{"id":559464,"date":"2025-11-09T13:57:20","date_gmt":"2025-11-09T13:57:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/559464\/"},"modified":"2025-11-09T13:57:20","modified_gmt":"2025-11-09T13:57:20","slug":"richard-ashcroft-proves-once-again-music-is-power","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/559464\/","title":{"rendered":"Richard Ashcroft proves once again music is power"},"content":{"rendered":"

Wigan’s finest stuns in the shadow of The EtihadRichard Ashcroft at Co-Op Live(Image: Kenny Brown)<\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

‘This just proves that music is power'(Image: Kenny Brown)<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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

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<\/p>\n

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

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.<\/p>\n

Richard Ashcroft at Co-Op Live(Image: Kenny Brown)<\/p>\n

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

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

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

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Richard Ashcroft on stage at Co-Op Live(Image: Kenny Brown)<\/p>\n

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

There’s a roar as the first C chord of Sonnet follows. Everyone know it’s banger after banger through to the finish.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

‘What a beautiful night'(Image: Kenny Brown)<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

It’s a beautiful, memorable night.<\/p>\n

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

Setlist:<\/p>\n