EIGHTIES pop sensation Rick Astley is back and bigger than ever as he is set to embark on a 26 date tour, covering the UK and Europe. And with fans across the globe eager for a piece of the multi-million award selling artist, it was a guarantee that his show in the North East would be a hit!

Astley took to the stage to sing a range of hits old and new. However, it was his newest album ‘50’, the first in over a decade which formed the basis of the night, with bursts of 80s pop nostalgia in between.

He took to the stage with open arms singing ‘Coming Home Tonight’, the lyrics welcoming the crowd who expressed their excitement to see him back and on tour.

His distinctive soulful voice had the crowd hypnotised and dancing in the aisles as he took them on a journey down memory lane with songs Together Forever, Hold Me In Your Arms and Sleeping before livening the venue up with soulful, pop tones with hits from his new album ‘50’, which included Keep Singing, Sailing, Dance and Pieces.

Astley also surprised fans with a cover of Ed Sheeran’s Shape of You showing his appreciation for the singer who is currently taking the charts by storm with his new album Divide.

Astley also took the time to talk to the crowd at intervals during his set at one point joking that he couldn’t remember the last time he had played at the venue but that he was happy to be back.

The almost two hour set came to an end with the whole room on their feet for the most anticipated song of the night. Astley ended with none other than his 1987 signature hit Never Gonna Give You Up, which had over 2000 people dancing on the balcony, in their seats and into the aisles.

For fans old and new it definitely didn’t disappoint, Astley put on a show from start to finish setting high standards for the rest of his tour.

Sarah Smith