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Rick Astley tour 2023 and 2024: Venues, dates and how to get tickets

21 June 2023, 06:00 | Updated: 23 June 2023, 09:27

You can see Rick Astley live on tour this year! Find out more about the venues and dates...

Rick Astley fans rejoice because the 80s legend is back with a brand new tour for 2023 and 2024.

It’s been 36 years since he first shot to fame and the next stop on his incredible journey is the release of his long awaited ninth studio album ‘Are We There Yet?’ on October 6th.

As with his previous albums ‘50’ and ‘Beautiful Life’, the album was entirely written, recorded and produced by Rick at his home studio in south-west London.

Rick is also launching the album alongside its first single, ‘Dippin My Feet’, and will be heading on a UK tour which starts with two prestigious dates at London’s Royal Albert Hall this November.

It is then followed by massive arena dates in 2024 culminating at Manchester’s AO Arena.

On the tour, Rick will be joined by very special guests Belinda Carlisle (except London) and The Feeling (London only).

Opening up about his tour, Rick said: “Now, that phrase has multiple meanings. Are we there yet in my musical ambitions? Am I done with my career? Have we arrived? Or are we still travelling?”

Talking about his new music, he added: “It’s not Americana, but the tag-line at the start of the chorus is: ‘Dipping my feet in the Mississippi River…’ It’s definitely not country, but I’ve never twanged a guitar as much as I have in the past couple of months. And there’s a bit more emotion with those guitar parts. I just think spending five months in America has retuned my ear a little bit.”

The news comes as Rick prepares to make his Glastonbury debut this Saturday when he opens the Pyramid Stage.

In addition to the new tour dates and Glastonbury, Rick is also confirmed to play Standon Calling (July 23rd), Kendal Calling (July 29th), Paloznaki Jazzpiknik in Hungary (August 3rd), Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen (August 11th), Carfest South (August 25th), The Big Feastival (August 27th) and Radio 2 Live in The Park (September 17th).

Find out how to get tickets to see Rick Astley and his special guests below:

Rick Astley UK tour dates:

• Wednesday 1st November - London Royal Albert Hall
• Thursday 2nd November - London Royal Albert Hall
• Thursday 22nd February - Nottingham Motorpoint Arena
• Friday 23rd February - Newcastle Utilita Arena
• Saturday 24th February - Leeds First Direct Arena
• Monday 26th February - Cardiff International Arena
• Tuesday 27th February - Glasgow OVO Hydro
• Thursday 29th February - Bournemouth International Centre
• Friday 1st March - Birmingham Resorts World Arena
• Saturday 2nd March - Manchester AO Arena

How to buy tickets:

‘Are We There Yet?’ is available to pre-order HERE . In addition to its digital release, physical formats include a CD, a CD with a signed postcard, and a coloured vinyl. Rick’s official store offers exclusive products such as a vinyl picture disc, a deluxe CD and a cassette. There is also a CD with an alternative colour sleeve, which will be stocked exclusively by HMV.

Fans who pre-order the album HERE by 7pm on Tuesday, June 20th will receive access to a pre-sale for tour tickets. The pre-sale opens at 9.30am on Wednesday, June 21st and will remain live until remaining tickets go on general sale from 9.30am on Friday, June 23rd via www.gigsandtours.com and www.ticketmaster.co.uk .

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Tickets to Rick Astley's 2023 and 2024 UK tour are now on sale

Taking in arenas and the Royal Albert Hall

' Never Gonna Give You Up ' legend Rick Astley has announced a UK arena tour for February and March 2024 and two very special shows this autumn. And now the tickets are on sale.

Following his eagerly awaited performances at Glastonbury and Kendal Calling this summer, Rick Astley plays two nights at the world-famous London Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday 1st and Thursday 2nd November 2023.

Three months later, Rick Astley kicks off the arena leg of his tour at Nottingham Motorpoint Arena on Thursday 22nd February before he plays shows in Newcastle, Leeds, Cardiff, Glasgow, Bournemouth, Birmingham and Manchester.

Support at all dates except London comes from Astley’s fellow 80s pop icon Belinda Carlisle. The Feeling will open proceedings at the Royal Albert Hall.

Tickets are on sale from Absolute Radio Tickets .

Rick Astley’s UK tour follows the Friday 6th October release of his new studio album ‘Are We There Yet?’, which boasts the lead single ‘Dippin My Feet.’

As with previous albums ‘50’ and ‘Beautiful Life’, the album was entirely written, recorded and produced by Rick at his home studio in south-west London. He performed almost everything on the record, the only exceptions being brass, keyboards and some backing vocals.

‘Are We There Yet?’ is available to purchase on multiple formats including digital, CD, a CD with a signed postcard, and a coloured vinyl.

Rick’s official store offers exclusive products such as a vinyl picture disc, a deluxe CD and a cassette. There is also a CD with an alternative colour sleeve, which will be stocked exclusively by HMV.

Rick Astley’s UK tour dates:

NOVEMBER 2023

London Royal Albert Hall – Wed 1st

London Royal Albert Hall – Thu 2nd

FEBRUARY 2024

Nottingham Motorpoint Arena – Thu 22nd

Newcastle Utilita Arena – Fri 23rd

Leeds First Direct Arena – Sat 24th

Cardiff International Arena – Mon 26th

Glasgow OVO Hydro – Tue 27th

Bournemouth International Centre – Thu 29th

Birmingham Resorts World Arena – Fri 1st

Manchester AO Arena – Sat 2nd

Buy Rick Astley tickets

Absolute radio's 100 greatest albums:, the velvet underground – ‘the velvet underground & nico’ (1967).

The 100 Collection on Absolute Radio: The 100 Greatest Albums of All Time

The Beatles – ‘Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band’ (1967)

The beach boys – ‘pet sounds’ (1966), aretha franklin – ‘i never loved a man the way i love you’ (1967), jimi hendrix – ‘electric ladyland’ (1968), johnny cash – ‘at folsom prison’ (1968), the rolling stones – ‘let it bleed’ (1969), the doors – ‘the doors’ (1967), bob dylan – ‘highway 61 revisited’ (1965), van morrison – ‘astral weeks’ (1968), marvin gaye – ‘what’s going on’ (1971), stevie wonder – ‘songs in the key of life’ (1976), the clash – ‘london calling’ (1979), eagles – ‘hotel california’ (1976), pink floyd – ‘the dark side of the moon’ (1973), fleetwood mac – ‘rumours’ (1977), joy division – ‘unknown pleasures’ (1979), blondie – ‘parallel lines’ (1978), david bowie – ‘the rise and fall of ziggy stardust and the spiders from mars’ (1972), the sex pistols – ‘never mind the bollocks, here's the sex pistols’ (1977), the human league – ‘dare’ (1981), paul simon – ‘graceland’ (1986), tracy chapman – ‘tracy chapman’ (1988), kate bush – ‘hounds of love’ (1985), the smiths – ‘the queen is dead’ (1986), u2 – ‘the joshua tree’ (1987), prince – ‘1999’ (1982), the stone roses – ‘the stone roses’ (1989), bruce springsteen – ‘born in the usa’ (1984), duran duran – ‘rio’ (1982), blur – ‘parklife’ (1994), lauryn hill – ‘the miseducation of lauryn hill’ (1998), massive attack – ‘blue lines’ (1991), nirvana – ‘nevermind’ (1991), oasis – ‘definitely maybe’ (1994), paul weller – ‘stanley road’ (1995), primal scream – ‘screamadelica’ (1991), pulp – ‘a different class’ (1995), radiohead – ‘ok computer’ (1997), the verve – ‘urban hymns’ (1997), arctic monkeys – ‘whatever people say i am, that’s what i’m not’ (2006), franz ferdinand – ‘franz ferdinand’ (2004), the strokes – ‘is this it’ (2001), amy winehouse – ‘back to black’ (2006), the white stripes – ‘elephant’ (2003), beyoncé – ‘dangerously in love’ (2003), coldplay – ‘a rush of blood to the head’ (2002), the libertines – ‘up the bracket’ (2002), the killers – ‘hot fuss’ (2004), kings of leon – ‘aha shake heartbreak’ (2004), adele – ‘21’ (2011), drake – ‘take care’ (2011), lana del rey – ‘born to die’ (2012), royal blood – ‘royal blood’ (2014), wolf alice – ‘visions of a life’ (2017), arctic monkeys – ‘am’ (2013), liam gallagher – ‘as you were’ (2017), noel gallagher's high flying birds – ‘noel gallagher's high flying birds’ (2011), biffy clyro – ‘opposites’ (2013), david bowie – ‘blackstar’ (2016), guns n’ roses – ‘appetite for destruction’ (1987), muse – ‘absolution’ (2003), thin lizzy – ‘jailbreak’ (1976), metallica – ‘metallica’ (‘the black album’) (1991), meat loaf – ‘bat out of hell’ (1977), queen – ‘a night at the opera’ (1975), dire straits – ‘brothers in arms’ (1985), ac/dc – ‘back in black’ (1980), bon jovi – ‘slippery when wet’ (1986), led zeppelin – ‘led zeppelin iv’ (1971), prince and the revolution – ‘purple rain’ (1984), the blues brothers: original soundtrack recording (1980), music from the motion picture pulp fiction (1994), trainspotting: music from the motion picture (1996), saturday night fever (1977), the who – ‘quadrophenia’ (1979), star wars (original motion picture soundtrack) (1977), goodfellas music from the motion picture (1990), drive – original motion picture soundtrack (2011), the beatles – ‘help’ (1965), black sabbath – ‘paranoid’ (1970), foo fighters – ‘the colour and the shape’ (1997), arctic monkeys – ‘favourite worst nightmare’ (2007), oasis – ‘(what’s the story) morning glory’ (1995), radiohead – ‘the bends’ (1995), dr. dre – ‘2001’ (1999), daft punk – ‘discovery’ (2001), led zeppelin – ‘led zeppelin ii’ (1969), muse – ‘origin of symmetry’ (2001), pixies – ‘doolittle’ (1989), the beatles – ‘1967-1970’ (the blue album) (1973), blur – ‘the best of’ (2000), bob marley & the wailers – ‘legend’ (1984), david bowie – ‘the best of david bowie 1969/1974’ (1997), green day – ‘international superhits’ (2001), madonna – ‘the immaculate collection’ (1990), pulp – ‘hits’ (2002), queen – ‘greatest hits ii’ (1991), the rolling stones – ‘hot rocks 1964-1971’ (1971), stereophonics – ‘decade in the sun: best of stereophonics’ (2002).

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• Rick Astley

Rick Astley tour: ‘Meme king’ announces 2023/24 UK tour including Leeds - how to get tickets & presale

Pop sensation Rick Astley has announced a UK tour to mark the release of his new album - how to get tickets.

Pop singer Rick Astley , who became an unlikely social media sensation with his era-defining hit ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ has announced a UK tour that will kick off at the end of this year. The 57-year-old is set to embark on a nationwide tour starting with two London dates in November before continuing with an arena tour in 2024 including a Leeds date.

The ‘Are We There Yet’ tour will coincide with the release of his new album of the same name on October 6. Massive arena dates will then be held in 2024, beginning on February 22 in Nottingham and ending on March 2 in Manchester.

Over the course of his 30-year career, Astley has sold over 40 million records worldwide. On YouTube alone, his classic Never Gonna Give You Up has received over 1.2 billion views.

In 2016, Astley astonished the world (and himself) by releasing the platinum-certified album 50. The album reached the top of the album listings, sold more than 300,000 copies, and was one of the year’s best-selling releases.

He then released a follow-up to the hit album in 2018 titled Beautiful Life. The album features 12 new songs penned, produced, and performed by Astley himself. The next year, he published a new album titled The Best Of Me.

Speaking about his new album, Astley, said: “ Now, that phrase has multiple meanings. Are we there yet in my musical ambitions? Am I done with my career? Have we arrived? Or are we still travelling?”

On his latest single, ‘Dippin’ My Feet’, he said: “It’s not Americana, but the tag-line at the start of the chorus is: ‘Dipping my feet in the Mississippi River…’ It’s definitely not country, but I’ve never twanged a guitar as much as I have in the past couple of months. And there’s a bit more emotion with those guitar parts. I just think spending five months in America has returned my ear a little bit.”

When is Rick Astley coming to Leeds?

Astley is performing at Leeds First Direct Arena on Saturday, February 24, 2024.

How to get Rick Astley’s ‘Are We There Yet’ UK tour tickets

Pre-sale tickets will be available from Ticketmaster from 9.30am on Wednesday, June 21 and will remain open until remaining tickets go on general sale from 9.30am on Friday, June 23.

Rick Astley’s 2023/2024 ‘Are We There Yet’ UK tour - full list of dates

November 1 - London Royal Albert Hall

November 2 - London Royal Albert Hall

February 22 - Nottingham Motorpoint Arena

February 23 - Newcastle Utilita Arena

February 24 - Leeds First Direct Arena

February 26 - Cardiff International Arena

February 27 - Glasgow OVO Hydro

February 29 - Bournemouth International Centre

March 1 - Birmingham Resorts World Arena

March 2 - Manchester AO Arena

DISCLAIMER: This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

Rick Astley announces Manchester show on UK tour - plus tickets on sale for Royal Blood, Mahalia and more

If you’re looking for a pick-me-up, we’ve got you covered with our latest blast of gig tickets up for grabs

• 09:00, 23 JUN 2023

Your favourite part of the week has arrived - your trusty gig guide is here with more fantastic music and ticket sales news.

This week, there’s a blast from the past with the return of 80s icon Rick Astley, award-winning duo Royal Blood, American rock band Thrice, and Cornish folk group Fisherman’s Friends who have gained immense success over recent years.

Take a look below for the full line-up and how to bag tickets for you and a friend.

Royal Blood - O2 Apollo Manchester

October 20, 2023

Royal Blood ignite an epic summer ahead as they announce the release of their fourth album ‘Back To The Water Below’ on September 8 and reveal a new headline tour set for October, including a show at Manchester’s O2 Apollo, in addition to some stadium shows as special guests to Muse.

From the very beginning, Royal Blood’s story has been one of two life-long friends whose shared passion and dedication for writing and performing has led them on a remarkable adventure. Their latest single, ‘Mountains at Midnight’, is a fresh take on the old school Royal Blood prototype – albeit with a supercharged rush.

Ben Thatcher says: “I think this record was about letting the ideas take us where they needed to go. If there was a song that was calling us to do something that wasn’t typically what we’re known for, that’s where we’re going to go. The songs are in charge and if that means having a record that’s quite varied that’s what we’re going to go for, rather than trying to shoehorn everything into the same world. As a result, we’ve made a record that’s a bit of a rollercoaster. It’s everything we could do.”

Limited tickets are available here .

Rick Astley - AO Arena, Manchester

March 2, 2024

It’s been 36 years since he first shot to fame, yet Rick Astley is now arguably a more prominent force in popular culture than he ever was.

The endearingly boyish 57-year-old is still winning over new fans, whether he’s performing with Foo Fighters, Take That or Blossoms, becoming an unlikely social media sensation, or simply embracing the unending love that greets his era-defining smash ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’.

Rick’s next stop is the release of his long-awaited ninth studio album ‘Are We There Yet?’ on October 6. Ahead of this, he has released his first single, ‘Dippin My Feet’, and announced details of a UK headline tour, culminating at Manchester’s AO Arena next spring.

On the tour, Rick will be joined by very special guest Belinda Carlisle (except London). The news comes as Rick prepares to make his Glastonbury debut this Saturday when he opens the Pyramid Stage.

Rick says: “That phrase [his album name ‘Are We There Yet?’] has multiple meanings. Are we there yet in my musical ambitions? Am I done with my career? Have we arrived? Or are we still travelling?”

Tickets go on sale at here at 9.30am today (June 23).

Mahalia - Manchester Academy

October 11, 2023

British songstress and double BRIT, Grammy and Ivor Novello award-nominated Mahalia has announced a string of UK shows, including a date at Manchester Academy. The announcement comes after the release of her new single, ‘Letter to Ur Ex’, which quickly surpassed a million streams and has seen global support across DSPs and radio. Tour support comes from rising star Ruti, previous winner of The Voice UK.

Hits from Mahalia’s debut album, ‘Love and Compromise’, remain as RnB essentials to remember. Her youthful charisma, idiosyncratic storytelling and consciousness have set her apart from her peers and seen her become one of the UK’s most-loved RnB stars, whilst also reaching the ears of the American market.

Recently, she has announced the launch of Sisters in Sound, a new workshop and event series designed to address the imbalance of opportunities for women of colour in the DJ and music production scenes.

Other accolades under Mahalia’s belt include winning YouTube’s inaugural ‘One To Watch’, two MOBO awards for for ‘Best Female Act’, ‘Best R&B/Soul Act’, and she is the only musician to be tipped for both the BRIT’s Critics Choice Award and the BBC Sound Poll shortlists. Back on the road for the first time in over two years, Mahalia’s live show is not one to be missed.

Tickets are on sale here.

Little Simz - O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester

November 5, 2023

Hot on the heels of her recent tour announcement, inimitable performer Little Simz has shared two additional live dates due to popular demand. Simz will be playing extra dates this November at Manchester’s O2 Victoria Warehouse and London’s legendary Alexandra Palace.

Set to bring her larger-than-life discography to vivid life across select dates across this country this November, the upcoming tour is bound to be an unmissable experience.

The upcoming tour dates continue Simz' unmatched creative output over the last few years, cementing her status as a true cultural polymath. If 2021’s ‘Sometimes I Might Be Introvert’ album catapulted Simz into the big leagues, crashing into the top 5 of the album charts, collecting Mercury Music Prize, Mobo, Ivor Novello and Brit Award wins, 2022’s surprise drop of ‘No Thank You’ was a left field turn - sleek, succinct, and utterly propulsive.

Most recently, Simz performed 'Heart On Fire' at the 76th British Academy Film Awards, accompanied by Joan Armatrading as a surprise guest.

Tickets for the extra dates are available here .

Ash and The Subways - O2 Ritz, Manchester

October 10, 2023

Ash have announced their first new album together in more than five years, alongside the news of an upcoming UK and Europe tour. Race the Night, the band’s eighth studio album, will be released on September 15, 2023.

Lead vocalist and guitarist Tim Wheeler, comments: ‘“Race the Night is the sound of the band reveling in the sheer joy of being a band after being separated by time and distance through the insanity of the early 2020s. Lyrically, it's all about seizing the crossroads moments in life with both hands. Take every chance as if it could be your last.”

Ash will be performing their shows alongside The Subways throughout October, stopping off at Manchester’s O2 Ritz on October 10.

Tickets can be found here.

Thrice - Manchester Academy

February 24, 2024

Thrice have announced a UK and European tour in celebration of the 20th anniversary of ‘The Artist In The Ambulance’. The tour kicks off in Spain in February 2024, visiting the UK thereafter, with special guest Palm Reader.

On the upcoming tour, Thrice vocalist Dustin Kensrue shares: “The Artist in the Ambulance has played such a huge part in the history of the band. These songs have stood the test of time better than we could have known when we wrote them. But they’ve also subtly shifted and grown with us as we’ve played them at shows over the last 20 years, which is why it was so much fun to revisit them in the studio, and also why we are so excited to play the whole record live, especially for the first time in its entirety.”

Thrice will appear in the UK at Manchester Academy on February 24 and London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town on February 26, 2024.

Purchase tickets here.

Fisherman's Friends - Bridgewater Hall, Manchester

September 7, 2024

Following a sold-out tour across the UK earlier this year, Fisherman's Friends have announced a brand-new major headline tour for 2024.

Fisherman’s Friends have nine albums to their name, two feature films, a stage musical, a book, and a TV documentary - as well as having played for royalty and to tens of thousands of fans in sell-out tours year in, year out.

A decade ago, Fisherman’s Friends signed a million-pound record deal that saw their album ’Port Isaac’s Fisherman’s Friends’ go gold as they became the first-ever traditional folk act to land a UK top 10 album.

And thanks to the small film with a big heart that shares their name, the story of the original Cornish ‘buoy band’ is known around the world. For more than 30 years, they have gathered in their native Port Isaac to sing the songs of the sea, some that have been handed down for hundreds of years and connect them to generations of Cornish fishermen before them.

Fisherman’s Friends' brand new tour, which makes a stop at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, follows a series of festival appearances this summer including a sixth appearance at Glastonbury.

Tickets are available here .

• Most Recent

Rick Astley announces new UK Headline Tour including London dates - here's how to get tickets

The 'Never Gonna Give You Up' singer is heading to London later this year

• 11:03, 20 JUN 2023

Legendary popstar Rick Astley has announced the exciting news of a new UK headline tour including two dates at one of London's most iconic venue attractions. The 57-year old is marking the release of his new album, 'Are We There Yet?' and is giving fans an opportunity to hear his new music live.

Here at MyLondon we have rounded up everything you need to know about getting tickets and the full details of his special live performances at Royal Albert Hall .

Take a look at the roundup below.

READ MORE: Keith Lemon and Bo' Selecta star announces first ever London tour under real name

When is Rick performing in London?

The star will be taking to the stage at The Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday 1 November and Thursday 2 November later this year.

Where else is he performing?

After his performances in London, Rick will be visiting the following cities during his tour in 2024:

• Thursday 22 February Nottingham Motorpoint Arena
• Friday 23 February Newcastle Utilita Arena
• Saturday 24 February Leeds First Direct Arena
• Monday 26 February Cardiff International Arena
• Tuesday 27 February Glasgow OVO Hydro
• Thursday 29 February Bournemouth International Centre
• Friday 01 March Birmingham Resorts World Arena
• Saturday 02 March Manchester AO Arena

How to get tickets:

Rick Astley fans can access pre-sale tickets if they pre-order his new album before 7pm on Tuesday, June 20. The pre-sale opens at 9.30am on Wednesday, June 21 and will remain live until general ticket sale.

Tickets go on general sale from 9.30am on Friday, June 23. You can buy them from Ticketmaster and GigsandTours.

Bag policy:

Bags will be searched by the venue's security team as a condition of entry to the Royal Albert Hall, with guests asked to bring as few items as possible. Personal belongings can be left in the cloakroom but ticket holders are advised to avoid large bags, as there may not be room to store them.

How to get there:

There are many ways to get to the hall, with public transport being the easiest and quickest way for most ticket-holders. Nearest Tube station: South Kensington and High Street Kensington. The venue is a 10-15 minute walk from either station.

Nearest train station: London Victoria and Paddington. Each is an approximate 30 minute walk away from the venue. Via bike: There are a number of public bicycle racks located towards the south side of the building. The Royal Albert Hall does not take responsibility for any lost or stolen bikes.

You can buy tickets here.

Have a story we should be covering? Get in touch at [email protected].

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Rick Astley

Are we there yet tour.

• Date 23 Feb , 2024
• Event Starts 7:00 PM
• On Sale On Sale Now

Event Details

Box office: 5:00pm

Doors: 6:00pm

Show start: 7:05pm

Show end: 10:30pm

All timings are approximate and may change.

After gaining worldwide success in the 1980's with hits such as 'Never Gonna Give You Up' and 'Together Forever', Rick Astley is heading out on a brand new tour to celebrate his ninth studio album, 'Are We There Yet?' in 2024.

Rick will be heading back to Utilita Arena Newcastle next February and will be joined by very special guest Belinda Carlisle .

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Rick Astley tour dates 2024

Rick Astley is currently touring across 1 country and has 16 upcoming concerts.

Their next tour date is at Scarborough Open Air Theatre in Scarborough, after that they'll be at Lytham Green in Lytham.

Currently touring across

Upcoming concerts (16) See nearest concert

Scarborough Open Air Theatre

Lytham Festival

The Piece Hall

Cardiff Castle

Mouth of the Tyne Festival presents Rick Astley

TRNSMT Festival

TRNSMT - Saturday Ticket

TRNSMT - 2 Day VIP Ticket - Saturday/Sunday

TRNSMT - 2 Day Ticket - Saturday/Sunday

Derby Summer Sessions

Latitude Festival

Camp Bestival Shropshire

Past concerts

RuhrCongress (Grosser Saal)

edel-optics.de Arena

View all past concerts

Recent tour reviews

What can I say about Rick Astley? As someone in the audience shouted out last night at his concert

“Astley, you’re quality”! I couldn’t have put it better myself. The show itself was incredible. He sang some old classics & some of his fabulous new songs off his recent album too along with a mashup of George Ezra and Paul Simon which was amazing. A fabulous evening with some good surprises too (the gong especially!). I also enjoyed the witty banter in between songs immensely also. He seems a genuine, witty guy with an incredibly talented team of band members and singers. Fabulous - will definitely be going again, no doubt. If you get the chance to go, do it!!!

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What a concert. Fully lived up to my expectations "I heard him in Esbjerg, Manchester and last year in Kbh - I am so fond of his lovely way to be on.

And what an end ,, we just couldn’t get enough. We'll be back Rich Astley - maybe a Friday or Saturday next time?

A slightly disappointing evening with Astley acting like an entertainer instead of the serious wonderful singer he is. The crowd waiting for the 80s hits did not help either.

But when the great songs from 50 were lperformed the band and the great backing vocals made ut worthwhile.

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Rick Astley

At the age of 21, Rick Astley emerged from the shadows of the Stock, Aitken and Waterman production house as their former tea boy became one of the more...

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Chart-toppers The Lottery Winners are joining pop legend Rick Astley on his UK tour

And, of course, the last show in England is right here in Manchester.

Local band The Lottery Winners are riding an absolute high this year and only look to be getting bigger and better — that being said, it doesn’t get much bigger than jumping on the road for a massive arena tour with an absolute pop music legend in Rick Astley.

Not unlike the Leigh-based pop rockers, Rick Astley ‘s popularity is also through the roof these days and is enjoying a real renaissance; he has been for a couple of years now, becoming best mates with the likes of The Blossoms and Foo Fighters, smashing Glastonbury and pumping out plenty of new music.

In fact, after once again joining the Stockport lads on stage for a series of The Smiths covers and smashing his own Glasto 2023 set, many music fans want him to headline the festival next year .

However, unlike Astley who admitted it was his first trip to Worthy Farm not just as an artist but as a punter, The Lottery Winners managed to smash out a frankly ridiculous six sets in four days and are now they’re set to jump on tour with Rick as his special guests next year. Massive.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Lottery Winners (@thelotterywinners)

Set to appear as supports at every show except for the two sold-out gigs at the Royal Albert Hall in London and his two Irish dates, The Lottery Winners will be opening up for Rick Astley all over the country alongside fellow 80s pop icon, Belinda Carlisle.

The 57-year-old is playing a total of 12 shows across the UK and Ireland between 1 November and 5 March 2024, with the English leg ending at Manchester’s AO Arena , naturally — you can’t find a better closer than that.

On top of that, both Astley and The Lottery Winners still have various other festival gigs and tour dates to get through, respectively, with the ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ singer also set to headline Kendal Calling later this month and, lucky for you, you can still get tickets .

These lot are absolutely killing it at the minute.

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Last but not least, with a new album on the way this October entitled, Are We There Yet? , these shows are set to be stellar and you know that Manc gig is going to be the best of the lot.

You can grab your tickets to see Rick Astley and The Lottery Winners in Manchester HERE .

In the meantime, you can always hear the man himself sharing his thoughts on what it’s like to be well and truly back on the scene and delighting fans both old and new.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester,  subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE .

Featured Image — Rick Astley / BBC Radio 2 / The Lottery Winners (via Instagram)

Three new shows have been announced for an open-air gig series at Barton Aerodrome this summer. 

Barton LIVE has today confirmed that McFly, JLS and UB40 will be taking to the stage, where the backdrop will be the bustling runway of Barton Airport. 

The summer series also includes performances from The Jacksons Live, 90s Baby Festival, and Boogietown North.

Barton LIVE’s summer series takes place at one of the country’s most unique and exhilarating settings at Barton Aerodrome , where the worlds of music and aviation come together. 

The three new shows that have just been announced kick off with McFly on Thursday 12 September. 

The pop-rockers, famed for their hits like Five Colours In Her Hair, All About You and Obviously, will take centre stage with a typically high-energy performance. 

Then on Saturday 14 September, the stage will be given over to British boy band royalty JLS, whose chart-topping hits include Beat Again, Everybody in Love, and She Makes Me Wanna. 

Their signature blend of R&B, pop, soul and silky-smooth vocals will be part of Barton LIVE’s star-studded end-of-summer line-up. 

Finally, on Sunday 15 September, legendary reggae band UB40 featuring Ali Campbell will perform. 

They’ll be whisking audiences away to the warm and vibrant Caribbean through their iconic reggae rhythms and songs like Red Red Wine, Can’t Help Falling in Love, and Kingston Town. 

Tickets for McFly, JLS and UB40 featuring Ali Campbell at Barton LIVE will be available on Friday 26 April at 9am. Sign up for tickets via www.bartonlive.co.uk

Over the course of the summer, the stage at Barton Aerodrome will welcome the likes of Ronan Keating, The Jacksons, Peter Andre, Blue, Eternal, Sister Sledge Ft Kathy Sledge, Soul II Soul, Boney M and many more.

Barton LIVE line-up in full for outdoor gig series at Barton Aerodrome

• Friday 19 July – The Jacksons LIVE (The Jacksons, Kenny Thomas, Soul Boutique Collective) – tickets £39.50 plus booking fee via Skiddle here .
• Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 July – 90s Baby Festival (Ronan Keating, Eternal, Peter Andre, Blue, Five, A1, Scott Mills, 911, Sonique, Blazin Squad, Dave Pearce, Phats & Small, N-Trance, Happy Clappers Ft Sandra Edwards, Baby D, Alison Limerick, Ultrabeat, JX, Livin Joy Ft Luzahnn, Urban Cookie Collective, Nick Coulson + support) – tickets £39.50 from Skiddle here . 
• Saturday 27 July – Boogietown North (Sister Sledge Ft Kathy Sledge, Soul II Soul, Tunde Of Lighthouse Family, Boney M, Trevor Nelson, Craig Charles, Gina Breeze, Supernatire Disco, Nick Coulson) – tickets £39.50 from Skiddle here . 
• Thursday 12 September – McFly – tickets £44.50 plus booking fee, on sale Friday 26 April at 9am. Sign up via bartonlive.co.uk
• Saturday 14 September – JLS – tickets £49.50 plus booking fee, on sale Friday 26 April at 9am. Sign up via bartonlive.co.uk
• Sunday 15 September – UB40 featuring Ali Cambell, tickets £39.50 plus booking fee, on sale Friday 26 April at 9am. Sign up via bartonlive.co.uk

Featured image: Supplied

Just a day before the venue was set to welcome its very first act, Co-op Live has announced that arena opener Peter Kay’s gigs have unfortunately been cancelled and postponed until later this month.

Both of Peter Kay ‘s highly-anticipated shows have ultimately had to be called off after Co-op Live revealed that the brand-new entertainment venue is simply not ready to welcome guests just yet, with work still to be completed on key areas of the building, namely power supply issues.

Issuing a regretful statement on social media, the arena has confirmed that the shows will now be rescheduled to Monday and Tuesday, 29-30 April.

This comes barely a day after its official opening event this past weekend which also saw thousands have their tickets cancelled for the accompanying ‘test gig’.

An important update from Co-op Live. Following our first test event on Saturday, regretfully we have made the difficult decision to reschedule our two opening performances by Peter Kay. These dates will move from 23 April and 24 Wednesday to Monday 29 and Tuesday 30 April. pic.twitter.com/SxW50Ph5hm — Co-op Live (@TheCoopLive) April 22, 2024

Addressing the situation online, Co-op Live said: “Following our first test event on Saturday, regretfully we have made the difficult decision to reschedule our two opening performances by Peter Kay…

“It is critical to ensure we have a consistent total power supply to our fully electric sustainable venue, the completion of which is a few days behind. Rescheduling gives us the extra time we need to continue testing thoroughly.

“This is vital to satisfy the rigorous set of guidelines and protocols that are necessary for a venue of this size. Peter Kay has very graciously agreed to perform his record-breaking comedy at Co-op Live on 29 (rescheduled from 23) and 30 (rescheduled from 24) April 2024.

“All tickets remain valid and ticket holders will be contacted by their point of purchase. Refunds will be available for those who can no longer attend. We are very sorry for the inconvenience that this change will undoubtedly cause for some.” Safe to say many of those looking forward to the show have been left frustrated.

Booked train ticket hotel and can’t make next week! Place is a joke !! — Dunk (@dunkmat) April 22, 2024

Please tell me why I am finding this out of flipping TWITTER and have not been emailed?! — 🧜🏽‍♀️ Lauren Sparks – Book Siren 🧜🏽‍♀️ (@thickthighnolie) April 22, 2024

Speaking to The Manc , a Stockport gig-goer who had tickets said they had to find out via social media and that her group had still received no email notifying them about the cancellation, adding, “We just logged into the app to find the date on our tickets had been changed to next Monday”.

As for the beloved Bolton -born stand-up and British comedy legend himself, Kay added: “I’m truly gutted as I know how disappointing this will be for everyone with tickets, but obviously it’s a brand-new venue and it’s important that everything is finished and safe for full capacity audiences.

“Fortunately, we’ve been able to reschedule the shows to next week, (I’ll have to miss my Bums & Tums class) but hopefully I’ll see you then.”

The venue also went on to assure that they will still be hosting The Black Keys on 27 April in the lower bowl with 10k fans as planned and will continue to test the resilience of the venue and its operations for the time being.

They also reminded fans who previously missed out on tickets that due to dates being moved, tickets may now become available.

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Featured Images — The Manc Audio /Press Images

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Rick Astley opens UK’s new biggest indoor arena in Manchester, after some test gig tickets were axed for fans

The show saw Astley perform a host of his classic hits and covers

Rick Astley performed at the Manchester venue Co-Op Live in Manchester over the weekend.

• READ MORE:  Rick Astley tells us about his Glastonbury secret set of Smiths covers with Blossoms

The star played as part of a test event on Saturday (April 20) ahead of the official opening of the 23,500 capacity venue tomorrow (April 23).

The new venue, which is the UK’s largest indoor arena, is located opposite Manchester’s Etihad Stadium, and features a “unique bowl design” that will bring fans “closer to the artist than at other arenas of equivalent size”, according to a spokesperson.

Ahead of Astley’s performance, bosses at the venue apologised after some tickets were axed ahead of the show in order to reduce the capacity to 11,000.

“To enable us to test the spaces effectively, we have made the difficult decision to reduce overall capacity for today’s test event,” a Co-op Live spokesman told BBC News .

Tickets have instead been offered The Black Keys on April 27 “as a gesture of our appreciation”, the spokesman added.

The show saw Astley perform a host of his classic hits including ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ along with Sam Fender , Harry Styles and AC/DC covers. You can view footage below.

Absolutely brilliant ⁦ @rickastley ⁩ at last night’s ⁦ @TheCoopLive ⁩ preview 🕺 pic.twitter.com/sZcfSnTYsa — Lisa Morton (@lisamorton) April 21, 2024

Recommended

Top night watching @rickastley at the @TheCoopLive arena. Few teething problems but it’s great to have a new stadium especially next to @ManCity 🤣Rick was brilliant #stadium #manchester #concert #music pic.twitter.com/ObiLJw4TV7 — Ricky Hatton MBE (@HitmanHatton) April 21, 2024

Rick Astley saves the day, as usual pic.twitter.com/OMmv62Rlp8 — Ian Youngs (@musiciany) April 20, 2024

Premiere of Co-op Live! Rick Astley and other amazing performers! #cooplive #manchester #memberpioneer pic.twitter.com/suYMf2CWqH — Daisy G – Member Pioneer (Chester South) (@daisycoopmp) April 20, 2024

Peter Kay will officially open the venue tomorrow. Liam Gallagher ,  Take That ,  Nicki Minaj ,  Olivia Rodrigo  and  Keane are among the acts who have been announced to perform at Co-Op Live in the coming months. It’ll also stage the 2024 MTV European Music Awards later this year .

Recently, Co-Op Live and the existing, 21-000 capacity AO Arena in the city came to blows in a licensing row . ASM Global, which operates the latter venue, objected over “public safety” concerns and accused the application for a licence as being “simply unlawful”.

Despite the row, the venue officially had its licence granted last month .

Meanwhile, a band recently went viral for sharing a cover of Wheatus ’ hit ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ in the style of Astley.

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• April 20, 2024 Setlist

Rick Astley Setlist at Co-op Live, Manchester, England

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• Song played from tape Star Wars: Main Title ( John Williams  song) Play Video
• Together Forever ( with horn section ) Play Video
• Beautiful Life ( with horn section ) Play Video
• She Wants to Dance With Me / Juice ( with horn section ) Play Video
• Ain't No Mountain High Enough ( Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell  cover) ( with horn section ) Play Video
• Dance Play Video
• Seventeen Going Under ( Sam Fender  cover) ( snippet; Rick sang a little, played the intro chords then said they should've rehearsed it ) Play Video
• As It Was ( Harry Styles  cover) Play Video
• Hold Me in Your Arms ( with horn section ) Play Video
• Whenever You Need Somebody / Good Times ( with horn section ) Play Video
• Angels on My Side Play Video
• Giant ( Calvin Harris & Rag’n’Bone Man  cover) ( with horn section ) Play Video
• Cry for Help Play Video
• My Girl ( The Temptations  cover) ( with horn section ) Play Video
• Ain't Too Proud to Beg ( The Temptations  cover) ( with horn section ) Play Video
• Highway to Hell ( AC/DC  cover) ( Rick on drums & vocals ) Play Video
• Never Gonna Give You Up ( with band introductions ) Play Video

Note: Test event at Co-op Live

Edits and Comments

20 activities (last edit by kfinch , 23 Apr 2024, 08:06 Etc/UTC )

Songs on Albums

• Ain't No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
• Ain't Too Proud to Beg by The Temptations
• As It Was by Harry Styles
• Giant by Calvin Harris & Rag’n’Bone Man
• Highway to Hell by AC/DC
• My Girl by The Temptations
• Seventeen Going Under by Sam Fender
• Angels on My Side
• Never Gonna Give You Up
• Together Forever
• She Wants to Dance With Me / Juice
• Whenever You Need Somebody / Good Times
• Beautiful Life
• Cry for Help
• Hold Me in Your Arms

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Rick Astley

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Rick Astley Gig Timeline

• Mar 15 2024 Edel-optics.de Arena Hamburg, Germany Start time: 8:45 PM 8:45 PM
• Mar 16 2024 RuhrCongress Bochum, Germany Start time: 8:45 PM 8:45 PM
• Apr 20 2024 Co-op Live This Setlist Manchester, England Add time Add time
• Jul 05 2024 Scarborough Open Air Theatre Scarborough, England  –  Find tickets Add time Tickets Add time
• Jul 06 2024 Lytham Green Lytham St Annes, England  –  Find tickets Add time Tickets Add time

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<div style="text-align: center;" class="setlistImage"><a href="https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/rick-astley/2024/co-op-live-manchester-england-23ab4c5b.html" title="Rick Astley Setlist Co-op Live, Manchester, England 2024, Are We There Yet? Tour" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.setlist.fm/widgets/setlist-image-v1?id=23ab4c5b" alt="Rick Astley Setlist Co-op Live, Manchester, England 2024, Are We There Yet? Tour" style="border: 0;" /></a> <div><a href="https://www.setlist.fm/edit?setlist=23ab4c5b&amp;step=song">Edit this setlist</a> | <a href="https://www.setlist.fm/setlists/rick-astley-5bd6ffbc.html">More Rick Astley setlists</a></div></div>

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[url=https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/rick-astley/2024/co-op-live-manchester-england-23ab4c5b.html][img]https://www.setlist.fm/widgets/setlist-image-v1?id=23ab4c5b[/img][/url] [url=https://www.setlist.fm/edit?setlist=23ab4c5b&amp;step=song]Edit this setlist[/url] | [url=https://www.setlist.fm/setlists/rick-astley-5bd6ffbc.html]More Rick Astley setlists[/url]

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Rick Astley fans let down after thousands of tickets at Manchester arena cancelled at last minute

‘never gonna give you up’ star played a test run gig at the new venue in manchester over the weekend, article bookmarked.

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Rick Astley fans have expressed their anger after they were let down by ticket cancellations just an hour before the singer’s show in Manchester.

Concert-goers planning to attend the gig at the Co-op Live arena took to social media to complain that they had been given the run around on Saturday (20 April).

Astley, who rose to fame in the Eighties with hits such as “Never Gonna Give You Up”, was the first artist to perform at the new 23,500-capacity venue, the UK’s largest arena.

Organisers apologised for deserting fans over the weekend, saying the “difficult” decision to cut capacity was made in order to allow them to test the venue “effectively”.

Fans took to social media to vent their fury after receiving an email about the cancellations.

Byron Edwards, posted on X/Twitter: “Invitational tickets to the test event tonight cancelled just 90 minutes before doors open. What kind of s*** show is this?”

Alison Stafford-Bentley wrote: “Thanks for cancelling tickets for tonight less than an hour before event is due to start. Absolutely fuming.”

“Tonight’s Rick Astley gig gets cancelled at the last minute and all us staff that built it have got email not to turn up,” Michael Phillips tweeted. “Disgraceful, we are fuming.”

The Independent has contacted Astley’s representatives for comment.

Those affected have instead been offered tickets to the Black Keys show next week.

Co-op Live will be officially opened by comedian Peter Kay this Thursday (25 April).

A BBC report of Astley’s show said the arena still has some “ironing out” to do before Kay’s event.

“Some areas weren’t ready, most of the seating wasn’t open, some of the hand dryers in the toilets weren’t working, food was running out… and the queues for food and drink were slightly chaotic,” arts and entertainment correspondent Ian Youngs said.

Meanwhile the main concourse was apparently “busy enough” despite the arena being at less than half capacity: “I really hope the other areas will mean it doesn’t feel overcrowded when it’s fully open and 23,500 people are in here,” he said.

“I guess that’s what test events are for. But there are just three days until it opens for real.”

Those who did manage to get into the event noted similar issues, but expressed their enthusiasm for Astley’s performance.

“Great night last night at Co-op aena live,” Matt Biker wrote on X/Twitter. “Very impressed with the venue and a great sound. Rick Astley stole the show.”

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