Rick Astley plus support from Belinda Carlisle

I have always wanted to see the ex-Go-Go and eighties icon Belinda Carlisle, but never achieved it, until tonight. Looking far too young for her age, she wowed the packed arena with an impeccable vocal and a storming set of eighties classics, ‘(We Want) The Same Thing’, ‘I Get Weak’, ‘Circle In The Sand’, ‘Summer Rain’, ‘Leave A Light On’, and a storming version of ‘Live Your Life Be Free’. This was the first time that we have witnessed a support act that had most of the crowd with their phones in the air with lights on, without being asked to do it, impressive. And all too soon, it was time for the classic ‘Heaven Is A Place On Earth’, talk about warming the crowd up. They were up on their feet dancing, singing and waving their arms like lunatics, can’t wait for a full gig.

Rick Astley is a bit of an enigma. He burst onto the scene in the eighties, then went quiet, chart wise. And if you said you liked him in the nineties you probably would have had some funny looks, but he kept on and I think wisely kept away from the eighties review shows. He kept on putting out his latest stuff and touring and has gained huge respect from music fans and press, together with building a reputation of being a great live performer, even being the star of Glastonbury after his appearance last year and fronting a Smiths tribute set with The Blossoms. Now it’s like a badge of honour to see Rick Astley live. Well, how many eighties solo stars can you name that sell out the Resorts World Arena any time?

With Astley you get a great voice, great songs, great rapport with the crowd, humour, nice suits, good hair and a great time, just ask any of the crowd. Plus the odd surprise like Rick sitting behind the drum kit, rocking out to AC/DC’s ‘Highway To Hell’, and very good it was. Throw in a cover of Harry Styles ‘As It Was’, backed by an excellent band and two fantastic backing singers, who were given freedom to show what they can do, with morphing into Lizzo’s ‘Juice’ and a ‘Whenever You Need Somebody’ mash up with CHIC’s ‘Good Times’, brilliant. In my humble opinion, his songs have got even better, as witnessed by the five tracks taken from his latest and name of the tour, Are We There Yet? Track after track, hitting a sweet spot as the massive airplay testifies, and an autobiography on the way. But of course, he must end with ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’. As he told the crowd, it’s in the contract he must play it last. Another cracking night with Mr Astley.

Photos by Geoff Griffe
Review by Jenny Griffe