LIVE REVIEW: Richard Ashcroft at Utilita Arena, Newcastle 06/04/2026
Words by Caitlin Barlow
Images by Kieran Whitfield
As the arena swelled with Adidas gazelles and Sergio Tacchini track jackets, suspense for The Royston Club heightened.
Strutting onto the stage at 7:45pm, The Royston Club burst straight into ‘Shivers’ from their 2025 EP - Songs for the Spine. This led straight into the popular and energizing track; ‘The Patch Where Nothing Grows’. Many young members of the audience, sang and danced along with the band for this catchy number.
Ben Matthias’ certainly has a knack for writing profound lyrics that resonate with current indie fans. Their tracks; ‘Glued to the Bed’, ‘Spinning’, ‘52’ and ‘I’m a Liar’ were echoed loud and clear, in perfect unison between crowd and performers. While drummer, Sam Jones, has the potential to join the leaderboard of Britains best drummers.
Different youths clambered on their friends’ shoulders to enjoy every song in the set. Bearing flags across their chests and reaching out to connect with the group from beyond the barriers.
Their closing number; ‘Cariad’ allowed lead singer, Tom Faithfull's’, clean, fresh vocals to soar from the stage. I was seriously impressed and pleasantly surprised by these four lads, and their seven-song set left me wanting more.
Pints flowed freely, especially thanks to the bank holiday Monday, and it was now time for the main event.
Richard Ashcroft swaggered to the microphone at 8:45pm to the blaring sound of fans chanting upon his arrival. His opening track; ‘Weeping Willow’ was monstrous and grabbed fans by the throat.
Moving on to the tender, ‘Space and Time’, then ‘Music is Power’, which proved to be quite literal. The visible bond throughout the audience was heartwarming, as fathers embraced with their sons to songs that once soundtracked their own youths. And couples who may have fallen in love to the Urban Hymns soundtrack of 1997, solidifying their love 29 years later.
The grit and gravel expressed from Ashcroft’s vocals throughout the evening emphasised the passion and energy he has granted to every performance on this leg of the UK tour.
The next song was suitably knighted as ‘A Song for the Lovers’ in the crowd, then rolling into a superb rendition of ‘Break The Night With Colour’.
This song is certainly a standout moment in the setlist and gives every musician the opportunity to parade their skills. Incredible guitarist Steve Wyreman is a huge asset to the band, entering another universe when shredding on this 2006 track.
After thanking The Royston Club for joining him on these shows, Richard broke into ‘Velvet Morning’, another classic from Urban Hymns that was celebrated throughout the audience. However, this crowd was significantly tamer than the one at the Oasis shows back in 2025. Don't get me wrong - there was still a lot of excitement, as well as the occasional pint toss, but there was a broader sense of maturity this evening.
Solo tracks ‘Hold On’ and recently released ‘Lover’ were up next, paving a pathway for the highly anticipated ‘The Drugs Don’t Work’. Punching you right in the gut as Ashcrofts’ sonorous vocals and lyricism swept over you, engulfing your emotions and bringing you to the severity of present day. Making you feel alive, with the possibility to achieve anything. The harmonious unity across the audience made me realise that this is what live music is all about. The beauty in the stupendous musicianship, yet the intense pain of the poetry you are singing.
‘Lucky Man’ was the final track ahead of the encore. This hit always goes down well. Alongside giving Richard’s voice a rest, as the mob of parkas and bucket hats carried the verses and choruses, before he left the stage.
Afterward, a brief period of uproar and chants of “Dickie is a Mackem!”, (brave considering the location) was enough to rally the 54-year-old back into the spotlight.
He returned with the solo track; ‘You on My Mind in My Sleep’, then ‘History’ by The Verve. Both of which slowly reduced the energy levels within the crowd. Reserving their vigour for the anticipated closing number...
Acoustic guitar bared across his chest with his strap wrapped around his back, as the opening strums to the remarkable ‘Sonnet’ filled the Utilita. The golden backdrop, illuminating ‘RA’, shone upon Richard's face. The crowd chanting the words back at the frontman; “Yes there's love if you want it...” and that they did.
A sea of phones washed over the audience, ready to record the renowned ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’. Lads upon their mates' shoulders once again, arms outstretched wanting to become one with the singer. Meanwhile Ashcroft stepped down from the stage to try and become one with the crowd.
He gave all his love and best wishes to the new generation of upcoming musicians, expressing his excitement to hear what music they will create in the future, before finally parting the stage.
This gig truly proved the power that music can hold, creating a positive force to bring people together.
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