Richard Ashcroft (photo © live4ever)
Front man Richard Ashcroft of legendary Wigan rock band Verve has put the finishing touches on his latest album called ‘Redemption‘ which was recorded with his new backing band ‘United Nations of Sound‘ Their new video ,‘Are You Ready‘ can be viewed on YouTube exclusively.
Richard had briefly reunited with Verve’s original line-up June 2007, embarking on a tour later that year and releasing the album Forth in August 2008. The bliss only lasted a year as it was announced that the Verve had split up for the third time in their career in 2009.
Redemption will be Ashcroft’s fourth solo Album. Alone with Everybody, released in 2000 went to #1 in the UK and received a Platinum record for its sales, follow ups Human Conditions (2002) and Keys to the World (2006) peeked at #3 and #2 in the UK Charts.
Redemption is to be released in late March 2010.
Richard was also busy recording music for a good cause, penning and recording the soundtrack to the short film The Journey which deals with the issues of child sex trafficking. He posted following on his official blog and homepage about the project :
Dear All. I have been fortunate enough to work on a very special project for a cause that when you learn the disgusting truth you will be sickened by and want to help, you can! By watching the film “The Journey” and also downloading the song which I composed, money will be donated to the Helen Bamber foundation. I must warn all parents, being one myself, that the content of the film and song have graphic detail and should never be seen or heard by children.
Love and peace forever,
Richard Ashcroft.
Watch “The Journey” on The Guardian website »
Richard Ashcroft soundtrack for short film The Journey