Richard Ashcroft

A rock 'n' roll star in every sense of the word, the former Verve frontmanstrolled into his press conference at Lancashire County Cricket Club armedwith an incendiary agenda of political observation and passionate opinions on 21st Century Britain.

Bowling into the room with a mile-wide smile, aviator shades and offering Citizen Smith 'V' peace signs to all and sundry, the singer was chomping at the bit - kicking off his own interview by questioning a reporter on her family life.

While publicising his forthcoming Old Trafford performance on June 17 - which will be his biggest solo show to date - this was also an opportunity for Mr Ashcroft to flip the 'V' round at some of his fiercest critics. But the 34-year-old began by thanking his fans and supporters here in the north west.

He said: "My fans here are very important - I probably sell more records at Piccadilly Records than anywhere in the world."

"But I don't just want to play a large gig in the north west, it goes a lot deeper than that."

"When I saw The Stone Roses - legends - in Warrington years ago, it changed my life. So I've got them to thank, I've got Joy Division to thank, I've got The Smiths to thank. It's about making that connection with the public, but you've got to be allowed to be able to do that by radio pluggers and people like that."

Originally wanting to play his hometown of Wigan and the JJB Stadium, Ashcroft blamed "a lot of red tape and bureaucracy" on that idea falling through. But he admits to being a big fan of the cricket ground and stadium gigs in general.

"When I supported Oasis here I realised what a great venue it was."

"It was a real eye opener because it's very difficult to do a large scale gig in what you could call a corporate atmosphere."

"I think there's something about Old Trafford, because it's not a football pitch shape it allows people to find a corner somewhere and sit down and relax a little."

"I'm not afraid of playing big crowds - I actually embrace it. This is our church and it's our chance to celebrate life with all its joy and pain."

Richard describes the Oasis concert as 'a turning point' in his career.

"I have to thank them and many other people from this area who have been an inspiration to me, and also have given me an idea that I can do this."

Ashcroft is a firm believer in the power of music and sport and its impact on young people, and insists that an out-of-touch Government must invest infacilities for schools.

"If I had the time I'd create a Motown, or a label like that, and find the real talent in this country."

"Not the kind of people who are prepared to stand up in the rain all day and be told by three nobodies that they can't sing, I mean the next Stevie Wonder. Someone who's going to really make a difference. Without investment into the grass roots of this country we will never betogether or united."

And Ashcroft expressed his frustration with a southern media obsessed with young bands and reality TV stars.

"Not one of the pop idols will ever, ever be listened to in 20 years time unless it is for an ironic laugh. The only cultural thing that has given to us as people is showing us the power of advertising. I am fortunate to have written a few tunes that will outlive me and outlive my critics."

The singer certainly has some interesting irons in the fire, with plans to work with hip-hop legend Jay-Z, produce a full length album with UNKLE collaborator DJ Shadow, record with rock mogul Rick Rubin and even write an alternative football song for the World Cup, based on his Urban Hymns hit C'mon People.

"I'm playing in a football match to raise money for Bobby Moore's charity and I'd like to split the money I raise from the song between that charity and the Teenage Cancer Trust. I want to do something good."

Richard Ashcroft plays Old Trafford Cricket Ground on Saturday, June 17, with Razorlight and The Feeling. Tickets priced £30 are available from 0870060 1768.