The Verve - Bittersweet Symphony (Glastonbury 2008)

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The Verve perform Bittersweet Symphony at Glastonbury 2008. Watch The Verve's 2008 Glastonbury set on demand on BBC iPlayer: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode...
Watch Glastonbury performances from throughout the years on BBC iPlayer: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode...
Listen and download your favourite Glastonbury sets on BBC Sounds: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/b0...
Dig deep in to performances, articles, photos and more at: www.bbc.co.uk/glastonbury
Follow all the action via @bbcglasto / bbcglasto

[@abelisraelcruzayuso4682]

The guitar noise and distortion during the intro are fantastic

[@cnpnrbs]

Nick McCabe is a fucking genius, that's why.

[@abelisraelcruzayuso4682]

@@cnpnrbs 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@xdef1ne]

almost a throwback to their shoegaze roots

[@mariabyrne1954]

💕

[@giovannioperno735]

@@abelisraelcruzayuso4682 .

[@erethjallsen8819]

The intro always gives me absolute chills, one of the most emotional songs ever

[@antegalic258]

Start Crying every time... its just genius

[@HENRIQUEGRAFIA]

@@antegalic258com 6me me vim ok

[@mrgiification]

And vocal too🙏🏻

[@alfredodistefanolaulhe2212]

He's voice is great and fits prefectly with the song.

[@mikebennett6713aceadventures]

You got that right

[@anibalnikov47]

Richard is more than a rockstar, he's a poet

[@aca2077]

Hes a Junkie

[@ollytaylor4231]

Absolutely

[@turdferguson1603]

Wish I could hit thumbs up a thousand times

[@davidmartinez4309]

Don't sound like a sonnet My lord⚜❤

[@patrickmonkman8151]

His voice has aged like a fine wine also almost got a tinge of liam now

[@bokmcdok]

I was working a really shitty job when I went to Glastonbury for the first time. 12 hour days, 7 days a week. I knew they couldn't force me to work weekends, so I took this weekend off so I could go. But I knew I'd have to skip the Verve to be back in time for work on Monday. My friend texted me asking if me if I was excited to see the Verve. I told him I couldn't go because of work. He sent me the best text I've ever received in my life: "Fuck the job. I love the Verve." So when this song came on I messaged him saying, "Yeah, fuck the job. I love the Verve." I ended up missing two days of work before I quit that awful job. A couple months later I started an awesome job at Codemasters. That's the story of how the Verve got me out of the worst job I've ever had.

[@nistafista]

Thats awesome!

[@tjtheedge29]

Codemasters!! LIke GRID and DIRT Rally series? What an awesome story man. Long live the Verve. Absolutely timeless

[@ENGBriseB]

Go with your heart : )

[@richardfox9002]

Live life be happy can we see a Colin mcmrey remaster please

[@MrSuperdelf]

Your job can change job can change job change job can change now you're here in your mold

[@AshleyDawne]

This is my dad's song. Grew up in poor coal mining town . Slaved in a hot semi truck , got cancer, and dead at 52. But I was proud to have him as my dad.

[@onlycasual1]

Lovely comment

[@joecollins8495]

I'm sorry for your loss.

[@vanjose3294]

Sorry man 😢

[@adrianoourique8474]

Sorry my friends, my mother died 2014 , ( saudades = miss ) portuguese Word, sad , your Mother was very special, big hug Rio de Janeiro.

[@bobbyboucher8845]

RIP to your dad, I’m sorry for you loss

[@RBMedia07]

You can tell he really likes performing this masterpiece live

[@efegonava3929]

It pays the bills

[@Starchydancing]

@@efegonava3929 it actually didn’t. They didn’t receive royalties for this song until recently!

[@Biring1]

​@@Starchydancing They get royalties from it now? Glad to hear that!

[@alkaseltzer7794]

usually artist hate their most popular song but definitely not Richard

[@JakeyG-eq1un]

If I wrote this song I'd probably never shut up about it ever tbf

[@kev277]

A song that every singer songwriter wishes they wrote

[@LoLzZ85]

Bet Ashcroft wished he wrote the whole thing

[@D.L91]

@@LoLzZ85 He did. Thats why he has all the rights back now.

[@mrihavenoname1512]

​@@LoLzZ85 the best thing that could happen to music is more of the greedy shills who use talent and exploit it to fill their greedy pockets to croak it. July 4th 2009 was a great day for music for that reason.

[@jamesrobert4106]

​@@LoLzZ85The Rolling Stones approve 😂

[@ericguarin1112]

s @jamesrobert4106 Yes ha ha! For those who don't know, the Stones' manager forced Richard Ashcroft to sign over all royalties to this, because nobody got clearance to use the sample of Andrew Loog Oldham's symphonic version of "The Last Time." But in 2019 Jagger and Richards assigned the rights back to Richard Ashcroft.

[@JC-dy3uk]

Imagine having THAT voice, and also being an amazing songwriter. So good

[@jamnit23]

One of the best performances of a song ever.

[@aca2077]

Be quiet he’s a junkie

[@sim0n_schmidt]

@@aca2077 What‘s your problem?

[@bavar11an]

@@sim0n_schmidt I guess that guy is a fan of The Rolling Stones or something like that.

[@UndergroundIndigenousPrimate]

@@sim0n_schmidt You noticed of course there was no one there to play keyboards. I`m not saying they lip-synched, but, .....

[@Arend010]

You didn't see much performance then!

[@ethanbrunt7755]

One of the greatest songs ever written

[@bandiflip]

I guarantee … this will be the best song you’ve heard today

[@ed7519]

So many British bands, are absolutely EPIC. Nobody can touch them.

[@tdubz504]

The Brit’s are by far the most musically talented artists in the world. It’s them and then everyone else

[@thesvenvids7708]

"I'd like to thank Emily Eavis for inviting us to play Glastonbury. I think her dad didn't think we were gonna be as good as Keane or someone like that. God bless to Keane though. Love and peace to all bands. It's a struggle, life's a struggle. And Monday morning may be a struggle for a lot of you in a job that you despise, working for a boss that you despise. Slave to money then we die. God bless you."

[@andycanasius]

So true. Just quit. Really

[@Shay2312]

I'm almost 78 & I've loved this song from my 1st viewing of the video Ashcroft walking down a street. Great song.❤

[@TheDendy22]

It’s such an amazing song!

[@KanyeEnjoyerr]

Masterpiece, along with the entirety of Urban Hymns

[@neonrays28]

Yes! Weeping willow is one of my favorites of the album along with sonnet.

[@Kvin_levi]

@@neonrays28 and Space and Time

[@seanleafgreen135]

if only the song could be original

[@D00R]

Congratulations to Richard getting the rights back to his own song.

[@timmusumba5846]

Listening to this timeless classic on Valentine's day February, 14th 2024!

[@GamerPhilosophy]

If you're still listening to this Masterpiece, you have a good taste in music. 💞👌😊👍

[@darrenpearson8451]

Correct. Guitar and Richards voice on 🔥

[@chablee869]

luckily got to see them in slane in ‘98 what a legend ashcroft

[@trevorkobe]

What a fucking glorious performance. It feels like the conclusion.

[@edgray8305]

This must rank as one of the greatest performances ever at Glastonbury. EPIC

[@HardFighter9933]

You forgot muse

[@yougee83]

Never been to Glastonbury, but downloaded a lot of sets. In 2008 when I heard this I thought "f*** me, 12 songs, no encore, but still one of the best sets ever..." This is music!!!

[@Shpanders]

No doubt 🤘🏽🇱🇻

[@JKENWORTH1]

For me, it's the gut wrenching tension/energy between the fatalism and somehow upbeat and power of the music that makes this the soundtrack of so many lives - it says keep on keeping on despite the pressure

[@5bin5d32]

Yes, absolutely true. Perfect song to listen to when your overwhelmed in life or dealing with a lot of mixed emotions.

[@saraafonso4646]

Beautifully said! Keep on keeping on 👊

[@joriskock4900]

A bit late. If you ever decide to write a novel, please name it: keep on keeping on. Or: despite the pressure. Somehow you found gold twice in one sentence!

[@TuckerSP2011]

Perfect comment!

[@zephyre6338]

amazing observation,YES .....The contradiction finds the sublime beauty of its trascendence....and its power!

[@zackyvwasin339]

This song and Cruel intentions are one of the best things ever happened in 90's

[@jessicafnahumury7699]

Everytime I heard this song I'll always stick to the film... Cruel Intension,one of the best film ever...

[@VanMartyVideo]

Losing virginity in 98 was the best thing that happened to me

[@shawnthompson940]

Foreal!!!

[@matthewbrig5614]

Wasn't every you ever me from placebo in cruel intentions as well?

[@ChildofGod4ever001]

😂😂😂

[@dorcasmacharia]

I like how he performs this song live with alot of passion.

[@grijsje]

The guitar sound by Nick McCabe is something special.

[@jacksafact]

Why is it evertime I hear this song I feel like it's just for me? So crazy to see people like myself connect with it. This is why music is so amazing!

[@DomingoMartinez-if6pz]

Me volví viejo más de la mitad del siglo en mi vida jamás había escuchado esta melodía es hermosa su letra y su mensaje

[@callen8908]

Shudderingly powerful performance by all. This song means a lot to me

[@123uzuz]

Same brother. ✌️

[@J4ke498]

This is the most relatable song of all time. It will still be relevant to generations after us.

[@jamiekay133]

Ashcroft still sings as if he's young. His voice and he in himself haven't aged a day. The Verve are fantastic! I know we are talking 15 years ago now for this Glasto performance, but my point still stands. He doesn't sound any different, which we are eternally grateful for. Hopefully Richard will live forever - like Oasis once said.

[@alexgonzalez8954]

Because he always stayed in his own register I believe.

[@iofai8042]

This is what rock is all about.

[@rw4025]

One of the best songs ever written

[@Aarballs]

By Andrew Oldham

[@whiskylover339]

thank you BBC for this masterpiece.

[@stephenwalker850]

Yep, thank you BBC

[@jackhamilton1882]

U make the worst movies poser

[@whiskylover339]

@@jackhamilton1882 im just a fan

[@ChatGPT1111]

Fun Fact: It was the BBC that resisted modern music played by Radio Caroline in the 1960's. Radio Caroline was beaten to a pulp and won.

[@raulenriquepintourquizo466]

One word: A MASTERPIECE!

[@jmoore5824]

That’s two

[@JesusRamos-xk3vf]

😂

[@stuarthodge3187]

That's two!

[@stevestanko3868]

One of the most underrated songs ever ❤

[@thespies2075]

One of the very best songs of the 90s. Anthemic.

[@noeloh5959]

Absolutely MASTERPIECE

[@Aarballs]

By Andrew Oldham

[@jcliffe0]

Gotta be said 5:50 onwards took this to an entirely different level for me, McCabe's guitar and RA throwing in the Love is Noise lyrics. Absolutely unreal. Would genuinely give everything to have witnessed this live, greatest song ever written no question about it

[@matthewmurphy5425]

You’re totally right dude.

[@phillbozz853]

Incredible

[@bannman99]

Just fabulous what an Anthem Thanks Richard Ashcroft

[@user-xg4td3gg7e]

‘To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all’ - Oscar Wilde

[@thereason7825]

” try to make ends meet , you slave to money then you die ” So true

[@stephenwalker850]

Ooooft

[@boldbenedict4488]

@Daniel Wood why? you got rich parents?

[@memeboi445]

@Daniel Wood why mate? I’m guessing you’re never willing to work bc you know mummy and daddy will lay for everything

[@saulaguirre7297]

@Daniel Wood everyone in one way or another is slave to money, wether it’s needing it to survive and working a 9-5 or there’s those who never can satisfy that love for money and just keep accumulating.

[@pedrocastro9143]

Message, melody... One of the best songs ever.

[@Perfectguy2024]

I listen to this song everyday. Such a beautiful symphony

[@Aarballs]

By Andrew Oldham

[@rtreinador]

Probably the best live version of this music. And to me of best musics live ever performed live....

[@wrexshunt]

I've got those shivers

[@blexicon8914]

I'd lose the probably

[@aggressivearies]

Hit like if you are agree. You are travelling in a train in an endless journey and you don't want this song to stop.

[@AndrewBower-zf7bj]

Yeah awesome

[@ssim3866]

A timeless masterpiece and one of the best songs ever written.

[@Aarballs]

By Andrew Oldham

[@highlander72b69]

One of the greatest and most amazing lines ever written in song.......”you are a slave to the money ....then you die”......

[@comedrone]

That hit hard

[@JamieJones-gh7kp]

Very hard

[@Greek.therian.onpaws]

An authentic rock star's performance and a reminder of the poetic "long walk" video clip, we never forget!

[@richardnixon3801]

This song has always and will always be childhood for me and many other people out there, everytime I listen to this it brings me back to a simpler time with no worry in the world and it's pure nostalgia!

[@andrewwkong1638]

Couldn’t of put it better bro!!!!! Urban hymns was the sound of my late teens

[@top5tings]

Same 99s kid

[@johnabruzzi198]

No debate, best Glastonbury performance ever

[@JamiePearson-tw7ct]

The greatest song ever made

[@jamiethomas9535]

Literally flawless. Best melody, best lyrics EVER

[@secondchanceforeternal]

kick and snare is so perfect

[@tidbits_philosophy]

The voice of him singing it live takes it to another level. 😲😲❤‍🔥❤‍🔥

[@anthonypetch1125]

Richard Ashcroft along with Ian Astbury and Liam Gallagher are the Titans of Modern British Rock ❤

[@FloydDiamond]

Thank you BBC for posting this good quality version. This is sooooo great.

[@Dieudonne438]

The Brits are so musically talented I'm Quebecois and I've always respected the Brits with their music

[@frizm1543]

I was there. I was 14 years old right at the front, it was unbelievable.

[@alainlemeer350]

Lucky bastard😅

[@bestofzos6308]

I saw you wearing red shirt

[@paulabrownyates6515]

Literally gives me chills and goosebumps every time!!!! LOVE IT!!!

[@stephenlynch6389]

One the best live performances I've ever seen flawless

[@wesley20124]

It was brilliant, although if I remember right they finished on love is noise which I thought was an odd one to close the festival

[@stephenlynch6389]

@@wesley20124 i mean the video never had the pleasure seeing verve live been to foo fighters that was pretty incredible

[@TheSnacklerRevenge]

'Cause it's a bittersweet symphony, that's life Tryna make ends meet, you're a slave to money then you die I'll take you down the only road I've ever been down You know the one that takes you to the places where all the veins meet, yeah No change, I can change I can change, I can change But I'm here in my mold I am here in my mold But I'm a million different people From one day to the next I can't change my mold No, no, no, no, no (Have you ever been down?) Well, I've never prayed but tonight I'm on my knees, yeah I need to hear some sounds that recognize the pain in me, yeah I let the melody shine, let it cleanse my mind, I feel free now But the airwaves are clean and there's nobody singin' to me now No change, I can change I can change, I can change But I'm here in my mold I am here in my mold And I'm a million different people From one day to the next I can't change my mold No, no, no, no, no (Have you ever been down?) I can't change, oh, no I can't change, oh 'Cause it's a bittersweet symphony, that's life Tryna make ends meet, tryna find somebody then you die I'll take you down the only road I've ever been down You know the one that takes you to the places where all the veins meet, yeah You know I can change, I can change I can change, I can change But I'm here in my mold I am here in my mold And I'm a million different people From one day to the next I can't change my mold No, no, no, no, no I can't change my mold No, no, no, no, no, I can't change my mold, no, no, no, no It's just sex and violence, melody and silence It's just sex and violence, melody and silence I'll take you down the only road I've ever been down I'll take you down the only road I've ever been down Been down Ever been down Ever been down Ever been down Ever been down Have you ever been down? Have you ever been down? Have you ever been down?

[@hazrel]

Best symphony song ever.

[@ed7519]

One of the all time greatest songs. Song is a multilayered symphony.

[@user-te9vq6hk9q]

One of the best songs in this world 👏👏👏👏 Well done The Verve .

[@jorgen_bernle]

Oh this song....one of my all-time favourites!!

[@kamalazraai2011]

Take me back to the good old daysssss

[@karenreardon9635]

Stellar performance! Totally explosively exciting.. What a voice. Bravo Richard!! The guitars are incredible.

[@wrexshunt]

I'm gonna get this show on a download and get on my hammock close my eyes press play and have an free out of body experience- much love and thanks Richard and the boys

[@user-ze6ob3cs7m]

I just need to see this legendary song live.

[@Serrati_9]

One of the greatest songwriters ever

[@hazelb8137]

I understand this song so much more now that I'm older. I feel like a hamster on a neverending wheel.

[@cowboyculture6288]

Goosebumps

[@traceypowers4341]

This never gets old, it invokes such feelings!! Amazing ❤

[@JoshWKJ]

this song never gets old

[@colinwatt3958]

The Verve's set is one of the great Glastonbury performances. Pity the guys couldn't keep the band going - they were a great unit when they were together

[@talontales]

when England was allowed to be...glorious. They will never supress us!

[@AndrewBower-zf7bj]

,💯% This once great country needs to fight back.... It's not a crime to be English and white in England, fact.... Also there only two genders...fact.

[@peterjongsma3221]

Didn't he hit The Streets of Ireland?

[@arjuna5030]

Frankie Boyle has said that climate change means Scots can sit in the Highlands and watch the English drown.

[@taraa9087]

Richard!! Epic performance! Love this Symphony. Timeless and he is just giving his all. I wouldve loved to have been there.

[@wezclarke8230]

Believe me it was special. Glastonbury itself is a unique place, but to see these that Sunday night will never be beaten. Just one of them moments in life where everything is perfect..... and then Monday morning came and it was every bit the struggle Ashcroft said it would be before they started this song 😂 Still amazes me that they had the balls to end their set with Love is Noise when no one had ever heard it before until that point.

[@taraa9087]

@@wezclarke8230 Hi Wez! Glad you had a great time. Lovely to hear your Epic experience.

[@NoodleBoy26]

He sounds so good live

[@stephenmiles8424]

this isn't just a song it's pure art at it's finest

[@middlelin3]

This is so good I get goosebumps every time I see/listen to it!

[@ravegamingchannel6963]

The sign that your song is an absolute hit of all time is that it gets countless covers, remixes and parodies.

[@ENGBriseB]

One of the most iconic 90s songs. A Masterpiece.

[@janiquevaillot8554]

Great performance of this timeless song ! Love it

[@user-pd7pj5jt9d]

❤ grandissimo chi sente sbattere il cuore forte.. è grande, Elly🔥🔥🔥♥️♥️♥️

[@somewhere_forever]

I wish i was there at that time, what an experience that must’ve been. Incredible.

[@enriquelarregui6344]

Amazing 😮 no cellphones recording, great times 🫶🏻❤

[@mcmac9565]

woww...this was a damn good performance..he's really feelin it and he sounded so good..phenomenal

[@bham01]

A sonic reminder that you are part of the system and things will never change, thanks.

[@draki7917]

What a masterpiece! ♥️

[@juancarlosmata1728]

Gran canción !!, cuando podíamos estar todos juntos disfrutando de excelentes bandas, se extraña.

[@erikdixon8464]

this is absolutely surreal. THIS SONG IS F'ING INCREDIBLE

[@alasdairduncan3796]

The greatest performance of a song at glastonbury ever in my opinion !! So happy they got back together for that !!❤

[@conormccolgan4758]

I don’t think there’s enough superlatives to describe Sir Richard Ashcroft, genius.

[@fuffthebucks7266]

This is the best live performance. This is it

[@mab1176]

They sound amazing

[@BevHoward-ne9xr]

Wow....how on earth did I miss this. Absolute stunning performance ❤❤

[@FromRootsToRadicals]

This is my all time favorite version.

[@994logitech]

Best live version ever

[@davegugu230]

I've been needing this live video restoration for sooo long, thank you

[@jjjun92]

so good to watch this epic live in FHD, thx BBC

[@lilyrose7624]

His voice is incredible

[@mossga]

One of the greatest things I've experienced live.

[@fabriziochiapelli4101]

The intro is Impressive!!! Thanks Richard,love Verve since 1997❤