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In the beautiful green surroundings of the Botanique Marquee, a big parc in the centre of Brussels, I saw one of the best performances since The Verve played the VK Club, also in the Belgian Capital back in 94. Six years later a more mature an relaxed Ashcroft leaded his new band through an inspired and emotional set. The four pieced new band produced an often breathtaking, beautiful noise directed by the incredible BJ Cole (The only one who can replace Nick Mc Cabe in my opinion). Ashcroft himself was in good voice, strumming his guitar, inspired, arrogant and tender by turns as we know him. It all started with Brave New World, followed by some old Verve songs; DDW, S&T and Sonnet. The rest of the set was a compilation of his debut solo album to end with a very heavy version of NY. The encore was blinding - Alone with accoustic guitar he performed superb versions of History, SFTL and BSS. After that he left the stage and didn't return. In my opinion RA has reinvent himself without betraying the old fans whatever some might say. It was a beatiful moment in music.
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