Richard Ashcroft review – uplifting epics and rocket-boosted confidence reminiscent of 90s Verve heyday

<p><strong>Co-op Live, Manchester</strong><br>The perma-sunglassed singer tries to transport himself and the audience to a higher plane, culminating in a cathartic sing-along like a gigantic Last Night of the Proms</p><p>It’s been quite a year for Richard Ashcroft, whether opening for the reformed Oasis on their stadium-sized comeback shows or scoring another No 2 album with Lovin’ You. Now, this one-off 23,500-capacity show ahead of next year’s arena tour finds the 54-year-old northerner performing with a rocket-boosted confidence reminiscent of his 90s days in the Verve.</p><p>Back then, the music press dubbed the singer “Mad Richard” for his messianic belief in music and eye-rocketing suggestion that on a good night he could fly. Thirty years later, his arsenal of moves – raining air punches on imaginary foes and so on – would alert the emergency services in any other environment. But on stage, they are ridiculously compelling.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/nov/09/richard-ashcroft-review-coop-live-manchester-uk-tour">Continue reading...</a>