Five Minutes Alone Tim Wheeler

The frontman of Northern Ireland’s chart-conquering rockers Ash on his most prized gear, early years and live tears

- Amit Sharma

Got my first real six-string

“My first good guitar was a late 70s Fender Strat, bought for about £200 from a newspaper ad. Then when we got our first advance, I couldn’t believe it. I was 17 and I was dead proud to be able to go and buy a Les Paul and a Marshall amp. I was a big Thin Lizzy fan so I was excited. I’ve got a decent collection now over the years. I was lucky enough to buy a 1960 Les Paul Black Beauty through a dealer in the 90s and obviously the price of that one has sky-rocketed, so it’s become really valuable. That’s the main guitar I use on the recordings.”

Good morning, Vietnam