Richard Ashcroft returned to Cardiff for his third gig in just over a year, and the love for the singer and musician has not waned. The former The Verve frontman performed at Cardiff Castle, drawing many in the crowd to tears with an emotional rendition of 'The Drugs Don't Work'. The track, delivered in the still air of a summer heatwave, could be heard miles out of the city.
Third Cardiff Gig in Just Over a Year
Ashcroft's latest show followed a headline tour at the Utilita Arena in March and his support for Oasis at their legendary 2025 reunion shows across the road at the Principality Stadium. The singer-songwriter, known for penning some of the best tracks of the past 25 years, opened the set with 'Sonnet', a song he had kept for the encore during his spring tour date. The power of Ashcroft's performance extended beyond his biggest hits, including 'Bittersweet Symphony' as the finale.
Setlist Highlights and Emotional Moments
Ashcroft peppered his set with solo hits, Verve classics, and a personal favorite, 'C'Mon People (We're Making It Now)', which he performed acoustically in a pared-down, thoughtful version. The song is also a favorite of Liam Gallagher. Ashcroft acknowledged the crowd's love, telling those at the castle and those who attended the stadium show a year ago that they 'started something really special'. The singer's appreciation for his fans and his back catalogue of brilliant songs solidified his icon status in British music.
