Rick Astley performing his Greatest Hits Tour at The Motorpoint Arena Nottingham on Wednesday 10th November 2021



Images and Review by Kevin Cooper

Rick Astley’s fans have had a long wait to see him at the Motorpoint Arena and last night their patience was rewarded as he finally took to the stage to treat them to a belting set list.

But first up was Scottish singer songwriter KT Tunstall who filled the stage with just her presence and her guitar. With her effortlessly powerful voice she had the crowd in the palm of her hand with the likes of Here I Am, The River and a cover of The Bangles’ Walk Like An Egyptian. Black Horse And The Cherry Tree was met with loud cheers before she finished her set with the toe tapping Other Side Of The World.

Rick Astley appeared on stage alone. Illuminated by bright floodlights, he greeted the crowd with a slow a capella snippet of Never Gonna Give You Up whilst his four piece band and two talented backing singers took the stage, to begin an evening of pure nostalgia.

Keep Singing showcased his exceptionally impressive voice which is as capable of hitting the high notes as it is sitting in the deeper range. Everyone was on their feet for Together Forever and they were rocking, swinging and singing to hits like She Wants To Dance With Me and Whenever You Need Somebody.

His interpretation of the timeless classic, When I Fall In Love was a real highlight, and with the first chords of Cry For Help sending the crowd to Astley heaven, he finished the main set with Try.

Not only had he showcased his magnificent voice, he had been charming, charismatic and at times very funny. The crowd cheered as he returned for Angels On My Side and a full on dance version of Never Gonna Give You Up that ended an engaging performance that more than deserved the standing ovation.