Rick Astley, Symphony Hall, Birmingham - review and pictures
A band, a stage, and a man with a voice that has stood the test of time. Rick Astley did not let us down when he performed at Birmingham's Symphony Hall last night.
Kicking off with the classic 'Together Forever', Rick managed to get the audience up on their feet and dancing within the first three minutes.
Colourful lights and hand-held keyboard performances gave the gig a nostalgic 80s disco feel, contrasting to the more sombre, soulful songs on offer from Rick's 2016 hit EP and title of his tour, '50'.
Latest track 'Keep Singing' was a powerful, gospel-inspired hit that really showed off the depth of Rick's vocals.
His homage to Ed Sheeran, complete with thick-rimmed black spectacles, in the song 'Shape Of You' was quirky, if not totally suited to Rick's voice.
The sample of Rihanna and Calvin Harris' 'We Found Love' was particularly successful, as backing vocalists Dawn and Lauren took the stage by storm to demonstrate their vocal prowess.
What was most enjoyable about the gig was its simplicity. The stage was stark, just the band, two backing vocalists and the main man himself.
It gave the performance a sincerity and authenticity that is often lacking in high-tech flamboyant performances of today's major artists.
Even when a boat and seaside scene was created on stage just by bringing on a couple of white wooden shapes and deck chairs – it was modest, slick and effortless.
Indeed, Rick was a natural charmer on stage, able to change the mood of the performance throughout. From getting everyone clapping and swaying to 'Coming Home Tonight' to dancing around their seats to 'Whenever You Need Somebody' – the crowd were kept enthralled.
The best way to judge the success of a performance then, is the audience's reaction. With women trying to grab Rick's ankles on the front row, to a young boy and his father singing every line, to an older couple dancing holding hands – this was a performance that meant something to people. And Rick didn't disappoint.
Finishing the set with iconic hit 'Never Gonna Give You Up', complete with the original 1987 music video projected from the back of the stage, the audience and Rick himself left on a high.
This was an honest, unpretentious performance that showed why Rick continues to be so popular with not only those that were there in 1987, but to everyone who has enjoyed his music ever since. It was a gig with a lot of heart - about memories and nostalgia as much as being in the right here and now in 2017.
The gig was the final in Rick's 2017 tour.
For more information on future performances, visit www.rickastley.co.uk.
By Jessica Labhart
