Richard Ashcroft is considering reuniting with his The Verve bandmates to celebrate 30 years of Urban Hymns.
17 years after the band split, frontman Ashcroft could reform the band, after being inspired by Oasis’ success last summer, when he supported the Wonderwall rockers on tour.
A source told The Sun newspaper’s Bizarre column: “Richard’s had a stellar year and his tour was a massive success.
“During the Oasis shows he saw the love people had for The Verve and their music, and it got people talking.”
“There are many people who think getting The Verve back together to celebrate Urban Hymns would be an absolute coup – not only for the band but for their fans.”
Urban Hymns, released in 1997, had huge worldwide success and featured the hits Bitter Sweet Symphony, The Drugs Don’t Work and Lucky Man.
However, a reunion could be tricky due to band dynamics and bitter fall-outs.
The Verve originally formed in 1990 with Richard, guitarist Nick McCabe, bassist Simon Jones and drummer Peter Salisbury but they have split and reunited previously and have not appeared together on stage since 2009.
When asked about a reunion last year, Richard told The Sun newspaper: “We’ve already played that hand.
“I don’t think it would work.
“The Verve’s situation was a tougher one than Oasis — it was a different dynamic to Oasis.”
He also spoke about the difference between now and his previous career success, revealing he was relishing the chance to tour with Oasis.
He said: “We didn’t really understand what was happening back then.
“Oasis supported us, then we supported them – we had magical times.
“Seeing songs like Wonderwall and Don’t Look Back In Anger were loved again this year was special.
“You forget they always had a great work ethic. Liam’s been really good, looking after himself with his voice and stuff.
“When it’s my tour, I will be in Liam mode, too – no pints for me.
“I’ve always had total respect for Noel as a songwriter and admiration for Liam as a frontman, but watching it all unfold now feels like a real re-appreciation of that era.
“It’s not nostalgia – it’s real and happening right now.”