Former front man with The Verve, arguably one of the most influential bands of the 1990s, Richard Ashcroft accompanied by wife Kate, spoke candidly to our Gary on his Saturday evening show ahead of those forthcoming Brixton Academy gigs.

Theband member turned solo artist talked about his formative years and early musical heroes, The Verve and his latest release, Human Conditions.

Want to hear more? All you need to do is click on the links below to catch Richard and Gary in full vocal action:

Audio Part one (12' 49") How one line from a William Blake poem and a bit of a melody became History, what it was like growing up in Wigan and discovering The Smiths. Part two (7' 03") Singing the Lord's prayer at school, defining The Verve, and "first fame". Part three (6' 02") The Verve splitting up and then getting back together for Urban Hymns, and writing Alone With Everbody. Part four (6' 08") Working with 60s genius Brian Wilson and playing gigs in London. Realplayer required(The BBC cannot be held responsible for the content of external websites.)

Take a Thames Tour of Rotherhithe including the home of London's whaling and timber trades

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