Biography

Formed in 1989 in Wigan, England, The Verve was an alternative rock band comprised of lead vocalist Richard Ashcroft, guitarist Nick McCabe, bass guitarist Simon Jones, and drummer Peter Salisbury. Eventually, guitarist and keyboard player Simon Tong joined the group as well. The band initially embraced a psychedelic sound heavily influenced by shoegazing and space rock. Throughout the mid-1990s, The Verve released multiple EPs and three albums, amidst ongoing changes to both its name and lineup. The band faced numerous challenges including break-ups, health issues, substance abuse, and legal battles. Filter once referred to them as "one of the tightest knit, yet ultimately volatile bands in history". Despite these obstacles, The Verve achieved widespread success with their 1997 album Urban Hymns, which became one of the best-selling albums in UK Chart history. The single "Bitter Sweet Symphony" from the same album also gained international popularity. In recognition of their achievements, the band won two Brit Awards in 1998, including Best British Group. Additionally, they appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine in March of that year. In February 1999, "Bitter Sweet Symphony" received a nomination for the Grammy Award for Best Rock Song.