Richard Ashcroft makes a triumphant return today with the release of his brand-new single ‘Lover’ – a soulful, widescreen offering that signals the long-awaited arrival of fresh material from one of British music’s most enduring voices. Premiered this morning on BBC Radio 2 by Vernon Kay, the track lands just as Ashcroft gears up for a summer of massive live shows as very special guest on the historic Oasis reunion tour.
‘Lover’ marks Ashcroft’s first original music in six years, following his 2018 album Natural Rebel, which hit #4 on the UK charts. In the intervening years, he released Acoustic Hymns Vol. 1, a retrospective collection that soared to #2, becoming his highest-charting album in fifteen years.
Written by Ashcroft, ‘Lover’ nods to one of his long-time inspirations, weaving in subtle elements from Joan Armatrading’s classic ‘Love and Affection.’ With Armatrading’s blessing, Ashcroft delivers a heartfelt and cinematic new work, which he co-produced alongside long-standing collaborator Emre Ramazanoglu. today’s new release provides the perfect harbinger of Ashcroft’s upcoming studio album.
‘Lover’ comes with an ambitious, immersive video (see below) filmed with CUBE StudioX. Using cutting-edge mobile LED virtual production, Ashcroft performs within a dynamic 18×4 metre LED volume that perfectly mirrors the song’s emotional depth. The video was co-produced by Roy Kimani, CUBE’s Director of Innovation and co-founder.
A two-time Ivor Novello Award winner, Ashcroft stands as one of British music’s most iconic songwriters. His impressive three-decade legacy spans era-defining work with The Verve, including the multi-Platinum Urban Hymns, and significant solo success. This includes his chart-topping debut Alone With Everybody and five subsequent studio albums, all hitting the UK Top 5.
The announcement of ‘Lover’ comes as Ashcroft readies himself for a string of sold-out shows as the main support on the Oasis reunion tour. The tour reignites a storied friendship and musical kinship dating back to the ’90s, with The Verve and Oasis sharing bills before both acts became household names. Ashcroft’s influence on Oasis is well documented: Noel Gallagher famously dedicated ‘Cast No Shadow’ to him, and Ashcroft later contributed vocals to ‘All Around the World.’ More recently, Liam Gallagher guested on a reimagined version of Ashcroft’s ‘C’mon People (We’re Making It Now)’ in 2021.
Ashcroft will play the following shows as special guest to Oasis. The line-up is completed by Cast.
JULY
4th – Cardiff, Principality Stadium (SOLD OUT)
5th – Cardiff, Principality Stadium (SOLD OUT)
11th – Manchester, Heaton Park (SOLD OUT)
12th – Manchester, Heaton Park (SOLD OUT)
16th – Manchester, Heaton Park (SOLD OUT)
19th – Manchester, Heaton Park (SOLD OUT)
20th – Manchester, Heaton Park (SOLD OUT)
25th – London, Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT)
26th – London, Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT)
30th – London, Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT)
AUGUST
2nd – London, Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT)
3rd – London, Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT)
8th – Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium (SOLD OUT)
9th – Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium (SOLD OUT)
12th – Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium (SOLD OUT)
16th – Dublin, Croke Park (SOLD OUT)
17th – Dublin, Croke Park (SOLD OUT)
SEPTEMBER
27th – London, Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT)
28th – London, Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT)
This summer will also see Ashcroft play select headline shows and festivals:
MAY
25th – Stevenage, SMR 2025 at Lamex Stadium
JUNE
7th and 8th -São Paulo, Blues & Rock Festival
19th – Oxfordshire, Nocturne Live at Blenheim Palace
27th – Newmarket, Racecourses
AUGUST
23rd – Cornwall, Live At Scorrier House
Keep up to date on all things Richard Ashcroft online:
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