Description

Richard Ashcroft Autographed Acoustic Hymns signed lithograph

Authentic Richard Ashcroft Autographed Acoustic Hymns signed lithograph. 12″ Lithograph signed by Richard in black marker, CD & Cassette included.

Richard Paul Ashcroft (born 11 September 1971) is an English singer and songwriter. He was the lead singer and occasional rhythm guitarist of the alternative rock band The Verve from their formation in 1990 until their original split in 1999. Songs he wrote for the band include “Bitter Sweet Symphony”, “Lucky Man”, and the UK number one “The Drugs Don’t Work”. He became a successful solo artist, releasing three UK top three solo albums. The Verve reformed in 2007 but again broke up by summer 2009. Ashcroft then founded a new band, RPA & The United Nations of Sound, and released a new album on 19 July 2010. Ashcroft released his fourth solo album, These People, on 20 May 2016.

In May 2019, Ashcroft received the Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers, and Authors. Chris Martin of Coldplay has described Ashcroft as “the best singer in the world”.

The Verve

Ashcroft formed The Verve (originally just Verve) in 1990 with McCabe, Jones, and Salisbury. The band signed to Hut Records and became well known for their appetite for both psychedelic music and drugs. They also became a part of the Britpop movement. The band split in 1995, and around this time Ashcroft wrote a collection of songs; he intended to release as his first solo album. However, by 1997 he had changed his mind and asked McCabe to return (alongside new member Tong), reforming the Verve and releasing the very successful album Urban Hymns.

Ashcroft was at the forefront of the band’s popularity, receiving an Ivor Novello Award for his song writing and being referred to by the press as “the unmistakable face of the Number One rock band in England”. However, the pressures of touring and the tensions within the band led to McCabe’s departure; in mid-1998 and the announcement of the band’s break-up in April 1999.

In early 2007, Ashcroft made peace with McCabe and Jones and the Verve’s reunion was announced in June. The band played gigs later that year and continued touring in 2008, headlining at several festivals around the world. A new album, Forth, released in August.

In August 2008, the Verve broke up for the third time, though not announced until the following year.