Richard Ashcroft review: ‘A powerhouse performance from a local legend’
Performing a blend of material from his solo career and The Verve’s discography in a perfectly crafted two-hour show at Manchester’s Co-op Live on Saturday night, Richard Ashcroft gave the sold-out crowd what they craved – an epic, career-spanning set – as he returned to his home county for the first time since opening for Oasis at Heaton Park in July.
It’s been a whirlwind 2025 for Ashcroft, a year which has seen the 54-year-old earn plaudits for his performances supporting Oasis on the UK leg of the ‘Oasis Live’ tour in the summer and earn a UK No. 2 for his seventh studio album, ‘Lovin’ You’ – his first new release since 2018’s ‘Natural Rebel’. As the artist burst onto the stage, Ashcroft had the presence and the aura of an artist who is riding a great wave of momentum, hyping up the 23,500-strong Mancunian crowd before launching into spine-tingling renditions of ‘Hold On’ and The Verve classic ‘Space and Time’.
“What a beautiful night. “This just proves music is power,” Ashcroft stated before following it up with a masterful performance of ‘Music Is Power’, which the Wigan-born superstar delivered with relish as he asked the endearing faithful, “Who wants to go up again?” before crooning out an additional chorus and his backing band jammed in perfect unison with Ashcroft’s superb five-piece string section.
“I’ve never had a bad review from a good looker. That’s why I’ve got a room full of beautiful people,” Ashcroft declared to a rowdy reception, and it’s clear to see why. A pulsating rendition of ‘A Song For The Lovers, an anthem that gets everyone in the house singing, had the feel of a victory lap about it as Ashcroft hoisted his acoustic guitar above his head and basked in the adoration of the sold-out crowd. ‘History’ is an epic spectacle, which Ashcroft joked, “It’s getting better. ‘It’s only 30 years old,’ offering a hint of humour to the performance.
‘C'mon People (We're Making It Now)’ is an absolute masterpiece in a live setting thanks to a stupendous string section, but even at a Richard Ashcroft show, there’s always “time for a slower one”, as Ashcroft noted, introducing the live debut of ‘Oh L'amour’ with a degree of caution, but it was a track that was delivered impeccably from an artist with turbo-charged confidence.
The set at the Co-op Live on Saturday, which served as a one-off headlining performance ahead of Ashcroft’s eight-date arena tour in the UK and Ireland next spring, was undoubtedly a major moment for the 54-year-old, who highlighted the weight of the occasion by stating that he wished the teacher who said he was the “cancer of the class” was in attendance. As the evening wound down, renditions of ‘Sonnet’ and ‘Lucky Man’ felt like statements of intent from the 54-year-old, garnering rapturous responses, which seemingly stunned Ashcroft on the former, as he declared, “you f***ing legends,” to the endearing faithful.
Ashcroft kicked off the encore with an unbelievably moving rendition of ‘The Drugs Don’t Work’, setting the tone for an explosive finale. Dedicating the iconic ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’ to the legendary Ricky Hatton, the performance was as raw as it was intense; the crowd fed off the energy of Ashcroft, and the sold-out crowd belted the lyrics back to the 54-year-old in unison, ending the night in a euphoric manner. This was a powerhouse performance from a local legend and one you feel privileged to have witnessed.