Richard Ashcroft at Alexandra Palace

British singer-songwriter Richard Ashcroft performs a nostalgic set full of hits on the penultimate eve of the Alexandra Park Outdoor Summer season end, an idyllic hilltop stage with stunning panoramic views.

The Verve frontman also admires the venue, its backdrop a gold-emblazoned RA while Ashcroft is displayed on two side screens by the stage in monochrome, as he launches into first highlight, Sonnet, announcing that the crowd sounds even better than the day before. The same can be said about him and his touring band, as the crowd hears crisp acoustics floating on the summer breeze. His signature vocals sound the same as they did in the 1990s, one of the defining voices of the era, leading fans singing the last lines of Sonnet. Performing with long-time collaborator band member Steve Wyreman on lead guitar, the rock ‘n’ roll vibes are solid, like the rest of the group on bass, keyboard, and drums.

Things shift gently with Space and Time, while still preserving the classic 90s sound, Ashcroft demonstrating his vivacity and vocal range, remaining timeless. The frontman makes a little speech, exclaiming “… we win the World Cup in music every single fucking time”, asking the audience if they went to Wembley to see Oasis, and “to be proud of what this country produces”.

After that heartfelt message, it is only natural that they perform Music is Power, dedicated to the England football team midfielder Jude Bellingham. Wyreman almost steals the show, an absolute powerhouse on the guitar, the chorus a catchy verse one can’t help but sing along to, as Ashcroft croons “power”, everything is elevated in sound, his “oohs” echoing compellingly. The Lancashire frontman reflects back on how he’s had loads of haters through his musical career, but also admirers, before transitioning to A Song for the Lovers, while couples hold hands and show affection across the park. Wyreman is a phenomenal musician, as he rocks it out with the rest of the band members on Break the Night with Colour. Performing History, Ashcroft cements himself not only as a gifted lyricist (directly referencing English poet and painter William Blake’s London), but also a talented performer throughout the set.

Another climax comes in the form of The Drugs Don’t Work, a stunning acoustic rendition and a defining track of the 90s, dedicated to lost loved ones. The slight reverb on his vocals makes this evening’s performance just that much more moving, while the drums make a dramatic outro. One knows a set is great when there are innumerable highlights, the next being Lucky Man, tonight’s atmosphere truly shimmering, exuding a feeling like being right back in the 90s, with the World Cup happening, the warm summer weather, and Ashcroft playing hit after hit, pure class. The layered acoustic and electric arrangement of the tunes are a stand out in today’s location, with the London skyline iridescent under a powder blue firmament.

As Ashcroft returns for the encore, he reflects on how he will never stop appreciating fans who have spent their hard-earned money on his gigs, and wants attendees to feel like they won the World Cup, which, honestly, feels like they did after this concert, seeing one of the defining acts of Britpop in one of the most stunning venues.

Ending the night on a high, Ashcroft belts out Bittersweet Symphony with his adoring crowd, a perfect closer in what can only be described as a faultless set.

Selina Begum
Photos: Virginie Viche

For further information and future events, visit Richard Ashcroft’s website here.

Watch the video for Lovin’ You here: