Richard Ashcroft | Cast
Robin Park, Wigan
20th July 2024
Richard’s homecoming concert at Robin Park Arena in Wigan was a night to remember. It’s been 26 years since the former Verve frontman last played in his hometown at the height of the band’s fame in 1998. Despite the torrential rain that poured, this promised to be something really special – a celebration of Ashcroft’s hometown, which he has said has the potential to be a hub for the arts in the North West of England.
Liverpool band Cast were in charge of warming up the crowd and gave their all during a lively performance, despite a heavy downpouring of rain, which included classics such as Sandstorm, Walkaway and Alright and new single Faraway.
The screens then played an amazing video montage, (enough to make the local people proud to be a Wiganer) accompanied by Ashcroft’s cover of John Lennon’s Bring On The Lucie (Freeda People) – showing clips of Wigan landmarks, alongside videography of Ashcroft’s 30-year career, including clips of The Verve’s famous Haigh Hall concert of 1998 and also more personal family footage. The words YOU…..ARE….HERE then flashed on the screen, followed by WIGAN…ARE….YOU….READY – the atmosphere in the arena was palpable, the crowd were almost certainly prepared and we were shown live stream footage of Ashcroft walking to the stage. It felt like we were about to witness something exceptional indeed.
Then it was showtime – and Richard Ashcroft strutted onto the stage looking every inch the rockstar in a dazzling sequin jacket which only served to highlight his magnetic stage presence – a beacon of both style and substance and the opening notes of Hold On filled the air. Ashcroft announced, “after 25 years, I’m back playing in my hometown…looking forward to an amazing night in Wigan”. Space In Time was next, followed by crowd favourite Sonnet.
A rousing rendition of Music Is Power from his third solo album Keys To The World followed, to which he made a dedication – “Music is Power goes out to everyone in this town…whether it’s Goose Green, Ince, my neck of the woods Up Holland, Orrell, Pemberton, Appley Bridge, Shevington…especially those of us born at Billinge Hospital…you’ve done well to get here…especially your mums”.
The energy from the stage and the crowd was electric, which shows the power of music, as by this point in the show everyone was soaked to the bone. A more melancholic Weeping Willow followed and then we were treated to a phenomenal performance of lesser-played Science of Silence from the 2002 album Human Conditions. Song For Lovers was next and then an energetic performance of Break The Night With Colour – which showcased guitarist Steve Wyreman’s technical skill and musicality – and the audience joined in with every word.
The main setlist ended with the classics Drugs Don’t Work and Lucky Man, both of which sounded amazing and were well received by the crowd, but to me were quite predictable ‘safe’ choices.
The encore kicked off with the 2016 solo song They Don’t Own Me, followed by Verve classic History – which made full use of the strings that were on the stage tonight and was another surprise song on the setlist. The night ended, again somewhat predictably with Bittersweet Symphony – however, it has to be said that no matter how many times you hear this song it is always full of raw intensity.
There has been a lot of talk from fans lately about the set lists at Richard Aschroft’s gigs – namely, the fact that they don’t seem to change. I would have to agree – you do already know which songs you will hear and that the night will close on Bittersweet Symphony, and this show was no exception. It did feel that Richard had acknowledged this complaint slightly tonight by mixing in a few rarer songs, but I think with such an amazing, varied and extensive back catalogue he could mix up the set list a bit more.
Despite this, and despite the unrelenting rain the night was a masterclass in passion and energy, both individually and collectively and Richard’s vocals were on top form. If you’re going to round two tonight you are in for a treat – especially if the sun shines.
Please note: Use of these images in any form without permission is illegal. If you wish to contact the photographer please email: mel@mudkissphotography.co.uk
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You can follow Richard Ashcroft on his website | Facebook | Instagram
Words by Natalie Royle, you can find her author profilehere.
All photos by Melanie Smith – Louder Than War | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Portfolio
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