Richard Ashcroft: I'm the only solo artist who can support Oasis

Bang Showbiz

12 September 2018

Richard Ashcroft has reflected on his time supporting Oasis in The Verve and as a solo artist in the 90s, and he still feels he's the only artist worthy of opening up for the band

Richard Ashcroft says he's "the only" act worthy enough of opening for Oasis.

The former Verve frontman supported the Britpop group's ex-frontman and his pal Liam Gallagher at a string of concerts around the globe this summer, and the 'Bitter Sweet Symphony' hitmaker - who was often nicknamed 'Captain Rock' by Noel Gallagher, a reference to his 2010 The United Nations of Sound track - believes his set has the necessary "artillery" that was needed to warm up the 'Wonderwall' hitmakers' fans.

Speaking to Gordon Smart on Radio X about supporting legendary acts like The Rolling Stones, he said: "I'm very lucky that I can walk on the stage before anyone in the world. And that's the thing: you've got to be pretty confident to go on after me. You've got to have the artillery, as I call it. and the artillery is your songs.

"If you've got 50,000 people and they're getting further and further inebriated and they want some f***ing tunes, you'd better be delivering."

Richard - who releases his new solo album 'Natural Rebel' on October 19, followed by a mini UK tour - got to open for Oasis in The Verve and as a solo star in the 90s, and he told them himself that he's the only musician with the same "spirit" to do the job.

He said: "I used to get that with Oasis, I've supported Oasis on my own. I've said that to them, I reckon I'm the only solo male artist in the world that can walk on before Oasis.

"And be in the spirit of it and also not shrink in those moments, but drink it in and embrace it.

"They know that, because we all have a similar audience. I understand what it's like to love a band and be passionate and make your way to the front."

Oasis - who split in 2009 after a backstage bust-up between bitter brothers and bandmates Liam and Noel - dedicated 'Cast No Shadow' from their seminal 1995 album '(What's the Story) Morning Glory?' to Richard.

Fans believe it was in response to the 'A Song For The Lovers' singer attributing the title track from The Verve's album 'A Northern Soul' to guitarist Noel that year.

As well as opening for Oasis, the 47-year-old rocker also provided the backing vocals on the band's song 'All Around the World' in 1997 from the LP 'Be Here Now'.