Richard Ashcroft returned to Cardiff to headline the Utilita Arena, almost a year on from supporting Oasis at the Principality Stadium. This time he was firmly back in the spotlight, launching his latest UK tour to a sold out crowd, and while the stage may have been smaller, the anticipation was just as big.
From the moment you stepped into the arena, you knew exactly what kind of night it was going to be. Parka coats, Adidas trainers and sunglasses indoors set the tone. This was a crowd ready for a night of classic bangers
Support came from The Royston Club, and while they may not have had their usual army of fans in full voice from the start, they quickly won the room over. Opening with Shivers, they worked through Patch, Glued and a brilliant Cariad to close, with more and more of the arena joining in as the set went on. For a band on their first arena tour, this felt like a big moment, and one that will only build their already growing following.
After a short break, Ashcroft’s band, complete with a full string section, took to the stage before the man himself walked out in his trademark leather jacket, jeans and shades. Acoustic guitar in hand, he opened with two Verve tracks, Weeping Willow and Space and Time, both given a heavier, more powerful edge that set the tone for the night.
Ashcroft has never been one for long speeches, but when he does speak, it lands. Telling the crowd that “all good things start in Cardiff” and reminding everyone that “music is power”, he let the songs do most of the talking.
The set moved between Verve classics and solo favourites, with tracks like Song for the Lovers, Break the Night With Colour and Lucky Man all sounding as strong as ever. His voice still carries that unmistakable raspy tone, and whether he was strumming a guitar or shaking a tambourine, he held the crowd with ease.
After a brief exit, he returned alone for a stripped back moment, debuting a new song before moving into C’mon People, which he jokingly introduced as Liam Gallagher’s favourite. Then came the big finish. Sonnet built the emotion before the inevitable closer, Bitter Sweet Symphony, filled the arena with one huge singalong that echoed long after the final note.
This was a show that proved Richard Ashcroft’s catalogue still stands the test of time. Old or new, the songs hit just as hard. And with a return to Cardiff Castle already on the horizon, this felt like a reminder that he is far from done.
As the lights came up, fans were still singing on their way out, always the sign of a great night.
Tickets for Richard Ashcroft are still on sale – via Ticketmaster
