solo Mark Ashton was recorded in England, the producer Alain Callan is the personal manager of Led Zeppelin.

In 1980 he moved to New York or Los Angeles and pursued a solo career. Impressed by the scenery of the U.S.A., so different from his native Scotland, Mark Vey rediscovered gradually his love of painting, parallel to his musical activities. In 1988, released the album Modern Pilgrims by R.C.A. Records.

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