Some artists rely on nostalgia. Richard Ashcroft simply reminds you why his songs have stood the test of time.
Returning to Cardiff Castle on a glorious summer evening, the indie rock legend was back again for a second time this year and delivered a shorter than normal, career-spanning set that celebrated both his remarkable solo career and the timeless catalogue of The Verve. With thousands filling the castle grounds for a sold out show, it quickly became one of those nights where every song felt like an anthem and finding which song to pop to the bar or toilet almost impossible.
The evening began with Yorkshire indie outfit Apollo Junction, who got the crowd warmed up with an energetic opening set before former Kasabian frontman Tom Meighan took things up another 5 levels. Meighan looked genuinely thrilled to be back in Cardiff, moving himself around the stage with the same infectious energy that made him one of British rock’s great frontmen. His performance was explosive from start to finish shouting ” I am the underdog” and was arguably one of the standout support sets of the entire Cardiff Castle summer series. I love Kasabian and one thing I can’t deny is, his vocals and energy behind songs like., Underdog, Shoot the runner and Fire, just hits differently.
Then came Richard Ashcroft.
Walking on to a huge ovation with his shades on and adidas jacket, he wasted no time, opening with the beautiful Sonnet, which for someone who had the setlist, was not the original first choice as an opener, before moving seamlessly into Weeping Willow and Space and Time. From the opening three songs alone, it was obvious the audience were in for a classic RA show but in a stunning location.
Ashcroft has never been one for lengthy speeches, preferring to let the music do the talking. With his trademark swagger, leather jacket and unmistakable voice, he effortlessly commanded the stage, proving once again why he remains one of Britain’s finest live performers.However this time he gave us an spoken word version of LL Cool J into Song for Lovers was a surprising nice touch.
The set perfectly balanced Verve classics with solo favourites. A Song For The Lovers, Break The Night With Colour and Lucky Man all prompted huge singalongs, while a beautifully stripped-back performance of History was a genuine treat. Having seen Richard many times over the years, it was refreshing to hear a song that doesn’t often feature in his live shows.
As the evening built towards the end, the atmosphere reached another level. The Drugs Don’t Work echoed around the castle walls in one of the night’s most emotional moments before Lucky Man, C’mon People (We’re Making It Now)and finally an extended Bitter Sweet Symphony brought thousands of voices together in one unforgettable chorus of a sea of bucket hats, shades.
There are few artists who can produce a closing run of songs quite as strong as that.
When you combine Richard Ashcroft’s extraordinary back catalogue with his effortless stage presence and unmistakable voice, you are reminded why he has remained such an important figure in British music for more than three decades.
What an outstanding night, and further proof that Richard Ashcroft remains one of the greatest frontmen, song writers this country has ever produced and a testament that Music is Power!
