IT TAKES a certain kind of performer to have the enthusiasm and charisma to make a break from a mega-successful band to launch a solo career.

Without any doubts former Verve frontman Richard Ashcroft is that type of performer and probably always will be.

Richard Ashcroft fronted The Verve, who ultimately proved to be one of the last great British rock and roll bands of the 20th century. The band came together in the northern industrial town of Wigan during the late-Eighties.

Inspired by the whole Manchester scene, The Verve released three albums, notably the final Urban Hymns, which as Ashcroft promised, catapulted them into rock's premier league.

The first two singles from Urban Hymns, Bitter Sweet Symphony and The Drugs Don't Work, were both extraordinary landmarks in British rock music, propelling the album to global status with seven million sales.

Richard Ashcroft made his solo debut in 2000 with the release of A Song for the Lovers, which reached number three in the charts. It came ahead of Alone with Everybody, Ashcroft's debut number one album. Richard released his new album, Human Conditions last month which has already spawned the single, Check The Meaning.

The Southampton date comes in the middle of his current UK tour and sees him not only perform songs from his two solo albums, but also throw in the odd Verve tune for good measure.

Southampton Guildhall, November 17. Tickets: £15. Box Office: 023 8063 2601