Richard Paul Ashcroft (born 11 September 1971) is an English musician, singer, and songwriter best known as the lead singer, sole songwriter, and rhythm guitarist of the alternative rock band The Verve, which he formed in 1990. The Verve achieved international acclaim with their 1997 album *Urban Hymns*, featuring hits like "Bitter Sweet Symphony," "Lucky Man," and the UK number one single "The Drugs Don't Work." *Urban Hymns* is one of the UK's best-selling albums of all time, earning Ashcroft significant recognition, including two Ivor Novello Awards for songwriting[1][2][3]. After The Verve’s initial split in 1999, Ashcroft launched a successful solo career, releasing six studio albums that reached the UK top three, including *Alone with Everybody*, *Keys to the World*, and *These People*. His solo work further established his reputation as a prominent figure in British rock. The Verve reunited in 2007, releasing the album *Forth* and touring globally before disbanding again in 2009 due to internal tensions[1][2]. Ashcroft also founded the band RPA & The United Nations of Sound, releasing an album in 2010. More recent solo projects include the 2018 album *Natural Rebel* and *Acoustic Hymns Vol. 1* in 2021, a compilation of acoustic versions of his hits. On 10 October 2025, he released his seventh studio album, *Lovin' You*, marking his continued relevance in the music industry[1][2]. His songwriting and vocal style have influenced many artists across the Britpop and indie rock genres, with peers like Oasis's Noel Gallagher calling him a "genius" and Coldplay's Chris Martin naming him "the best singer in the world"[1]. Ashcroft remains an active and respected figure in contemporary British music.