Rick Astley’s story is a remarkable career of two chapters. Way back in 1987, he became an unlikely global phenomenon as his era - defining smash ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ established him as an international chart - topping, BRIT Award winning global star - a status heightened by further hits such as ‘Together Forever’ and ‘Whenever You Need Somebody’. But then he stepped away from the spotlight, seemingly leaving that chapter of his life firmly in the past.
Rick’s second chapter then started when he celebrated his half - century by returning to the top of the charts with 2016’s ‘50’. The somehow still boyish singer, songwriter and producer has stayed at the top of his game ever since, leading to collaborations with everyone from Foo Fighters to Blossoms, this summer’s show - stealing double - bill of festival sets at Glastonbury, and a #2 chart position for his new album ‘Are We There Yet?’.
Following a sold - out UK arena tour in earl y 2024 , Rick embarked on an exciting summer of shows includin g Latitude, TRNSMT and several other great festivals. In e arly autumn Rick released his first autobiography, NEVER . The book, published by Macmillan, entered the top 5 Sunday Times Bestseller list and stayed in the top 10 leading up un til Christmas . Following th is release, Rick undertook a 10 - date book tour throughout October . After completing this , December saw Rick return to the iconic Royal Albert Hall for the start of a series of sold - out big band s wing shows across the U K, ending the Christmas run on December 22 nd in Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall.
In the middle of taking most of a year off in 2025, Rick brought his big band swing show to the prestigious Henley Festival, headlining a sold - out night on the 11th of July. Performing on the festival’s famous floating stage, Rick thrilled the black - tie crowd with his favourite Frank Sinatra songs along with timeless swing classics .
On the 9th October, the paperback edition of Rick’s Top 10 Sunday Times Best selling autobiography, Never, will be published by Macmillan.
Looking ahead to April 2026, Rick will set out on an exciting UK and Ireland ‘Reflection’ Arena Tour with his band. The 12 date tour will culminate at London’s O2 Arena on 25th April.
Following the Reflection Tour, Rick will head out on a summer run of shows in 2026, including Gr ö na Lund - Stockholm and Liseberg Tivoli - Goteburg in Sweden, Jelling Musikfestival - Denmark and Paloznaki Jazzpiknik - Hungary . Back in the UK we have so far announced Scarborough Open Air Theatre, Isle of Wight Festival, Llangollen Pavilion, Lincoln Castle, and Forest Live - Westonbirt Arboretum with more to be announced soon.
