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. From extras.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.