Rolling Stones give Richard Ashcroft Bittersweet Symphony rights after more than 20 years

Former Verve singer calls it ‘a truly kind and magnanimous thing to do’

When The Rolling Stones gained the rights to what continues to be his most famous song, it will undoubtedly have left a bitter taste in Richard Ashcroft’s mouth.

But more than two decades on there has been a sweet ending for the former Verve singer as he regained control of what he has called a “f****** masterpiece”.

Released on Urban Hymns in 1997, “Bittersweet Symphony” became the centre of lawsuits which saw Ashcroft stripped of rights and royalties.

The song, which sampled The Rolling Stones track “The Last Time”, using a composition by Andrew Oldham, ended up in the possession of Sir Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.

More than 20 years after the song was released, the pair have given these rights back.

As a result all future royalties that would have gone to them will now go to Ashcroft, and they have removed their names from the credits for the track.

The singer has also been honoured at this year’s Ivor Novello Awards for his outstanding contribution to British music.

Speaking at the awards ceremony in London, Ashcroft said: “We’ve been working over the last few months, years, 20 years. As of last month Mick Jagger and Keith Richards signed over all their publishing for ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’. which is a truly kind and magnanimous thing to do, they didn’t need to do it.

“As of last month, thank you so much Keith Richards and Mick Jagger, for acknowledging me as the writer of a f****** masterpiece – it’ll live forever. Music is power, forever.”

Ashcroft thanked the Ivors for acknowledging his talent, saying his hunger to express himself has driven his career.

He also said his award trophy, his second at the ceremony which celebrates excellence in British and Irish songwriting and composing, made for a good weapon.

Ashcroft said: “These are great weapons. Anyone thinking of doing my house, I’ve got two Ivors now.”