Bittersweet Silence

So, The Verve are to split- again.

Is anyone really that bothered?

Aaaaanyone?

Nope?

Didn't think so.

This is the third time in the band's career that they've decided to split, and I very much doubt it will be the last.

It is alleged that Verve guitarist Nick McCabe and bassist Simon Jones are no longer on speaking terms with lead singer Richard Ashcroft, following on from a statement on Myspace by McCabe saying that the and are on an "indefinite holiday." It's hardly a holiday if you're not going to come back, now is it? A source close to the band told the Sunday Mirror that the band haven't spoken to the frontman since doing V festival last year: "As far as Nick and Simon are concerned, Verve no longer exists," claiming that Ashcroft was using the reformation as an attempt to resurrect his failed solo career (though if you've heard any of his solo stuff, you know that it would only be the equivalent of flogging a dead horse).


Although the music industry is collectively rolling their eyes, the source also reputed that even if Ashcroft was to come back with his tail between his legs, the pair would simply tell him to "fuck off." But instead of filling their 'holiday' with sudoku and Tweeting, McCabe and Jones have formed a new band, Black Ships, with Goldfrapp violinist Davide Rossi. Let's hope their upcoming debut is better than the last Verve album, which was a bit of a letdown for me.


Still, nothing compares to the seminal Bittersweet Symphony. The song of my childhood, my dad would often play this in the car on family holidays, it still manages to bring a shiver down my spine and an overwhelming sense of hope.


This was my Glastonbury 'moment' circa 2008. Enjoy.