The connection between Richard Ashcroft and Oasis is extensive and founded on mutual respect. The frontman of The Verve was the top choice to open for Oasis at their massive reunion concerts this summer, expressing that he has been a “fan from day one.” It’s not surprising, considering that a classic written by Noel Gallagher nearly moved the Wigan artist to tears.
This story dates back to the summer of 1995 when The Verve was on the brink of breaking up following too many disagreements, and Noel Gallagher was worried about how a life in music was affecting his friend. While Oasis was on their way to Rockfield Studios in Wales, the songwriter, left alone on the train, began to craft something special.
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Finished in Wales, ‘Cast No Shadow’ serves as a stunning tribute from one artist to another. The lyrics are remarkable, with Liam Gallagher given the lines: “Bound with all the weight of all the words he tried to say / Chained to all the places that he never wished to stay.”
An essential track from the legendary Oasis album ‘(What’s The Story) Morning Glory?’, Noel would later discuss ‘Cast No Shadow’ in an anniversary interview, describing the lyrics as “the best words I ever wrote.”
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Sharing similar chords to Pink Floyd’s iconic ‘Wish You Were Here,’ ‘Cast No Shadow’ is a significant part of the Oasis legacy. Will it make it onto the setlist this summer? Only time will tell, but its first performance for Richard Ashcroft reportedly stirred deep emotions.
Noel later reflected: “He always seemed to me like he was not completely content with what was happening around him. So the lyrics ‘bound with all the weight of all the words he tried to say’ stemmed from my feeling that he was born in the wrong place at the wrong time and always tried to express the right things, but it didn't work out. When I first sang the song to him, he was close to tears.”
When talking about the reunion of the band, Richard Ashcroft remarked: “They dared to be great, made our dreams a reality, and I will forever cherish those days. Now it’s time to create more memories, and I'm ready to bring it. See you next summer. Music is power.”
Revisit ‘Cast No Shadow’ below.
Related: 10 Unsung Oasis Songs That Don’t Make The Greatest Hits.
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Richard Ashcroft's connection with Oasis is extensive and founded on shared respect. The Verve lead singer was the first choice to open for Oasis.