EXCLUSIVE: “George Best played football like a musician”-Richard Ashcroft on his greatest inspiration
Star singer in his only NI interview speaks to Cool FM's John Kearns
Superstar singer-songwriter Richard Ashcroft has revealed his biggest inspiration - legendary George Best.
And in the ultimate tribute to his late hero, regarded as football's first 'rock star', the former Verve frontman, now a hugely successful solo artist, has devoted the cover of his brand new album to the man simply know as 'the Best'.
Ashcroft, once described by Coldplay singer Chris Martin as the "best singer in the world" was in Northern Ireland this week to visit the old Belfast house of the man widely known as the world's best-ever player.
The image (main pic) showing the award-winning star standing outside Bestie's former home in the Cregagh area has been turned into billboards, which now adorn the city centre.
Ashcroft, a passionate Manchester United fan releases his new record, 'Natural Rebel' on Friday.
In an interview with Cool FM's John Kearns - his only one during his visit to Belfast - he recals one of the proudest moments in his life - receiving a covered Brit Award from his idol.
“When The Verve won the Brit awards, I never got to see George play obviously I’m too young but I’m a United fan," he said.
“Basically we made them film us from a different venue on the night of the Brits and George presented me with a Brit award for The Verve…and I couldn’t believe it.
“It was such an honour because if I hadn’t have done music of course like many kids out there, I would’ve loved to have played.
“If I played I would have loved to have played with his spirit and George was as close to a great musical performer as we’ve seen.
“He was the first rock and roll footballer, he was a musician, he played like a musician.”
“Even when I was on the street I was like ‘oh my god man he might have kicked a ball against this kerb.’
“The billboards are up there it’s a double respect I’m like ‘hats off, thanks George, thanks for the inspiration’ the Belfast boy.”
“He was an artist and there’s only one George Best."