A remarkably resilient rock figure who first joined Rare Bird as a 19-year-old drummer. After two albums with the band, Ashton left and re-invented himself as a singer/guitarist in a new band, Headstone. They released two albums, both produced by John Anthony, with the second featuring cameos from Rare Bird-mates Steve Gould and Dave Kaffinetti. Ashton then launched his solo career in earnest with Mark Ashton (1976) and Solo (1979). He re-surfaced nearly a decade later with Modern Pilgrims (1988), before retiring to paint. He still remains musically active, begging the question: Could a Rare Bird reunion be on the horizon?
The Discography
Get Up And Groove (1972)
b/w Barking Dogs. Released on 7-inch on June 23, 1972 in the UK (United Artists, UP 35390).
MARK ASHTON (1976)
Bizarre in L.A. / You / It Can Get You / Catch On / Satisfaction // Talkin’ About It / Let Your Hair Down / Cruisin’ / Hold On / Take What You Want / Set My Soul On Fire. Released on elpee ni 1976 in the US (20th Century, T-520).
Talkin’ About It (1976)
Released as promotional 7-inch in 1976 in the US (20th Century, TC-2329) feat. A stereo and mono.
SOLO (1979)
Dancing In The Street / Blue Blue Nights / That’s The Way It Is / One More Chance / In The Street // So Many Do / Down To You Boy / Thinking Of You / One Road At A Time / When I’m Out West. Released on elpee in 1979 in the UK (Ariola, ARL 5023).
Blue Blue Nights (1979)
b/w Come On. Released on 7-inch on March 9, 1979 in the UK (Ariola, ARO 151).
Dancing In The Street (1979)
b/w Standing By My Side. Released on 7-inch on July 5, 1979 in the UK (Ariola, ARO 175).
That’s The Way It Is (1979)
b/w Down To You Boy. Released on 7-inch on November 16, 1979 in the UK (Ariola, ARO 195).
MODERN PILGRIMS (1988)
Are You Ready / Rain On Me / These Days / A Breath Away / Black And White / Modern Pilgrims / Caught Up On Love Street / Shaky Days / Genie In The Jar / A place To Go. Released on elpee and CD in 1988 in the US (RCA, 7666-1/2-R).
Black And White (1988)
Released as promotional two-track CD single in 1988 in the US (RCA, 8806-2-DJ) feat. A edit and LP version.
