Richard Ash Croft needs no introduction! An Indie legend and a major part of ‘Britpop', which shook up the music world in the 90’s. He is considered by many to be the greatest songwriter of his era, and with songs like ‘Sonnet’, ‘Drugs Don't Work’ and ‘Lucky Man’ its easy to see why. I was fortune enough to see him at the Exeter, small venue for such an iconic artist. It was a sell out and the hall was packed tight. I remember getting to the bar was quite an up evil. The stage ran along the front and the hall was dressed by a red light.
The crowd grew restless but were sent into cheers as the lights were dimmed, the instrumental at the start of ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’ started to play. The crowd knew their arrival was imminent! Dark figures started to enter the stage and the crowed roared. Then the stage lights came on and there he was. Chants rang out but finally faded as the drums joined in with the violin part of “Bitter Sweet Symphony”. With that the gig had begun, and what a start! The song I predicted to be the encore was the song he started with! He played for 2 hours and in that time found time for all of his hits. From the days of The Verve to his songs from his remarkable solo career Richard Ashcroft chatted confidently. He spoke about other projects he’d been doing and generally jested with the audience. He finished the gig with ‘Break the Night With Colour’ followed by the Oasis’s anthem ‘Live Forever’ which the audience sang along too with great enthusiasm.
An amazing set by a legendary British songwriter and musician. Don’t miss the chance to see a man who's responsible for some of the best songs ever written and ones that made a big mark on 90’s youth culture.
The Courteeners
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