Richard Ashcroft
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Richard Paul Ashcroft (born 11 September 1971) is an English musician, singer, and songwriter. He formed the alternative rock band the Verve in 1990 and served as the sole songwriter, lead singer and rhythm guitarist throughout the band's lifetime. Following the Verve's disbandment in 1999, Ashcroft embarked on a successful solo career, releasing six UK top-three solo albums, including Alone with Everybody, Keys to the World and These People. The Verve reformed in 2007 and disbanded again in 2009. Ashcroft's songwriting has been commended by the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers, and Authors twice with an Ivor Novello Award. The Verve's Urban Hymns is one of the UK's best-selling albums of all time. Ashcroft's work has influenced artists such as Oasis, Coldplay, and the Britpop and indie rock genres. Noel Gallagher of Oasis described Ashcroft as a "genius", and Chris Martin of Coldplay called him "the best singer in the world". On 10 October 2025, Ashcroft released his seventh studio album, Lovin' You.