Richard Ashcroft Takes Center Stage at The O2 Arena This Weekend
Fresh from touring as a support act for Oasis, Richard Ashcroft, the iconic frontman of The Verve, is set to headline The O2 Arena in London on Saturday, March 28. This highly anticipated concert follows the release of his seventh solo album, 'Lovin' You,' which debuted last autumn, marking his first album since 2018's 'Natural Rebel.'
A Musical Icon of the 1990s Returns to London
Richard Ashcroft is widely regarded as one of the defining musicians of the 1990s, steering Britain's rock scene away from the synth-glam of the 1980s toward a cinematic style of indie music. His songs are known for their wayward verses and unpredictable twists, culminating in explosive choruses that captured the spirit of an era. Today, a new generation of fans, including Generation Z, continues to embrace Ashcroft's timeless hits such as "Bittersweet Symphony," "The Drugs Don't Work," "Lucky Man," "Sonnet," and "Love Is Noise."
Who Is Richard Ashcroft?
Born in Billinge, Lancashire, in 1971, Richard Ashcroft is the heart and soul of The Verve, serving as the band's frontman, primary songwriter, and rhythm guitarist. His early passion for football gave way to a deep interest in cinema and music, inspired by watching The Rolling Stones in the 1968 documentary '1+1.' Ashcroft counts film composers Ennio Morricone, John Barry, and John Williams among his idols, along with George Harrison of The Beatles and The Smiths.
In 1990, Ashcroft formed The Verve with schoolmates Simon Jones, Peter Salisbury, and Simon Tong. The band's debut album, 'Storm In Heaven,' received critical acclaim for its poetic lyricism, though it did not chart. Their second album, 'Northern Soul,' released in 1995, also garnered praise, particularly for the track 'History,' inspired by the poetry of William Blake.
The Verve achieved international superstardom with their third album, 'Urban Hymns,' in 1997, featuring the smash hit 'Bittersweet Symphony.' The song's chorus was based on the Andrew Oldham Orchestra's recording of The Rolling Stones' 'The Last Time.' Despite minimal resemblance to the original, Ashcroft initially had to cede 100% of songwriting royalties to the Stones' management, though he regained full rights to the song in 2019.
Last-Minute Ticket Availability
Tickets for Richard Ashcroft's performance at The O2 Arena on Saturday are still available. Resale tickets in the stalls start from £56.25, while new standard stall tickets are priced from £82.85. Additionally, resale tickets in the furthest sections of the arena are on offer for upwards of £45, providing options for fans seeking a more budget-friendly experience.
Anticipated Set List
Based on Ashcroft's recent performance at Cardiff's Utilita Arena, the set list for The O2 concert is expected to include a mix of solo tracks and Verve classics. The playlist may feature:
- Theme From The Persuaders (John Barry song)
- Weeping Willow (The Verve song)
- Space and Time (The Verve song)
- Music Is Power (Extended outro)
- Velvet Morning (The Verve song)
- A Song for the Lovers (Extended outro)
- Break the Night With Colour (Extended outro)
- They Don't Own Me
- Lover
- The Drugs Don't Work (The Verve song) (Partially acoustic)
- Hold On
- Lucky Man (The Verve song)
- Live With Hope (Acoustic)
- C'mon People (We're Making It Now) (Partially Acoustic)
- Sonnet (The Verve song) (Extended outro)
- Bitter Sweet Symphony (The Verve song)
- Bitter Sweet Symphony Chapter 2 (A$AP Rocky song)
Support Act: The Royston Club
Ashcroft will be supported on his spring tour by Welsh indie rockers The Royston Club. Formed in Wrexham in 2019, the band has released two critically acclaimed albums: 'Shaking Hips' in 2023 and 'Songs For The Spine' last year. Their energetic performances are set to warm up the crowd for an unforgettable night of music.
Richard Ashcroft's concert at The O2 Arena promises to be a highlight of London's cultural calendar, blending nostalgic hits with new material for a diverse audience of music lovers.
