RICHARD ASHCROFT is to make his solo debut with a full live band at the Benicassim Festival near Valencia in Spain on August 6, nme.com can announce.
The gig comes two weeks before his debut UK solo gig headlining the V2000 festival at Weston Park, Staffordshire and Hylands Park, Chelmsford on August 19 and 20 respectively.
As previously announced, Ashcroft's next single will be 'C'mon People (We're Making It Now)' on August 28. The single features b-sides 'Make A Wish' and a remix of 'A Song For The Lovers'. The single's taken from his debut solo album, 'Alone With Everybody', out now through Hut.
Ashcroft played his first solo gigs since splitting The Verve in May this year at Ted's Wrecking Yard in Toronto, Canada, Joe's Pub in New York City, and a small bar in Milan, Italy.
However, the 30-minute long performances were just before press and industry representatives, and featured just Richard on acoustic guitar. The gigs at Benicassim and V2000 will feature a full backing band and are currently the only gigs planned this year for the singing star. There are rumours that an autumn European tour is in the pipeline, but Ashcroft's press officer said nothing was planned as yet.