Wigan’s finest stuns in the shadow of The EtihadRichard Ashcroft at Co-Op Live(Image: Kenny Brown)

“This just proves that music is power,” Richard Ashcroft, beating his chest, tells the crowd. After the summer we’ve just had, it’s hard to argue.

The Wiganer’s renewed energy was clear as he warmed up Oasis fans an absolute treat a few months back. There’s something indefinably (Greater) Manc in the air tonight as he takes over Co-Op Live.

You can feel it as Ian Brown’s F.E.A.R. plays from the DJ booth. Before he’s reached the top of the steps to the side of the stage, Ashcroft is bouncing.

He returned last month with Lovin’ You, his first (proper) new material since 2018’s Natural Rebel. It’s by no means vintage Ashcroft. Different by design, it’s a confident, eclectic exploration of influences. It’s a solid enough return.

Some fans of The Verve will have turned their noses up at opening track Lover. An homage to Joan Armatrading’s Love and Affection, the single has had a mixed reception.

‘This just proves that music is power'(Image: Kenny Brown)

Many will have thought Spotify had stuck another album on with title track – and second single – Lovin’ You amid a frantic synth beat. Many will have sound solace in the far more familiar Fly To The Sun, Out Of These Blues, Heavy News and Oh L’amour.

None of that matters. Ashcroft’s fans are devoted. They know they’ll get the classics live. The beloved, soaring anthems are guaranteed.

Mass singalongs toThe Drugs Don’t Work were among the highlights of Oasis’ Heaton Park gigs. Those Gallagher support performances reminded everyone – if any reminder were needed – of the indelible mark he made on British music as one of the most accomplished songwriters of his generation

Poetic, swaggering and full of soul, the man – like Liam, like Ian Brown – just has a magnetism… a presence. The guy is a powerhouse.

You can feel the pounding in your chest as he launches into Hold On, that trademark rasp gritty and raw and strong as ever. Stalking the stage sporting Ray-Bans and a familiar long mop, he’s an intimidating – fascinating – figure.

Richard Ashcroft at Co-Op Live(Image: Kenny Brown)

Space and Time follows, before Music is Power. “These are real human beings on the stage,” Ashcroft says. “Let’s take it up together.”

Many of tonight’s tunes are extended, the band indulging in some long, meandering jams post-final chorus – conducted wildly by Ashcroft.

Lovin’ You and Lover are far, far better live. Twirling like a menace, he belts out C’mon People (We’re Making It Now).

Hundreds nip to the bar, or the loo, as he introduces ‘a slower one from the new album’ – Oh L’amour – which is a shame as it’s a charming tune with a really catchy hook.

The first proper spine-tingling moment of the night follows with Break The Night With Colour. There’s a rare moment of vulnerability as Ashcroft introduces History, admitting they’ve not played it much.

Richard Ashcroft on stage at Co-Op Live(Image: Kenny Brown)

“I’m sure I f****d up a few times there,” he says afterwards. “But I’m good at this one.”

There’s a roar as the first C chord of Sonnet follows. Everyone know it’s banger after banger through to the finish.

Sure enough, it’s Lucky Man; a (mostly) acoustic rendition of The Drugs Don’t Work; and Bitter Sweet Symphony. The final tune is dedicated to ‘the one and only’ Ricky Hatton.

‘What a beautiful night'(Image: Kenny Brown)

As the track swirls to a finish, there’s an explosion of pent-up energy as Ashcroft chucks his mic stand and kicks an amp.

It’s a beautiful, memorable night.

“I’ve never had a bad review off someone who was a good looker,” he says. Couldn’t agree more, Rich.

Setlist:

ENCORE

  • The Drugs Don’t Work
  • Bitter Sweet Symphony