The Verve Announce End Of The Band
Video will still be released
The Verve have ended months of speculation by confirming that they have mutually agreed to split.
Richard Ashcroft is currently in the studio working on a new album, while the other members of the
band are preparing their own projects.
The split comes after a difficult few months for The Verve, starting with guitarist Nick McCabe's
decision not to finish the band's US and European tour dates last summer.
"The decision to split the band did not come without a great deal of distress to me personally,"
says Richard. "I have always given everything to the band and would have continued to do so if
circumstances had not made it impossible.
"I would like to thank the fans for their loyal support and their phenomenal response to Urban Hymns.
I feel more positive now a decision has been made - being in limbo isn't good for the soul. I can now
move forward and put my energies into new songs for a new album."
Richard has just started work on the new album and it is still too early to confirm any track details
or release date.
Says Simon Jones, The Verve's bass player: "The remainder of the band - myself, Nick McCabe, Simon
Tong - are continuing to work on our own projects, while Pete Salisbury is currently working on Richard's
new album. The rest of the band might even work with each other in the future. If this happens, it
won't be as The Verve."
The Verve, from Wigan, were formed in 1990, releasing their debut album A Storm in Heaven three years
later. It was followed by the hugely acclaimed A Northen Soul in 1994.
Three years later, in the summer of 1997, The Verve established themselves as one of the most crucial
English rock bands of all time with the Urban Hymns album which, with its landmark singles Bitter Sweet
Symphony and The Drugs Don't Work, dominated the chart for over a year.
Meanwhile, fans will be relieved to know that 'The Verve: The Video 96-98', which was delayed by the split, will still be available. Release date is June 7th.
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