“We want to stand head and shoulders with the giants and say ‘Yeah it is nice up here Bob Dylan, John Lennon because I'm Richard Ashcroft. We’re The Verve”: The Rolling Stones-sampling Britpop epic that has captivated a new generation

The Verve.

One of the most frequently shared clips to emerge from last year’s headline-grabbing Oasis reunion was that of a young fan Shazam-ing the indomitable Bitter Sweet Symphony, being performed live on stage - with characteristic swagger - by Richard Ashcroft during his solo support slot.

While some of the more belligerent Britpop aficionados mocked the girl for not recognising a song that has, across the decades, become something of an indie institution, the song’s writer himself was delighted that new ears were being pricked up.