LIVE REVIEW
RICHARD ASHCROFT
UTILITA ARENA NEWCASTLE - 6th April 2026
Photography: David Weddle @dweddlephotography
Artist: Richard Ashcroft- Venue: Utilita Arena
Date: 6th of April 2026
Words: David Weddle
Artist: Richard Ashcroft- Venue: Utilita Arena
Date: 6th of April 2026
Words: David Weddle
90s icon, legendary frontman of The Verve and voice of a generation, Richard Ashcroft made a triumphant return to Newcastle on Easter Bank Holiday Monday, bringing the UK leg of his tour to a close in the city. It has been a whirlwind couple of years for Richard, with a sold out tour with Oasis and the release of his latest album Lovin' You bringing his music to a brand new audience as well pleasing his existing loyal fans.
And those fans turned out in their thousands to see the legend perform on the big stage, packing the 11000 seat capacity arena with an eager audience.
As a solitary DJ spun the discs with artistic video playing on the big screen behind him, the auditorium quickly filled and the crowd was ready for action. Joining Richard on the tour were none other than The Royston Club whose fans made themselves known with chants of "Royston! Royston!" reverberating around the arena.
The lads played a good mix of songs including Shivers, Glued to the Bed and closing with Cariad from their most recent album. A cracking opening set that got the crowd hyped up for the headliner.
And those fans turned out in their thousands to see the legend perform on the big stage, packing the 11000 seat capacity arena with an eager audience.
As a solitary DJ spun the discs with artistic video playing on the big screen behind him, the auditorium quickly filled and the crowd was ready for action. Joining Richard on the tour were none other than The Royston Club whose fans made themselves known with chants of "Royston! Royston!" reverberating around the arena.
The lads played a good mix of songs including Shivers, Glued to the Bed and closing with Cariad from their most recent album. A cracking opening set that got the crowd hyped up for the headliner.
As the house lights dimmed once more, the theme tune to Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads played over the pa system. The nod to local heritage was a nice touch.
Richard strode onto the stage with his confident swagger, the crowd erupted into cheers. They were ready to let off some steam and Richard wasted no time in getting down to business with the first of many The Verve songs Weeping Willow. With a huge RA in lights as the backdrop, a mini orchestra and piano at the back of the stage, the night was looking like it was going to be pretty epic. And indeed it was.
Richard's voice was a strong as ever and sounded fantastic, with the gravelly gravitas on show in all its glory. You could definitely tell it was fully live just from the passion that Richard showed in his performance. True talent well and truly on display.
Another The Verve belter Space and Time was a stunning show of Richard's ability to fill a stage with his presence as well as music. Taking the opportunity to get moving around with his guitar in hand, looking like the rockstar he is, shades et al.
The first non The Verve song to be played was Music is the Power. Played with true passion, Richard really got in to it. Prompting the band and stage crew to up the intensity as he moved theatrically around the stage. The song lasted a good while longer than expected as Richard seemed to get lost in the music. A real moment to remember.
Richard strode onto the stage with his confident swagger, the crowd erupted into cheers. They were ready to let off some steam and Richard wasted no time in getting down to business with the first of many The Verve songs Weeping Willow. With a huge RA in lights as the backdrop, a mini orchestra and piano at the back of the stage, the night was looking like it was going to be pretty epic. And indeed it was.
Richard's voice was a strong as ever and sounded fantastic, with the gravelly gravitas on show in all its glory. You could definitely tell it was fully live just from the passion that Richard showed in his performance. True talent well and truly on display.
Another The Verve belter Space and Time was a stunning show of Richard's ability to fill a stage with his presence as well as music. Taking the opportunity to get moving around with his guitar in hand, looking like the rockstar he is, shades et al.
The first non The Verve song to be played was Music is the Power. Played with true passion, Richard really got in to it. Prompting the band and stage crew to up the intensity as he moved theatrically around the stage. The song lasted a good while longer than expected as Richard seemed to get lost in the music. A real moment to remember.
It would be easy to write off acts like Richard Ashcroft as music from a bygone era, but he has proved his relevance time and time again by putting out consistently stunning music and putting his heart and soul in to his live performances.
Before the night came to a close, Richard took a moment to acknowledge the struggle of the young upcoming musicians and the fans who had work the next day saying "Respect to the people going to work tomorrow, bringing home money to support their families. I respect that you paid money to come here tonight to see me, hard earned money. I know how tough it is, and I genuinely mean that. I dedicate this song to all of you. This ones called Bitter Sweet Symphony."
Not that he has anything to prove but the thousands of people who turned out to see him play provided all the evidence needed: the King is still very much on his throne.
Before the night came to a close, Richard took a moment to acknowledge the struggle of the young upcoming musicians and the fans who had work the next day saying "Respect to the people going to work tomorrow, bringing home money to support their families. I respect that you paid money to come here tonight to see me, hard earned money. I know how tough it is, and I genuinely mean that. I dedicate this song to all of you. This ones called Bitter Sweet Symphony."
Not that he has anything to prove but the thousands of people who turned out to see him play provided all the evidence needed: the King is still very much on his throne.
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