The Verve, a formidable presence in the Britpop and alternative rock scene, emerged from Wigan, England in 1990, formed by lead vocalist Richard Ashcroft, guitarist Nick McCabe, bassist Simon Jones, and drummer Peter Salisbury. Revered for their psychedelic soundscapes and deep, emotional lyrics, the band initially made waves with their debut album "A Storm in Heaven" in 1993, which set the stage for their exploration of shoegaze and space rock influences. Despite internal tensions and brief disbandments, The Verve solidified their legacy with the 1997 release of "Urban Hymns," a commercial and critical behemoth that featured an iconic track known the world over: "Bitter Sweet Symphony." This single, with its distinctive string sample and poignant lyrics, captured the zeitgeist of the '90s and propelled The Verve to international acclaim.

Success, however, came hand in hand with controversy, specifically regarding the legalities surrounding the "Bitter Sweet Symphony" sample, which cast a shadow over what was an otherwise period of triumph. The Verve's career has been marked by sporadic activity and breaks, with their most recent studio album "Forth" surfacing in 2008, adding a modern twist to their established sound. Over the years, reissues and remasters, including the comprehensive reworkings of "A Northern Soul" and "Urban Hymns,” have continued to introduce the band's vast and dynamic sound to new generations. Despite the rollercoaster nature of their tenure, The Verve remains a pivotal force in the narrative of British rock music.

Genres

Britpop

Permanent Wave

Rock

Shoegaze

Related Artists

Oasis

Blur

The Stone Roses

Radiohead

Travis

Pulp

Coldplay

The Smiths

Suede

Ocean Colour Scene

The Charlatans

Keane

Latest Release

Bitter Sweet Symphony (Hedini Remix)

The Verve

Single - Released October 4, 2018