Richard Ashcroft announces new album Lovin' You ahead of tour with Oasis

Richard Ashcroft has announced his upcoming record, Lovin' You, will be released on October 3, the news coming ahead of his sold-out stadium tour as special guest to Oasis.

The first track on the record, 'Lover', was released as a single in May. 'Lover' interpolates the song 'Love And Affection' by Joan Armatrading, who praised Ashcroft's inclusion of the track.

“I love how he’s used my song and I love his song," Armatrading said.

All songs on the album were written by Ashcroft apart from the track ‘I’m A Rebel’, which was co-written by Madonna producer Mirwais. Co-producers include Chris Potter, a longtime collaborator with Ashcroft, and Emre Ramazanoglu, whose credits include U2, Noel Gallagher, David Bowie, George Michael and more.

Lovin' You will be his seventh release as a solo artist, following Acoustic Hymns, Vol. 1 in 2021. Ashcroft was previously the lead vocalist of The Verve throughout its 20-year lifetime.

Ashcroft is a longtime friend of both Noel and Liam Gallagher, a relationship which originated when The Verve played gigs with Oasis in the latter band's early years.

Oasis dedicated their 1995 track 'Cast No Shadow' to Ashcroft, and Ashcroft contributed backing vocals on 'All Around the World' for Oasis' 1997 record Be Here Now.

Hot Press spoke with Ashcroft in 1995 before the release of his first solo album, Alone With Everybody. In the interview. Ashcroft discussed the feeling of achievement as he began his solo career.

"I've reached a point that would've surprised me at the age of 19, 20 without a doubt. Seven years later. Someone was teaching me how to play a guitar chord nine years ago," Ashcroft said.

"That's what it's about. Seizing the day, grasping the opportunity, letting it flow and seeing what happens."

Ashcroft will perform with Oasis for all of their UK and Ireland shows beginning tomorrow at the tour's first show in Cardiff. The tour will come to Dublin's Croke Park on August 16 and 17.

The album will be released on October 3. Watch the music video for the first track 'Lover' below: