New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Rick Astley will tour the U.S. for the first time since 1989 on the heels of his just-released album '50' (BMG), the latest development in a remarkable comeback year for the pop icon. '50,' Rick's first U.S. album release in decades, which debuted at #1 in the UK, was met with major features and TV performances including a 3-song performance on The Today Show and pieces in the New Yorker, the LA Times, on NPR and much more.
Rick's 18-date run begins January 21 in Las
Vegas and ends February 18 in Boston, with stops near Los Angeles (Riverside), NYC's Webster Hall, iHeartRadio's 80s Festival and more. Full list of dates below. Tickets go on sale via social media pre-sale Nov 29 at 10AM Eastern Time. General public on-sale begins Friday December 2 at 10AM.
Watch Rick's recently released video for "Pray With Me," which was filmed at the Theater at the Ace Hotel with a local choir, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SS0eA0PKDb4
Rick performed select album release shows in NYC and LA earlier this year, which were met with raves: "Triumphant…age has given Astley's still-mighty baritone an added richness and depth," says Rolling Stone. Billboard said Astley was "in such tip-top shape it was as if he'd never stopped performing."
'50' first came together in 2015, as Rick began penning new songs in his home studio. All of the songs on the album were written and produced by Rick; he performed every instrument on the recordings as well. Highlights include "Keep Singing," a "dynamic song [that] gives younger artists like
John Newman and Smith a run for their money," says the BBC. "Angels On My Side" is a powerful, dance-influenced ode with a joyful call and response chorus. Watch the music video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cc91EfoBh8A
Rick Astley has left an indelible mark on pop-culture. With over 40 million records sold, and a catalog of hits, Astley remains one of the most successful solo artists to have emerged from the United Kingdom, holding the distinction of being the first male solo artist to see his first eight singles reach the UK Top Ten. Born in Lancashire, Rick was just 21 years old when "Never Gonna Give You Up" became the major hit of 1987. The single hit number one in 16 countries and propelled his debut album 'Whenever You Need Somebody' to worldwide sales of 15 million. Rick returned with new work in the early 2000's and began touring again to acclaim and sold-out shows across the globe.
TOUR DATES:
Jan 21 - Las Vegas, NV - The
Pearl Concert Theater
Jan 22 - Tempe, AZ - Marquee Theatre
Jan 24 - Riverside, CA - Fox Performing Arts Center
Jan 25 - San Diego, CA - House of Blues
Jan 27 - Napa, CA - Uptown Theater
Jan 28 - San Jose, CA - iHeart
Radio 80s Festival
Jan 31 - Houston, TX - Warehouse Live
Feb 1 - Dallas, TX - House of Blues
Feb 2 - Austin, TX - Emo's
Feb 4 TBD
Feb 6 - Clearwater, FL - Capitol Theatre
Feb 7 - Miami, FL - Arsht Center Concert Hall
Feb 9 - Atlanta, GA - Center Stage Theater
Feb 11 - Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory
Feb 12 - Richmond, VA - The National
Feb 14 - Washington, DC - 9:30 Club
Feb 17 - New York, NY - Webster Hall
Feb 18 - Boston, MA - House of Blues