The Verve 'split up for third time'

The Verve have reportedly split up for the third time.

Band members Simon Jones and Nick McCabe have allegedly not spoken to lead vocalist Richard Ashcroft since performing at the V Festival in August last year.

A source told the Sunday Mirror: "As far as Nick and Simon are concerned The Verve no longer exists.

"They think Richard was just using the reunion as a vehicle to get his solo career on track."

Ashcroft had previously claimed that he would not be part of The Verve if guitarist McCabe continued to drink. Despite McCabe having now quit drinking, the relationship between the two, and between Jones and Ashcroft, has soured.

The source said: "There have been too many problems to put behind them. If Richard came back with cap in hand they’d tell him to f*** off."

Jones and McCabe have since formed new band The Black Ships.