Richard Ashcroft's solo promise

08-08-2008 13:15

Richard Ashcroft has vowed to continue his solo career.The Verve frontman is currently performing with his old band - who originally split up in 1999 - but insists he will still work on his own material.He told BBC Radio1: "I do buzz off doing stuff on my own, I have gained confidence with that, I've beaten a lot of cynics down. I'm in a very comfortable, good place in my mind about that." "I will continue my solo stuff. But it seemed a shame to leave the band dormant when there is so much talent there."Richard insists The Verve have no long-term plans - comparing them to US hip-hop outfit Wu Tang Clan - and says he wouldn't have agreed to the reunion if it would have involved extensive touring.He added: "I don't understand why The Verve aren't seen like the Wu Tang Clan, keeping it alive as a satellite, no matter what is going on around you, personally between each other."I certainly would never have started this and signed on a dotted line if somebody had said you're off now like Chris Martin for the next two years.