RICHARD HAS THE VERVE FOR LIFE
Ashcroft says having children has kept his ego under control
FORMER VERVE frontman Richard Ashcroft reveals that becoming a father has changed his life.
The star, who penned hits like The Drugs Don't Work and Bitter Sweet Symphony, says that his two young sons have kept his ego under control.
Back with a new group (RPA and The United Nations of Sound) and album, Ashcroft, the dad of Sonny (10) and Cassius (6), tells Remix: "The good thing about kids is that they don't give a sh*t who you are or what you do."
Ashcroft, who is married to Kate Radley, a former member of Spiritualized, admits he was intimidated by fatherhood at the start.
"There's a tremendous responsibility that goes with being a parent and the first couple of years are an incredible period," Richard reflects.
The performer was just 11 years old when his father died suddenly after suffering a brain haemorrhage.
"Now I'm 38 and my dad died at 41. He was just three years older than I am now and that's crazy," he muses.
Relieved
The singer says he's relieved that he can stand over his work as a musician, songwriter and performer in the face of his kids.
"I don't know how you deal with being in a boyband when the kids start growing up," he says.
"It's like, 'Dad! Why?'
"My oldest son is now getting to a point where he's more aware of what I do and he thinks I'm alright, although I'm sure that will disappear at some stage."
Like a lot of creative people, Ashcroft says he can be difficult to live with at times.
"I wouldn't like to be married to me anyway, put it that way," he laughs.
"But I wouldn't say I'm that mad, that crazy or that difficult."
RICHARD ASHCROFT's new album United Nations Of Sound is out now.
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