Why Richard Ashcroft told Noel Gallagher he’s the “only person” for Oasis support slot

23 May 2025, 17:31 | Updated: 27 May 2025, 10:59

Richard Ashcroft's "very important part to play" in the Oasis reunion!

The former Verve frontman has discussed opening for the Manchester band this summer and told The Chris Moyles Show why he's the best man for the job.

Richard Ashcroft told Noel Gallagher he's one of the only people who can open for Oasis during their reunion dates.

The former Verve frontman has been named alongside CAST as special guests for the Britpop band's upcoming UK & Ireland shows and he believes he's the best man for the job because of his history with the band.

"I see it as I've got a very important part to play in this," he told The Chris Moyles Show. "You know, back in the day Oasis supported The Verve and then it flipped around and we supported Oasis at Earls Court, then I as a solo artist have played with Oasis."

He went on: "I said to Noel, 'You know, I think I'm the only person who could go in this slot. Especially for a huge outdoor show, because everyone wants you lot. And unless you're coming with something, unless you've got something to offer, I don't know what's gonna happen'."

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• Liam Gallagher says Oasis reunion “setlist is done” but this song hasn’t made the cut...
• Liam Gallagher reacts to reports that Oasis fans could be set to spend £1 billion on reunion dates

Delving more into his history with the band, Ashcroft noted that Oasis had a lot of firsts before The Verve, but he still feels happy for the Gallagher brothers personally as well as their mother Peggy and their fans who weren't able to see them perform before they split.

"I think it's great that we're still around. I've been there almost in that whole story together with them. Right from the day one. Before their album came out, first album, seen that. They were kind of like mega successful before I was. They were on Top Of The Pops. By the time it was my turn, it was like they'd been all over it. They sold millions of albums, blah, blah, blah, but the rarity of that, that you could have two bands, both in transits off playing to 300 people. Both saying, 'We're gonna do this.' 'No, no we're gonna do that'. And for that to happen is incredible.":

"I'm just happy for them personally," he gushed. "I'm happy for their mum. I'm happy for all them people who never got a chance to see it the first time 'round that we can all come together this summer."

Though Ashcroft hinted at the crowds having the potential to kick off, he believes that the reunion shows will allow people to forget their problems and be a huge unifying moment for the country.

The Love Is Noise singer added: "You turn on the TV, look at the news and what have you and and we're drowning in anxiety and worry about the future. And I think this can be an amazing way for us to come together and to lose all our differences like music should be. You leave it at the door and enjoy it.

Meanwhile, this week saw Ashcroft share Lover- his first new single in seven years and he's told Radio X that we can expect to hear more this year.

Watch the official video for the track below:

Richard Ashcroft - Lover (Official Video)

Asked if Lover will precede a new album, the Wigan bard revealed: "Potentially we got an album out in September, yeah. Original stuff. some exciting things. very eclectic.

"It's gonna go from stripped right down to barely anything. I've got another banging sample tune to go with Lover as well it's just phenomenal so I'm just excited for people to hear it. I'm looking forward to it."

Read more:

• Why Noel Gallagher dedicated Cast No Shadow to Richard Ashcroft
• How Richard Ashcroft's Song For The Lovers was inspired by Joy Division
• There's an "unseen" Bitter Sweet Symphony video where Richard Ashcroft gets beaten up

Radio X has launched a radio station dedicated to all-things Oasis, playing non-stop supersonic anthems 24/7!

Radio X Oasis is a must-listen for any fan of the legendary Manchester band, this station is definitely not maybe the best thing to happen to your speakers in years.

It's a celebration of one of Britain’s most influential bands and will soundtrack the Summer for fans of Liam and Noel Gallagher.

Radio X Oasis is available to listen to now, streaming live on Global Player, the official Radio X app, and DAB digital radio across the UK.

Radio X Oasis is available now, across the UK on DAB digital radio, Global Player, the official Radio X app, your smart speaker (“play Radio X Oasis”), and on iOS or Android.