Richard Ashcroft Biography: Richard Paul Ashcroft, born on September 11, 1971, is an English singer, songwriter, and musician best known as the frontman and primary songwriter of the alternative rock band The Verve, which he co-founded in 1989. Serving as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Ashcroft was the creative force behind the group. In 1997, The Verve achieved massive success with their UK number-one album Urban Hymns, which remains one of the top 20 best-selling albums in UK history. The following year, Ashcroft was honor with the Ivor Novello Award for Songwriter of the Year. After The Verve initially disband in 1999, Ashcroft launched a successful solo career, releasing six solo albums that all reach the top three in the UK charts. Notable albums include Alone with Everybody, Keys to the World, and These People.
Richard Ashcroft Biography
Richard Ashcroft, born on September 11, 1971, in Billinge, Lancashire, England, is an English singer, songwriter, and occasional actor and composer. He is best known as the frontman and principal songwriter of the British rock band The Verve, which rose to fame in the 1990s. Their 1997 album Urban Hymns became one of the most successful releases of the decade and earned the 2007 Q Classic Album Award. Outside of music, Ashcroft has contribute to film soundtracks and is credit for his work on movies such as The Adjustment Bureau (2011), The Beach (2000), and Cruel Intentions (1999). He has been married to Kate Radley, former keyboardist of the band Spiritualized, since 1995. The couple has two sons: Sonny, born on March 23, 2000, and Cassius, born in 2004.
Richard Ashcroft Biography 2025 Details
| Birth name |
Richard Paul Ashcroft |
| Born |
11 September 1971 (age 53)
Wigan, Lancashire, England |
| Genres |
- Alternative rock
- shoegaze
- dream pop
- Britpop
- space rock
- neo-psychedelia
|
| Occupations |
- Singer
- songwriter
- composer
- multi-instrumentalist
|
| Instruments |
- Vocals
- guitar
- keyboards
- melodica
|
| Years active |
1990–present |
| Labels |
- Righteous Phonographic Association
- Cooking Vinyl
- Parlophone
- Hut
- Virgin
|
| Formerly of |
The Verve |
| Category |
Singers Bio |
See More:
Madison Beer Biography
Sophia Bush Biography
Emily Armstrong Biography
Ruth Wilson Biography
Perry Farrell Biography
About Richard Ashcroft
Richard Paul Ashcroft is an English musician, singer, and songwriter. He formed the alternative rock band the Verve in 1989 and served as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist throughout the band’s lifetime. Ashcroft was the sole songwriter of the group.
Richard Ashcroft Wiki
- Born: 11 September 1971 (age 53 years), Higher End, Orrell, United Kingdom
- Spouse: Kate Radley (m. 1995)
- Music groups: The Verve, RPA & The United Nations of Sound
- Height: 1.8 m
- Children: Sonny Ashcroft, Cassius Ashcroft
Early Life
Ashcroft was born in Camden, North London, and grew up in Wigan, the eldest of three siblings. His mother Louise was a hairdresser and his father Frank worked in an office. As a child, Ashcroft was shy—so much so that he was replace in a school nativity play due to stage fright—though he was also known for his desire to make others laugh. He develop a deep interest in music early on, frequently recording songs off the radio due to limit access to records at home.
Tragedy struck in 1982 when Ashcroft’s father died suddenly of a brain haemorrhage. At just 11 years old, he turned to music as an emotional outlet, often reflecting deeply on life while his peers were focus on typical childhood interests. He attended Up Holland High School in West Lancashire, where he met future Verve members Simon Jones, Peter Salisbury, and Simon Tong.
Quick Profile
- Full Name: Richard Paul Ashcroft
- Date of Birth: September 11, 1971
- Place of Birth: Billinge, Lancashire, England
- Nationality: British
- Spouse: Kate Radley (m. 1995)
- Children: Two sons
- Net Worth: Approximately $4 million
Musical Career and Breakthrough
Ashcroft co-founded The Verve, gaining early attention for their psychedelic rock style and compelling live performances. The band’s first album, A Storm in Heaven (1993), received critical praise but limited commercial success. Their true breakthrough came in 1997 with the release of Urban Hymns, which became one of the UK’s best-selling albums of all time, propelled by global hits like “Bitter Sweet Symphony”.
Following the band’s breakup in 1999, Ashcroft launched a solo career with his debut album Alone with Everybody (2000), which reached number one in the UK. He went on to release additional solo albums, including Human Conditions (2002) and Keys to the World (2006), expanding his musical range and solidifying his individual artistry.
Career Highlights and Accomplishments
- Urban Hymns produced several chart-topping singles and remains a seminal record in British rock.
- Ashcroft’s solo debut topped the UK charts and received widespread acclaim.
- He has earned multiple BRIT Awards and an Ivor Novello Award, recognizing his songwriting talent and influence.
- Named “the best singer in the world” by Coldplay’s Chris Martin during a Live 8 performance.
Recent Activity and Relevance
Richard Ashcroft remains a respected figure in the music world. He has been announced as a support act for Oasis’s reunion tour, set to perform at major UK venues—an indication of his lasting appeal and influence in the industry.
Personal Life
Ashcroft married Kate Radley, former keyboardist for Spiritualized, in 1995. The couple has two sons, Sonny (born 2000) and Cassius (born 2004). Known for his introspective personality, Ashcroft maintains a private family life away from the public spotlight.
Interesting Facts
- Known for his signature 1970s-inspired fashion, including leather jackets and vintage sunglasses.
- Despite his fame, he is often described as humble and reflective.
- He was deeply influenced by personal loss and mystical ideas during his upbringing.
Philanthropy and Cultural Legacy
Ashcroft has supported various charitable efforts, including performing at Teenage Cancer Trust concerts. His emotionally resonant lyrics and powerful vocal delivery have left a lasting impact on fans and inspired countless emerging artists.
Looking Ahead
With high-profile performances on the horizon and a legacy that spans decades, Richard Ashcroft remains a vital figure in British rock. His influence goes beyond music, shaping cultural conversations in fashion and artistic expression. As he continues to perform and create, his legacy as a defining voice in alternative rock is only set to grow.
Richard Ashcroft Net Worth 2025
With an estimated net worth of $4 million, Ashcroft’s earnings come from album sales, royalties, and touring. Though he lives a relatively low-key life, his career success suggests a stable and comfortable lifestyle.
FAQs
Where was Richard Ashcroft born?
Richard Ashcroft was born in Billinge, Lancashire, England, UK, on September 11, 1971.
Who is Richard Ashcroft married to?
Richard Ashcroft has been married to Kate Radley, former keyboardist for the band Spiritualized, since 1995.
How many children does Richard Ashcroft have?
Richard Ashcroft has two sons with Kate Radley: Sonny, born in 2000, and Cassius, born in 2004.
What films has Richard Ashcroft contributed music to?
Richard Ashcroft’s music has appear in several films, including The Adjustment Bureau (2011), The Beach (2000), and Cruel Intentions (1999).
What award did Urban Hymns receive?
Urban Hymns by The Verve was honor with the Q Classic Album Award in 2007, recognizing its lasting impact and commercial success.
Which Oasis song was inspired by Richard Ashcroft?
The Oasis song “Cast No Shadow” was written by Noel Gallagher about Richard Ashcroft, highlighting the respect and influence he held among his musical peers.
