Richard Ashcroft has announced his first solo album in two years.

Ascroft is set to release 'Natural Rebel' on his own BMG imprint RPA on October 19, and has teased fans that it contains his "strongest set of songs to date".

The former Verve frontman said: “With experience comes knowledge and for me this is my strongest set of songs to date. All my favourite sounds distilled into something that will hopefully give my fans lasting pleasure. 

It is for them. Music is power.”

The 46-year-old singer-songwriter wrote all of 10 tracks himself, with production by Sir Paul McCartney's producer Jon Kelly and Emre Ramazanoglu (Bobby Gillespie, Jarvis Cocker). 

The record was made at London studios State of the Ark, The Bunker, Tileyard Studios and Hoxa HQ. 

As well as announcing his follow-up to his fifth studio LP 'These People', Ashcroft has also announced his own headline tour, including a hometown show at Manchester's iconic Albert Hall on October 31, and London's Kentish Town Forum on November 2.

The 'Bittersweet Symphony' hitmaker has seen a resurgence since supporting his pal and fellow British music icon Liam Gallagher at a string of concerts around the globe this summer.

The pair are set to perform at Lancashire County Cricket Club in their home city on Saturday (August 18) at the sold-out RiZE Presents Liam Gallagher extravaganza.

The tracklisting for 'Natural Rebel' is:
1.‘All My Dreams’
2. 'Birds Fly’
3.‘Surprised By The Joy’
4.‘That’s How Strong’
5.‘Born To Be Strangers’
6.‘That’s When I Feel It’
7.‘We All Bleed&rsquo
8.‘A Man in Motion’
9.‘Streets of Amsterdam’
10.‘Money Money’
 
Richard Ashcroft's 2018 tour dates are as follows:
October 26 Glasgow Barrowlands
October 28 Middlesbrough Town Hall
October 29 Nottingham Rock City
October 31 Manchester Albert Hall
November 2 London Kentish Town Forum