Richard Ashcroft Electrifies Birmingham with Nostalgic and Spiritual Performance
On Saturday, April 4, 2026, Richard Ashcroft took the stage at Birmingham's Utilita Arena, delivering a mesmerizing live show that highlighted his storied career and renewed popularity. The concert, attended by a capacity crowd, marked a significant upgrade from his previous Birmingham appearance in 2019, reflecting his rising stock following his role as support for the Oasis reunion tour in 2025.
A Career Resurgent and a Packed Arena
Ashcroft's journey has spanned mega stardom with The Verve, a respected solo career, and periods of relative quiet, but recent years have seen a resurgence. The packed Utilita Arena audience, welcomed by support act The Royston Club—a Welsh indie rock group known for anthemic tracks like '52' and 'Cariad'—set the tone for an evening of high-energy performance.
Opening with a heavy rendition of 'Weeping Willow' dedicated to Ozzy Osbourne, Ashcroft and his four-piece band, including local bassist Damon Minchella, launched into a set that blended nostalgia with spiritual depth. His declaration, "Saturday night in Birmingham, let's have it," ignited the crowd, leading into fan favorites and extended jams.
Musical Highlights and Emotional Moments
The show featured a mix of solo hits and Verve classics, with songs like 'Music Is Power' evolving into a 10-minute improvised jam enhanced by a string quintet. 'Break The Night With Colour' was delivered with power and fury, dedicated to those battling depression, while 'Hold On' included introspective musings on modern challenges, delivered with Ashcroft's natural charm.
Key moments included a heartfelt performance of 'The Drugs Don't Work', dedicated to lost loved ones, and a rousing main set closer with 'Lucky Man'. The encore showcased Ashcroft's melodic prowess with soulful tracks like 'C'mon People' and 'Sonnet', building to the iconic 'Bitter Sweet Symphony', which resonated deeply with the audience.
A Spiritual and Uplifting Conclusion
Over 14 songs and nearly two hours, Ashcroft demonstrated his enduring ability to connect through music, urging songwriters in the crowd to share their stories. The performance left attendees walking taller, infused with belief and energy, as Ashcroft proved why he remains a vital voice in today's musical landscape.
Setlist:
- Weeping Willow
- Space and Time
- Music Is Power
- A Song For The Lovers
- Break The Night With Colour
- Velvet Morning
- Hold On
- Lover
- The Drugs Don't Work
- Lucky Man
- Encore: C'mon People (We're Making It Now), Sonnet, History, Bitter Sweet Symphony
