Richard Ashcroft: First ever gig as a solo artist

Richard Ashcroft played his first ever gig as a solo artist in Toronto last night (May 18). The gig took place at Ted's Wrecking Yard, with Ashcroft playing a six-song, 30-minute set in front of an invited audience of 200 American journalists - his first live performance since The Verve's swansong show at Slane Castle in Dublin in 1998.

At the show, Ashcroft, wearing sandals, a diamond crucifix and sunglasses, decorated the set in white drapes and candles, and projected the artwork of his forthcoming album 'Alone With Everybody' across the room.

Ashcroft started the set with his debut solo single, 'A Song For The Lovers', before playing an acoustic version of The Verve‘s 'Bitter Sweet Symphony'. Ashcroft then showcased four more tracks from his new album - 'You On My Mind In My Dreams', 'On a Beach', 'Money To Burn', and 'Get My Beat'.

• NME