The Verve’s “Bitter Sweet Symphony” To Be Released On Vinyl For The First Time
The track has gained a resurgence on TikTok, as well as lead vocalist Richard Ashcroft supporting Oasis in their reunion tour.
Courtesy of The Verve
Courtesy of The Verve
On the heels of a resurgence thanks to a TikTok trend, “Bitter Sweet Symphony” by the English rock band The Verve is being released on a 7-inch vinyl for the first time, out on December 5, 2025.
Originally released in June 1997, and the opening track of the band’s third studio album, Urban Hymns, the single instantly became one of the most-played British songs of the ’90s. It was written by the band’s lead vocalist, Richard Ashcroft, and features the iconic string arrangement by Wil Malone.
The song is now being reissued by UMR/Virgin on transparent green vinyl in an exclusive pressing that includes the original artwork and the B-side “So Sister,” also written by Ashcroft. The vinyl is priced at GBP 14.99 or roughly PHP 1,170.
“Bitter Sweet Symphony” samples the 1965 version of “The Last Time” by The Rolling Stones, performed by the Andrew Oldham Orchestra. That version itself drew inspiration from the 1954 gospel song “This May Be the Last Time” by The Staple Singers. Allen Klein, who owned the Stones’ copyright, refused to clear The Verve’s sample and consequently took complete control of the songwriting credits and royalties for years. However, in 2019, The Rolling Stones agreed to return the royalties and credits to Ashcroft and the band.
Ashcroft has also supported Oasis as the opening act for their ‘Oasis Live ’25’ reunion tour in July, including two shows in London, England, in September. He will join the band again for their South American dates this November.
The Verve were a band fronted by Ashcroft on vocals, with Nick McCabe on guitar, Simon Jones on bass, and Peter Salisbury on drums. During their first reunion, they were joined by Simon Tong on guitar and keyboards.
Throughout their career, the band went through multiple breakups and hiatuses — from 1990 to 1995, 1997 to 1999, and again from 2007 to 2009. They went on to become one of the most influential bands in the British rock scene.
Listen to the track below:
