Richard Ashcroft England". However, the pressures of touring and the tensions within the band led to McCabe's departure in mid-1998 and the announcement of the band's break-up in April 1999. In early 2007, Ashcroft made peace with McCabe and Jones and The Verve's reunion was announced in June. The band played gigs later that year and continued touring in 2008, headlining at several festivals around the world. A new album, "Forth", was released in August. In August 2008, The Verve broke up for the third time, though it was not announced until the following year. Ashcroft's first solo single, "A Song for
Richard Ashcroft fourth solo album, "These People", which was released 20 May 2016. Chris Martin of Coldplay has described Ashcroft as "the best singer in the world". Ashcroft was the only son of office worker Frank and hairdresser Louise Ashcroft (née Baxter); he also has two younger sisters. His middle name, Paul, is also the name of a paternal uncle. When Ashcroft was 11, his father died suddenly of a brain haemorrhage. Ashcroft soon "fell under the influence of his stepfather", who belonged to the Rosicrucians. Ashcroft attended Upholland High School, along with future bandmates Simon Jones, Peter Salisbury and Simon Tong,