Richard Ashcroft has warmed up for his support slot at the upcoming Oasis tour with a brand-new single, ‘Lover’. Listen below.
After rumours that the Verve founder could be hitting the road with the Gallagher brothers on their impending reunion shows, Ashcroft was announced last October as Oasis’ special guest for the UK and Ireland leg alongside Cast.
Now, to warm up for the occasion, Ashcroft has released an uplifting new track called ‘Lover’. Amidst sunny jangle rock guitars and a grand, booming beat, Ashcroft’s trademark voice soars above the instrumentation in a call to arms: “DJ, play a song for the lovers, tonight.”
It’s the first new music from Ashcroft since his John Lewis Christmas advert cover of ‘Sonnet’ last year.
More new music from the singer-songwriter is to be expected soon – in the meantime, take a listen to ‘Lover’ here:
Speaking about his Oasis support slot when it was confirmed, Ashcroft said in a statement: “As a fan from day one I was buzzing for many reasons when the news of Oasis’ return was announced.
“I can say with no exaggeration that the songwriting talent of Noel and Liam’s pure spirit as a lead singer helped to inspire me to create some of my best work. It was the perfection of ‘Live Forever’ that forced me to try and write my own. They dared to be great, made the dreams we had real and I will always remember those days with joy.”
He concluded: “Now it’s time to create more memories and I’m ready to bring it. See you next summer. Music is power.”
Recently, bassist Andy Bell was confirmed to join the brothers on their massive tour, having played with the band from 1999 until their acrimonious split in 2009. He went on to perform with Liam Gallagher’s band, Beady Eye.
“I’m in and I’m really looking forward to it,” he said of the tour. “We’ll see each other on tour. Or rather, you’ll see me – I’ll hardly be able to see you in the audience.”
Meanwhile, you can watch Chvrches’ Lauren Mayberry’s tender cover of The Verve’s ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’.
