Richard Ashcroft review – uplifting epics and rocket-boosted confidence reminiscent of 90s Verve heyday

The perma-sunglassed singer tries to transport himself and the audience to a higher plane, culminating in a cathartic sing-along like a gigantic Last Night of the Proms

RPA and the United Nations of Sound: United Nations of Sound

Richard Ashcroft has joined forces with soul and hip-hop musicians, but the results are clunky and overcooked, says Kitty Empire

RPA and the United Nations of Sound

Academy, ManchesterRichard Ashcroft drips charisma but his new band lacks verve, writes Dave Simpson

Rock review: The Verve, Forth

The Verve's fourth album manages not to collapse under the weight of Richard Ashcroft's ego - just

Symphonies and psychedelic soup

Pop: The Verve have been off the scene for nearly a decade - but as a reunion gig shows, they've lost none of their power to entrance

The Verve

Empress Ballroom, Blackpool