Rick Astley 'Are We There Yet?' Tour

Rick Astley:

Last month saw the ever-iconic Rick Astley release his ninth studio album 'Are We There Yet?'. The album received rave reviews, becoming Astley's third top album in the UK charts. To celebrate the album's release Rick Astley announced a string of arena shows which are due to take place next year, but alongside that huge announcement came the news of two special shows this November at London's Royal Albert Hall. We were lucky enough to be in attendance for the second of these shows, and what a night it was 

For both nights Rick and his band were joined by Special Guests The Feeling who absolutely smashed their opening set, bringing immediate energy to the stage and getting the crowd up on their feet dancing. It was then time for Rick Astley and his top-tier live band to take to the stage.

The main theme from Star Wars rang out as the adoring Royal Albert Hall audience welcomed Rick Astley and his band to the stage in an eruption of cheers. Rick has the presence of a megastar and yet throughout the night showed so much humbleness and appreciation for the position he is in. The humbleness did however rightly stop when Rick reminded the crowd just how incredible his hair and dirty pink suit were, just one of the hilarious moments throughout the night.

The energy in the room was already electric but as the intro to opening song 'Together Forever' began the roof could have been blown off. What followed was a career spanning 90-minute set full of all Rick's biggest hits and newest tunes that, as well as a few covers that showcased his musical diversity. Rick even took the cover of 'Highway to Hell' as a chance to show off his drum skills, recalling a brilliant story from his childhood where he learnt the instrument alongside the AC/DC classic album.

Whilst Rick Astley's stage presence on the night was up there with some of the best I have ever seen, the night would not have been possible without his world-class live band. Rick made sure the audience knew this, giving each member their moment in the spotlight. Rick's drummer Simon Merry looks like he could play in any metal band around the world, and yet provides the most brilliant soul beats. Keys player Rob Taggart brought the nostalgic feels with his funky 80's style playing, whilst Guitarist Adam Evans and bassist Julian Cox kicked the songs into a new modern feeling. The definite stars of the show alongside Rick Astley were his backing singers Andrea Grant and Dawn Joseph. Their vocals were unbelievable, as was their stage presence when taking the lead on songs such as a cover of Lizzo's 'Juice' in a medley with 'She Wants to Dance With Me'

This really did feel like the most perfect evening. Timeless classics being delivered in the most fun way whilst in the most stunning venue. I cannot recommend attending a Rick Astley show enough