Richard Ashcroft

After the unceremonious split of Brit pop legends The Verve in 1999, front man and songwriter "Mad" Richard Ashcroft re-emerged with a sack of songs and the same love of hazy, psych-tinged, 1960s guitar pop. Full of charisma, a wild streak and a talent for penning some of the most heartfelt anthems of his era, Ashcroft's influence spread to the likes Oasis, Coldplay and Kasabian and his return was eagerly awaited. Debut solo single A Song For The Lovers shot straight to Number 3 in the UK and Alone With Everyone (2000) topped the album charts as his new material was widely acclaimed by the critics. A settled family life and a growing sense of optimism contributed to a vibrant, positive sound on following albums Human Conditions (2002) and Keys To The World (2006) but, despite high chart positions, they received a poor critical response. Singles Break The Night With Colour and Music Is Power fared well, but Ashcroft slowly slipped from the spotlight before a short-lived Verve reunion culminated with them headlining the 2008 Glastonbury festival and releasing Number 1 album Forth (2008). In 2010 he formed RPA And The United Nations Of Sound and released their eponymous debut album to little fanfare.

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