Live Dates 3 cover

Live Dates 3

Wishbone Ash · 2000

70 min · 10 tracks · hard rock

A vibrant live recording capturing the essence of Wishbone Ash's intricate guitar harmonies and dynamic stage presence.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Throw Down the Sword — This track showcases Wishbone Ash's classic blend of lyrical storytelling and intricate guitar work, making it a staple of their live repertoire.
  • →
    Phoenix — Clocking in at over fourteen minutes, this epic track exemplifies the band's improvisational skills and provides a stunning climax to the live set.
  • →
    Come in From the Rain Start here — With its emotive lyrics and soaring melodies, this song reflects the band's ability to connect deeply with their audience during live performances.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album effectively showcases Wishbone Ash's guitar work and live energy but lacks a strong cohesive narrative.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks include dynamic shifts in tempo and intensity, with moments of quiet reflection followed by powerful crescendos.
  • The live recording captures audience interaction, with cheers and applause integrated into the performance, enhancing the concert atmosphere.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • gradual build to climactic energy
  • immersive live performance experience
  • reflective moments with soaring solos
  • late-night listening with friends

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer shorter, punchy tracks
  • seek immediate gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Captures signature sound and is beloved by dedicated fans of the band.
Themes
live performance energy· guitar harmonies showcase· nostalgic rock revival
Career context
Released in 2000, Live Dates 3 marks a period of revitalization for Wishbone Ash after their original lineup's success in the 1970s. The band had undergone several changes over the decades, with this album showcasing their enduring appeal and commitment to live performance. This release followed their previous live album, Live Dates 2, emphasizing their continued relevance in the hard rock scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Thin Lizzy· UFO· Blue Öyster Cult

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Living Proof

    The narrative shifts from introspection to an assertive declaration of self-belief, embodying themes of resilience and determination.

Tracklist

  • 1 Come in From the Rain Start here 4:58
  • 2 Living Proof 7:04
  • 3 Persephone 7:47
  • 4 Lifeline 6:33
  • 5 Wings of Desire 3:34
  • 6 Errors of My Way 5:59
  • 7 Leaf and Stream 4:18
  • 8 Throw Down the Sword 6:20
  • 9 F.U.B.B. 9:24
  • 10 Phoenix 14:15

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata