Richard Ashcroft played his first ever gig as a solo artist in TORONTO last night (May 18), nme.com can exclusively reveal.
The gig took place at Ted’s Wrecking Yard, with Ashcroft playing a six-song, 30-minute set in front of an invited audience of 200 American journalists – his first live performance since The Verve‘s swansong show at Slane Castle in Dublin in 1998.
At the show, Ashcroft, wearing sandals, a diamond crucifix and sunglasses, decorated the set in white drapes and candles, and projected the artwork of his forthcoming album ‘Alone With Everybody’ across the room.
Ashcroft started the set with his debut solo single, ‘A Song For The Lovers’, before playing an acoustic version of The Verve‘s ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’. Ashcroft then showcased four more tracks from his new album – ‘You On My Mind In My Dreams’, ‘On a Beach’, ‘Money To Burn’, and ‘Get My Beat’.
Richard Ashcroft releases a new single, ‘Money To Burn’, on June 12 through Hut. His album, ‘Alone With Everybody’, follows on June 26. In addition to this date, he is rumoured to be playing a series of warm-up shows in the south of France prior to his performance at this year’s V2000 festivals at Hylands Park, Chelmsford and Weston Park, Staffordshire on August 19-20.
For V2000 tickets, go to the nme.com Ticketshop – click here
Or call the NME 24-Hour Ticketline on 0870 1 663 663. Calls are charged at national standard rate.