A failing voice and not, as some believe, a modest crowd is to blame for Richard Ashcroft’s half song Splendour In The Grass set over the weekend. At least that’s what Ashcroft’s management claim after posting a statement on the former Verve fontman’s official website yesterday. The statement claims that any allegations of Richard storming off stage due to crowd size are “unfounded” and the singer, whose voice apparently gave out during opening track “Are You Ready?”, is currently “consulting a specialist in QLD“. We’d love to see the Doctor’s certificate for that one, Dick.
Official statement and fan video below…
RICHARD ASHCROFT LOSES VOICE DURING CONCERT
Fans of Richard Ashcroft were disappointed not to see the set at Splendour last night but allegations of Richard storming off stage due to crowd size are unfounded. Richard performed three gigs and undertook two days of heavy promotional duties and last night his voice simply gave out.
Jazz Summers, Richard Ashcroft’s manager said this morning,”After 3 gigs in 2 days, including a 2 hour show in Sydney on Saturday night, we knew Richard would have to look after his voice for the Splendour in the Grass set so we cancelled all promotional activity for Sunday.It wasn’t until he got on stage on Sunday night at Splendour that he realized his voice wouldn’t make it through the set.
I was watching the show from the sound desk and was surprised when he appeared to missing the high notes on his opening track “Are You Ready”. I could sense his total frustration at the situation.
Immediately following the show, Richard sought advice from a doctor and was ordered not to speak or sing for 72 hours. Today he is consulting a specialist in QLD.”
Richard Ashcroft has been in the country promoting his latest album, RPA & The United Nations of Sound which was released July 16. Headlining shows at The Palace, Melbourne, and Enmore Theater, Sydney, were well received by critics and fans alike.
