Richard Ashcroft takes over the Co Op Live, for a musical night of power and emotion

Co-Op Live, Manchester, 8th November 2025

WORDS / IMAGES MICHAEL BOND

Credit MICHAEL BOND

There’s a tangible buzz outside Co-op Live tonight. It’s a clear November evening, and as the crowd streams in from Manchester’s tram lines, there’s an unmistakable air of anticipation. Tonight is a home-region celebration for both acts on the bill, with both The Lathums and Richard Ashcroft, hailing from Wigan.

Opening the evening are The Lathums, who take to the Co-op Live stage with an unmistakable swagger. Their jangly guitars and tightly wound rhythms instantly set a buoyant tone. The four-piece have never looked more comfortable and confident, while remaining as grateful and humble as ever.

From the first track, the crowd is onboard. Their mix of youthful optimism and Britpop-flavoured melody makes perfect sense on this bill. Between songs, frontman Alex Moore chats easily with the audience, providing introductions and soaking up the atmosphere of this huge venue. Their short set feels like a sprint through the best of modern, heartfelt, and melodic guitar pop. You can feel the northern connection running deep; they’re not just a support act but part of a continuum of Wigan music history. When they close, the applause from the crowd is well earned, and it’s clear they’ve done exactly what a good support should, warmed the room and gained a multitude of new fans no doubt.

Richard Ashcroft, now hot off the back of supporting Oasis on their gargantuan Live 2025 reunion tour, arrives fresh of the release of a new album “Lovin’ You” and ready to reclaim his own spotlight. When the lights drop, the roar is instant. Backed by a tight four-piece band, string section and backing vocals, Richard Ashcroft strides onto the stage looking like a true legend and every inch a frontman reborn. He initially paces the stage and salutes the audience then leans into the mic and launches into “Hold On.” Early whispers in the crowd spoke of his voice being back to its best, and as the song progresses, these whispers are proven entirely justified.

It’s a strong opener setting the tone, with driving rhythm, open chords, and Ashcroft’s voice ringing out strong and confident. The crowd, a mix of thirty- and forty-somethings alongside younger faces newly discovering his music, sing to the chorus. Without pause, he slides into “Space and Time.” The mood deepens, and the groove locks in. Ashcroft prowls the stage, scanning the room like a man reacquainting himself with his people.

Third in the set, “Music Is Power” hits like an early-evening anthem. It’s a reminder that Ashcroft’s solo catalogue stands tall, alongside his Verve legacy. The backing vocals are warm, the guitar tone perfectly saturated, and the chorus lifts the room. You can almost sense the ghost of those Oasis stadiums in the way he commands the stage, experience, confidence, and gratitude rolled into one. Addressing the crowd as they sing the chorus in unison.

Then comes new single “Lovin’ You,” showing his melodic touch remains intact. The pace softens, the crowd sway and lights glimmer, as Ashcroft is clearly enjoying this moment. It’s intimate yet expansive, a balance he’s honed over decades. “Velvet Morning” follows, dreamy and understated. The psychedelic shimmer of the guitars creates a haze over the room, which perfectly matches Ashcroft’s soulful delivery.

And then, as the haunting opening strings of “A Song for the Lovers” ring out, the venue erupts. It’s one of those defining songs from his solo career, cinematic and timeless. Ashcroft’s voice sits perfectly in the rich arrangement. During the instrumental break, he steps back, closes his eyes, and lets the song play out, soaking up this epic moment.

If the first half of the show creates a glow, the middle section starts to smoulder and burn. “C’mon People (We’re Making It Now)” brings an extra charge, its optimism matched by a driving beat and soaring backing vocals. The song swells into a mini-anthem, fists raised and voices unified. Then comes “Oh L’amour.” a crooning detour that slows things down. Bathed in light, Ashcroft shows a softer side as the crowd fall quiet and let the song roll over them.

That quiet doesn’t last long. “Break the Night With Colour” lifts the calm with its hypnotic rhythm and soaring chorus, as the whole thing feels cathartic and almost euphoric. Next up is “They Don’t Own Me.” As one of Ashcroft’s more defiant songs, he leans into the chorus with conviction as the audience shouts it right back at him. “Lover” slides in naturally after, sounding sleek and modern, showing how Ashcroft’s songwriting continues to evolve.

Then comes “History”, and for long-time fans, this is a goosebump moment. The Verve classic uncoils with majesty, its lyrics echoing around Co-op Live like a hymn, and stands out as one of the night’s more emotional points. “Sonnet” follows, understated and heartbreakingly beautiful. The crowd sing along, as hundreds of voices create a shimmering harmony. The main set closes with “Lucky Man,” a perfect ending, as thousands of people remind themselves, and each other, how much these songs still mean.

After a brief break, Ashcroft returns to the stage. The first chords of “The Drugs Don’t Work” are enough to still the entire arena as his voice carries every word. There are tears and arms around shoulders for this one as the entire venue feels every line he sings. And then, of course, comes the anthem “Bitter Sweet Symphony.” Which is dedicated to the late boxer Ricky Hatton. No matter how many times you’ve heard it, nothing compares to hearing it live, sung by the man who gave it its soul. The strings swell, the band builds, and by the time the final chorus arrives, Co-op Live becomes one giant choir. For a few glorious minutes, it’s pure transcendence, the kind of communal release only live music can offer.

The energy tonight is electric yet warm. There’s a real sense of homecoming. The crowd is mixed, younger fans newly introduced to Ashcroft and older ones who’ve carried these songs since the ’90s. Together they create an unforgettable evening, singing every lyric and cheering each old favourite, as if it were new again. Tonight proves that Richard Ashcroft isn’t living off nostalgia. He’s living proof that great songs endure, and that their writer can still deliver them with authenticity and fire.

Tonight’s show feels like a victory lap for northern music both past and present, and after an unforgettable year Ashcroft’s place is firmly stamped within it. 2026 promises to continue this trend with a huge UK arena tour scheduled, along with festival headline slots already confirmed too.

Setlist:

1. Hold On

2. Space and Time

3. Music Is Power

4. Lovin' You

5. Velvet Morning

6. A Song for the Lovers

7. C'mon People (We're Making It Now)

8. Oh L'amour

9. Break the Night With Colour

10. They Don't Own Me

11. Lover

12. History

13. Sonnet

14. Lucky Man

Encore:

1. The Drugs Don't Work

2. Bitter Sweet Symphony

FOLLOW RICHARD ASHCROFT

FACEBOOK

WEB SITE

TWITTER