The Verve close UK tour by paying tribute to Manchester bands

The Verve, Glasgow Academy (November 2). Ashcroft said little between songs, other than saying it was good to be back in Glasgow. When he took the stage, however, he strode to the mic and shouted 'this is music!', before launching into the track of the same name. Pic: Andy Willsher

Band wrap their 2007 comeback dates with storming show

Dec 21, 2007
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The Verve closed their UK Arena tour tonight (December 21) with a triumphant show in Manchester.

The Wigan four-piece, who were playing their second night in the city, blasted through a 14 song set featuring tracks from all three of their albums 'A Storm In Heaven', 'A Northern Soul' and 'Urban Hymns'.

Like their previous low key tour, the band took to the stage to David Axelrod's 'Holy Are You' before singer Richard Ashcroft declared to the crowd: "This is The Verve in Manchester on a Friday night. Let's have it. Come on."

Instead of kicking off with their trademark signature tune 'This Is Music', the band opted for 'A Northern Soul' opener 'A New Decade'.

Rounding off the show with 'Bitter Sweet Symphony', Ashcroft urged the crowd to help him along before he said: "Merry Christmas Manchester. I love you forever and The Smiths and The Stone Roses and Oasis."

The band will now head into the studio to complete sessions for their forthcoming fourth album.

The Verve played:

'A New Decade'
'This is Music'
'Space And Time
'Weeping Willow'
'Life's An Ocean'
'Sonnet'
'Sit And Wonder'
'Velvet Morning'
'Lucky Man'
'Stormy Clouds'
'On Your Own'
'The Drugs Don't Work'
'Come On'
'Bitter Sweet Symphony'

Earlier The Coral played a host of hits from their recent album 'Roots And Echoes' including 'Who's Gonna Find Me', 'Jacqueline' and 'In The Rain'. The band also threw in fans favourite 'Dreaming Of You'.

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Comments (3)

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robman80

Dec 23, 2007

Great gig. Shame about the venue in my opinion. The acoustics of the gmex are very poor and i wont be rushing back to see another music event there. Its no fault of The Verves tho and despite the sound echoing off the arched roof of the old tram station they put on a superb show none the less. I think Ashcroft might of being feeling the strain of such a tour after such an abscence from the gig world cos after he sang The drugs dont work he stood at the side of the stage for 5 minutes eatin banana's and drinkin lots of water. Not surprising really judging by the energy and commitment he puts into his performances, its bound to take a toll on the body and brain and this being the last gig of a great come back tour. Also i was dissapointed by the abscence of the song History from the encore. I know that the night before the band sang History before Bitter sweet sympthony to send the fans off into the night. But maybe due to sheer exhaustion the band returned to the stage minus ashcroft and announced he will not be returnin cos he aint feeling to well. There was a few murmers around the crowd and eventually ashcroft apperead. He stated he needs the crowd to help him out for this last song and the band burst into an epic rendition of bitter sweet sympthony. Final conclusion... Great to have the band back doing what they do best!. but please dont play the gmex again... try the m.e.n! they would fill that no problem!. And also i hope next time they tour i can see them earlier into their rounds so the band dont seem so tired.

buckhouston

Dec 24, 2007

The MEN????? Thats like the worst venue in the UK! If you were down the front it was great apart from the crowd who didn't know they'd done anything other than Urban Hymns!! The sound was awesome, as always - a sonic onslaught. The thing with Richard not coming back was pure panto, Nick seemed uncomfortable as always but they were tight as a virgin ass! Brilliant. www.weheartstuff.co.uk Rock!!!!!!!!

free.korps

Jan 4, 2008

Awful gig. Crowd pathetic, like they'd only heard the singles from Urban Hymns. Set far too short. Not enough variety from all the albums but I suppose the crowd didn't deserve to hear anything else. Just a shame I went to see them play Glasgow in November. Now that was amazing. Crowd appreciated every song & band knew they could play anything & even tried out songs they hadn't rehearsed!