Richard Ashcroft has finished recording his debut solo album at London’s Olympic Studios, the same complex where Oasis have been making their fourth studio album, insiders have told NME.
Ashcroft has been working on the record with ex-Verve drummer Peter Salisbury and it’s thought bassist Simon Jones may have also played on the new material.
Ashcroft‘s wife Kate Radley, who’s no longer a member of Spiritualized, has also been spotted in the studio.
The new material has been closely guarded, but it’s believed the album will include tracks written by the singer which never made it on to The Verve’s third and final album, 1997’s ‘Urban Hymns’.
This means the album could include songs that were demoed by Ashcroft, Salisbury, Jones and Tong before Nick McCabe rejoined the band in March 1997.
Songs demoed at the time include ‘Monte Carlo’, ‘Songs For The Lovers’, ‘Lord, I’ve Been Trying’, ‘Little Bit Of Love’ and ‘It Takes Two’.
A spokesman for The Verve said: “I haven’t heard anything yet, but I know Richard‘s been recording. He’s always recording.”
No release dates have been set for the new material as yet, but it’s rumoured Ashcroft could make his live comeback in Manchester over the next few months.
If the show goes ahead, it will be his first live appearance since The Verve‘s ‘McCabe-less’ performances at last year’s V98 festival.
Can it be any good without Nick McCabe? Have a rant yourself. Post a message on Angst!