One of the music industry’s most distinctive voices, Rick Astley has left an indelible mark on pop-culture since his emergence into the limelight nearly three decades ago. With well over 40 million records sold, and an enviable back-catalogue of chart-topping hits, Astley remains one of the most successful solo artists to have ever emerged from the UK.
Exploding into mainstream consciousness with the multi-million-selling phenomenon “Never Gonna Give You Up”, Rick holds the distinction of being the first male solo artist to see his first eight singles reach the UK Top Ten. Capable of crossing genres at will, yet always retaining the soulful depth of delivery that first made his name, Astley’s inimitable vocals have won legions of fans worldwide; delivered six acclaimed studio albums; and drawn industry recognition in the form of a Grammy nomination.
2016 saw Rick returning with a bang. He released the album ’50’, which went straight to Number 1 and became the 8th best-selling album in the UK that year. This, along with a string of 21 sold-out dates of Rick’s 2017 UK tour, propelled Rick back in the limelight and in August this year ’50’ reached Platinum status after selling over 300,000 copies…
2017 has been a packed year for Rick: TV appearances included Children in Need and Strictly Come Dancing, with Rick’s singles being played continuously on the radio. After a sold-out US, European and UK tour, a series of Forest shows, Hampton Court Palace Festival, 2 Car Fest for Children In Need and 3 shows at Summer Sonic Festival in Japan.. In September, Rick played at the powerful emotional re-opening of Manchester Arena with Blossom, Courteneers and Noel Gallagher, before his final performance to a packed audience at BBC Radio 2’s Live in Hyde Park in August before closing down on the album 50 for a well deserved holiday.
Rick is back in the studio writing and recording for his next album to be
released later in 2018.