"You're more likely to get all four Beatles on stage."Those were Richard Ashcroft's comments regarding the possibility of a Verve reunion, when asked the question by Jam Showbiz. Okay, that sucks.
I was lucky enough to catch Sir Richard playing a smallish gig at Webster Hall in NYC last year on an off day for him between slots opening for Coldplay. I still haven't gotten over seeing one of the last rock star gods showing how to own the stage and make the crowd feel like the luckiest people on the earth that night. He showed a sense of humor, humility, love for his "job", love of New York, and love for his hometown and family. He talked about his inner demons and how love can make the world a better place. And, of yeah, he also played one of the best shows I have ever had the opportunity to witness: mixing in solo songs with Verve songs, and taking requests from the crowd (he dusted off 'Space and Time' stating he hadn't played it live for about eight years). Whether Richard will ever get "big in the States" truly doesn't matter. He is one of the best at what he does and he sure as hell is doing his part to make the world a more lovely place to be.
1 comment:
There's something about him, that's for sure. He is really the King of Cool.
If he's not taking off big in the U.S. it's most likely because he won't bow down to the commercial pressure of the industry. Meeting the requirements imposed by one region (the U.K.) is bad enough, I'd wager.
Also, he's got his own family now - a wife and two boys - so perhaps he prefers to stay on that side of the Atlantic for the time being.
Whatever: He's still the best wherever he goes.
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