Richard Ashcroft

Richard Ash Croft needs no introduction! An Indie legend and a major part of ‘Britpop', which shook up the music world in the 90’s. He is considered by many to be the greatest songwriter of his era, and with songs like ‘Sonnet’, ‘Drugs Don't Work’ and ‘Lucky Man’ its easy to see why. I was fortune enough to see him at the Exeter, small venue for such an iconic artist. It was a sell out and the hall was packed tight. I remember getting to the bar was quite an up evil. The stage ran along the front and the hall was dressed by a red light.
The crowd grew restless but were sent into cheers as the lights were dimmed, the instrumental at the start of ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’ started to play. The crowd knew their arrival was imminent! Dark figures started to enter the stage and the crowed roared. Then the stage lights came on and there he was. Chants rang out but finally faded as the drums joined in with the violin part of “Bitter Sweet Symphony”. With that the gig had begun, and what a start! The song I predicted to be the encore was the song he started with! He played for 2 hours and in that time found time for all of his hits. From the days of The Verve to his songs from his remarkable solo career Richard Ashcroft chatted confidently. He spoke about other projects he’d been doing and generally jested with the audience. He finished the gig with ‘Break the Night With Colour’ followed by the Oasis’s anthem ‘Live Forever’ which the audience sang along too with great enthusiasm.
An amazing set by a legendary British songwriter and musician. Don’t miss the chance to see a man who's responsible for some of the best songs ever written and ones that made a big mark on 90’s youth culture.

When we bought tickets awhile back my famialarity of Richard Ashcroft's work was limited somewhat to the mighty Verve output along with some of the more notable solo hits since. I was slightly apprehensive that he was going to concentrate on his solo backlogue primarily so I subsequently picked up the Natural Rebel album and have very much enjoyed renewing our relationship.
As it turns out, the concert was superb.
Let me just admit that I would have driven up the average age of the audience having witnessed some great gigs at this venue over a number of decades but this one will stand out.
Although the promotional pictures indicate the audience could anticipate that Richard had perhaps moved into his Bryan Ferry crooning period, when the band took to the stage this image had changed almost as dramatically as another 70s icon Bowie. Richard seems to have been influenced by the recent Whitehouse Mortimer show as he wouldn't have looked out of place at a fishing tournament. Typical old man comment I acknowledge.
This thought soon evaporated as the band -very strong- drove him along throughout and contributed to crank up the excitement from the start.
The quality of the songs, the very well thought out set list with a mix of classic Verve and solo songs (which incidentally didn't slow or disrupt the building excitement) meant this was a great evening. The support from an adoring throng was like the atmosphere at recent Pompey games and contributed to a memorable show.
One of the best encores I have ever experienced with the strains of Bitter Suite Symphony still reverberating around the walls of what is becoming a historic venue.

Was an absolutely amazing night,black grape were supporting Richard ashcroft and they were brilliant. As soon as Richard ashcroft came out and started singing I knew it was going to be a brilliant night. His voice is unbelievable,sends shivers down my spine thinking about it. His energy never slipped and he didn't hardly take a breather between songs on fact he just seemed to keep going and going until in was all over. I can safely say if I get chance to see him again I definitely will and would highly recommend people to go see him if they want an unforgettable night with someone who has a huge and mesmerising voice.

Absolutely brilliant.

Richard Ashcroft is back and back with a bang. He jumped from songs from his forthcoming album These People to solo hits to Verve classics all of which this semi-intimate but euphoric crowd sang back at him like their lives depended on it.

The gig had the feel of a stadium gig with the unity and importance of it all but in a beautiful more intimate setting.

As someone who does many gigs this was one of those truly special ones that only comes around every few years.

Music is most definitely power!

Having never been to a gig at Kensington Olympia before I was curious to see how I would rate Richard Ashcroft there, having seen him 3 times before at other venues.

Great show - he's a man of few words between songs and basically just said "the next song is....", but it was down to the songs themselves as they have good lyrics. The sound quality and his musicians were also excellent.

El más grande, espectacular como siempre. Una suerte increíble haber podido verle una vez más, es fantástico.
Richard es una leyenda viva, cada concierto te hace que seas más fan; las canciones de Natural Rebel suenan de maravilla en directo, y the Verve nunca morirá mientras Richard siga manteniéndose tan bueno. Eterno Godlike genius.

Arrived at Doncaster dome in good time, but having to wait 55 minutes at-the bar to buy drinks made us miss the first song, when shown to our seats, front row the view was restricted by wires and cables thread through the glass barrier. But Richard Ashcroft was 10 out of 10 for his performance. LG , Doncaster.

Saw RA in Doncaster dome and he was class as was the venue. Saw him sat at Olympia and very poor sound system and unless you were near the front it was terrible. Done on the cheap without proper planning in my opinion. Worst sound I have ever experienced at a concert. Would not return to the venue.

Great frontman was totally up for the Glasgow crowd, played some verve surprises we hadn't heard in awhile. Have watched him at 3 solo gigs and couple of verve gigs. Great mix of old and new songs never fails to disappoint playing live. ❤️

Thoroughly enjoyed the concert. Was a bit apprehensive at 1st because I was a verve fan and hadn't really heard much of his solo work. But he soon got everyone going. Brilliant and will be trying to catch him in Manchester next year.