dickie 'croft update...
Ashcroft in a bitter sweet deal
RICHARD ASHCROFT's music career has been saved - just days after his record company folded.
It looked as though the former frontman with THE VERVE would be left floundering on the pop scrapheap when indie label Hut closed down last week.
Ashcroft, whose massive hits with The Verve included The Drugs Don't Work, Lucky Man and Bitter Sweet Symphony, found himself without a contract.
But parent company Virgin have decided to re-sign Richard on a solo deal.
However, it looks like other acts could be on the dole after Virgin decided to wind up Hut.
PLACEBO, THE MUSIC and GOMEZ, who won the Mercury Music Prize back in 1998, were also with the label.
Wigan's finest, The Verve, were once signed to Hut.
A source said: "Hut was a major force in the Nineties - and had a great reputation for breaking new bands.
"But, in the current climate, Virgin decided it had to close.
"It's a tough time in the music industry with the changes coming from downloading music. Hut are one of the victims."
But Ashcroft looks like he will get a last-minute reprieve.
The source added: "Virgin bosses are convinced he can still make money. They are currently negotiating a new deal with him."
RICHARD ASHCROFT's music career has been saved - just days after his record company folded.
It looked as though the former frontman with THE VERVE would be left floundering on the pop scrapheap when indie label Hut closed down last week.
Ashcroft, whose massive hits with The Verve included The Drugs Don't Work, Lucky Man and Bitter Sweet Symphony, found himself without a contract.
But parent company Virgin have decided to re-sign Richard on a solo deal.
However, it looks like other acts could be on the dole after Virgin decided to wind up Hut.
PLACEBO, THE MUSIC and GOMEZ, who won the Mercury Music Prize back in 1998, were also with the label.
Wigan's finest, The Verve, were once signed to Hut.
A source said: "Hut was a major force in the Nineties - and had a great reputation for breaking new bands.
"But, in the current climate, Virgin decided it had to close.
"It's a tough time in the music industry with the changes coming from downloading music. Hut are one of the victims."
But Ashcroft looks like he will get a last-minute reprieve.
The source added: "Virgin bosses are convinced he can still make money. They are currently negotiating a new deal with him."