Richard Ashcroft performed to a sold out crowd at the Leeds city centre venue – welcoming an army of new fans from his stint supporting Oasis
Richard Ashcroft performs at city’s First Direct Bank Arena(Image: Gary Walker)
Richard Ashcroft, riding on a crest of a wave, has stopped in Leeds on his latest tour.
A week on from a visit by Britpop legend Damon Albarn, as his Gorillaz climbed high, Leeds First Direct Bank Arena welcomed another star from the era in the shape of Richard Ashcroft. Last year was a big one for Wigan’s Ashcroft, 54, following the release of his seventh album Lovin’ You and then there was the small matter of opening for Oasis during the emphatic comeback dates from the Gallagher brothers.
DJ Wayne Griggs warmed up the sold out crowd at the Leeds city centre venue on Thursday evening. Former frontman of The Verve, Ashcroft, taking to the First Direct stage as Panic by The Smiths played.
Music is Power, a poignant sentiment from Ashcroft, as he said ‘it’s in Leeds tonight’, was one of the early tone-setters with the singer-songwriter’s bellowing vocals perfectly a tune with his accompanying string section.” The combination given further opportunity to express their creative wings during Song For Lovers.
Richard Ashcroft performs at city’s First Direct Bank Arena(Image: Gary Walker)
Ashcroft, of course, wore his signature shades, with a snazzy Adidas Boca Juniors jacket wrapped around his wiry body. Addressing his attire choice, Ashcroft said: “This jacket is of the greatest football club in Argentina. They always look after every musician who goes down there.
“They also make beautiful gear – like this. And, that’s the amazing thing about music. This has taken me all around the world – from being on the dole in Wigan to Buenos Aires, to Chile, to Leeds and Tokyo.
“As music has that power to bring us together. It has that ability.”
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Verve classics came quick and fast, alongside the star’s big solo numbers, as the long Easter weekend started in Leeds. Undoubtedly, the aforementioned Oasis tour introduced a new audience to Ashcroft’s sound.
Something the northern soul acknowledged speaking to fans old and new. Additionally, the ever-modest, Ashcroft, stood in front of bright lights spelling the initials R and A, declaring: “I’m not arrogant. I just know I’ve written some of the greatest songs of our generation.”
Forming the thousands, there were some adorning Oasis bucket hats and tees, the Ashcroft connection, a clear from those famous 2025 shows. One unwelcome return, from those uncomfortable nights, has been pints being thrown a loft. Security showed some, who committed the anti-social act, the error of their way on Thursday night.
Richard Ashcroft performs at city’s First Direct Bank Arena(Image: Gary Walker)
Hold On and Lover, dedicated to the legendary Joan Armatrading, being highlights of more recent offerings performed. The latter featuring on Lovin’ You.
Ashcroft’s signature gravelly vocals reverberated around the First Direct Bank Arena during main set closer Lucky Man. The tender song being a tribute to the singer’s wife of 30 years Kate.
Ashcroft and his talented ensemble of 11 skilled musicians soon returned, soaking up the Yorkshire adulation, as they did. Making reference to the region, the headline act declared: “Why not, be proud of where you are from?”
History opening the encore with Sonnet quickly following. Thousands coming together to sing: “Yes, there’s love if you want it. Don’t sound like no sonnet, my lord.” Ashcroft hugged out to his dedicated audience as it finished.
The final of three Verve classics, forming the evening’s extension, came unsurprisingly with a play of Bittersweet Symphony. For many people, the number, with his infamous connection to The Rolling Stones, was what they stepped out for.
During an instrumental, Ashcroft playfully asked: “Where’s that f**king Guinness?”. No sooner had it arrived and the beverage was downed with lots of cheers following.
Before his exit, Ashcroft began dethroning his regalia, chucking those sunnies out to a lucky fan down the front. Eyes visible, for the first time in proceedings, Richard waved goodbye.
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