Ash surprised fans at Kendal Calling over the weekend by appearing as a billed tribute band before revealing themselves on stage, according to NME.
The festival took place at Lowther Deer Park near Penrith and featured acts including Wolf Alice, Biffy Clyro, Primal Scream, Scissor Sisters and The Libertines. A set had been advertised from Rehash, described as a Cumbria-based Ash tribute act, but the real Ash came out instead.
The band — Tim Wheeler, Mark Hamilton and Rick McMurray — performed fan favourites including “Kung Fu,” “Girl From Mars” and “Burn Baby Burn” at the Tim Peaks Diner area, which is run by Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess.
There was another surprise waiting for the group as they were presented with gold discs for “Girl From Mars.” McMurray said the idea came together with Burgess for a secret ceremony tied to the song’s 31st anniversary, while Burgess said it was one of his favourite days at Tim Peaks.
NME also noted that the performance came after Ash announced a 30th anniversary reissue of their debut album “1977,” along with a new tour and a livestreamed concert.
