- published: 01 Mar 2016
- views: 383
Richard Paul Steven Ashcroft (born 11 September 1971 in Billinge, Wigan, England) is an English singer-songwriter. He was the lead singer and occasional guitarist of alternative rock band The Verve from their formation in 1990 until their split in 1999, and continues as a lead vocalist working with guitars and keyboards. He became a successful solo artist in his own right, releasing three UK top three solo albums. The Verve reformed in 2007 but again broke up by summer 2009. Ashcroft then founded a new band, RPA & The United Nations of Sound, and released a new album on 19 July 2010.
Ashcroft was the only son of office worker Frank and hairdresser Louise (maiden name Baxter); he also has two younger sisters. His middle name 'Paul' is the name of his father's brother. When Ashcroft was 11, his father died suddenly of a brain hemorrhage. Ashcroft soon "fell under the influence of his stepfather", who belonged to the Rosicrucians.
Ashcroft attended Up Holland High School, along with future bandmates Simon Jones, Peter Salisbury and Simon Tong, and then attended Winstanley College, where he met Nick McCabe. His teachers referred to him as "the cancer of the class", though one member of staff recalled him being "incredibly intelligent". Ashcroft was an avid football player, playing junior football for Wigan Athletic. For some time Ashcroft wanted to be a professional football player, idolising George Best, but as he grew older he lost interest in this, turning to music instead.
Ooh Ooh Yeah
Ooh Ooh Yeah
Ooh Ooh Yeah
Are you ready?
Ooh, are you ready for the day?
He's gonna come back down to earth
I hope you're gonna pray
That you're with us
Mmm, as we beam him right up
He's got a little place for me
In his loving cup
Are you ready?
Ooh, ready to see
I'm out here in Babylon
Come out here with me
Are you ready?
Ah, are you ready?
Ah, are you ready?
Are you ready?
Are you ready?
Are you ready?
Ah, are you ready?
Ah, are you ready?
Are you ready?
Are you ready?
Please, I'm ready
'Cause I've lived a life of sin
And I heard that us sinners
Have got a chance with Him
Suicidal, ooh yeah
Deep inside my soul
I've been praying there's somewhere else
For me to go
Come on people
Ooh, don't you hear my pain
I'm out here in Babylon
Waiting for the day
Are you ready?
Ah, I'm ready
Ah, I'm ready
Yes I'm ready
Yes I'm ready
Ah, I'm ready
Ooh yes, I'm ready
Ooh I'm ready
Yes I'm ready
Yes I'm ready
Yes I'm ready
Ah, I'll paint the town with blood
I've been losing so damn much
Since I'm feeling love with people
Ah yeah, the whole damn human race
I wanna put you in my arms
And give you a love embrace
I'm ready
Oh, I aint no freedom train
Cos where we are heading
Yeah, there is no thing as pain
Yes I'm ready
Ooh I've had a season in hell
I'm getting pretty tired down here
Oh, please break the spell
Ah Jesus, sweet Jesus can't you hear?
Please don't leave us all alone
Living here with fear
I'm ready
Yes I'm ready
I'm ready
Yes I'm ready
Yes I'm ready
I'm ready
Yes I'm ready
Yes I'm ready
Yes I'm ready