Richard Paul Ashcroft (born 11 September 1971 in Billinge, Wigan, England) is an English singer-songwriter. He was the lead singer,primary songwriter and occasional guitarist of rock band The Verve from their formation in 1990 until their split in 1999. After this, he became a solo artist in his own right before reforming The Verve in 2007. He is still scheduled to continue his solo career at some point in the future.