Richard Ashcroft on fan Shazamming The Verve’s ‘Bittersweet Symphony’ at Oasis gig: “We can’t be cultural snobs”

Richard Ashcroft has spoken out about the fan who went viral at an Oasis gig for Shazamming The Verve‘s ‘Bittersweet Symphony’.

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The moment took place in July as Ashcroft took to the stage as the opener for one of Oasis’ huge ‘Live ‘25’ comeback tour dates in Cardiff. During the set, the former Verve frontman broke out a handful of songs from his solo discography, as well as some classics from his former band.

One person in the crowd at the Principality Stadium was seemingly unfamiliar with his biggest hit though, and pulled out Shazam when he launched into ‘Bittersweet Symphony’. The app is used to identify the name of the song and the artist by analysing a short sample of audio.

Footage of the person trying to identify the track soon went viral, launching to some criticising them online, and Ashcroft himself even joking at a later gig that it was time to “get your Shazams out” when he went to play the 1997 hit.

Now, he has spoken about the viral moment in a new interview and said that he was thrilled to see someone discovering his music.

“I see that as a beautiful thing. That’s a brand new fan, joining the team,” he told The Guardian when asked about the clip.

“Be proud! Why should everyone know everything? They may have only heard that song before England play football on ITV,” he continued. “If someone doesn’t recognise a famous painting, so what? We can’t be cultural snobs. I’d love to get her on stage with her phone when I’m doing ‘Bitter Sweet’. That would be really funny.”

Ashcroft also went on to discuss how people would make quips at him when they saw him out and about, saying “the ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’ video’s over, mate” – referencing the iconic music video that shows him walking down the street.

“Back in the day, I’d walk around in literally the same jacket, T-shirt, corduroys and Wallabees [as in the video]. It doesn’t happen so much now, thank God. I’m supposed to get retribution outside this pub, but we edited that out because it looked ridiculous,” he shared.

The singer shared his defence of the fan who Shazammed his hit song previously too, posting the clip on social media and saying: “If you don’t know it, Shazam it. All new fans welcome!”

Having wrapped up his support slots with Oasis now, Ashcroft has said that the huge tour was a “real catalyst” for young fans.

He is due to play a run of solo headline arena dates early next year – in support of his new album ‘Lovin You’ – following a concert at Manchester’s Co-op Live this month. Due to high demand, Ashcroft went on to add a handful of new shows to the tour last summer, which now includes stops in Glasgow, Birmingham, and Newcastle.

In September, he also announced details of a stop at London’s Alexandra Palace Park, and shortly afterwards revealed a huge summer show at Englefield Estate. Visit here for tickets and see all Richard Ashcroft’s dates here.

Last week, it was confirmed that The Verve‘s classic hit is being released on 7 inch vinyl for the first time ever, after seeing a resurgence on the ‘Live ‘25’ tour.

More recently, Ashcroft has suggested that the members of Oasis be knighted for their services to music and for bringing the community together with their reunion.

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