pix courtesy of GJHSwaine Photography

 09/07/05

Arriving along the sunny banks of the River Thames in a beautiful open top car, which brings Rick Astley directly to the floating stage... As tonight is one of the biggest draws,  I decide to go all out for the occassion with choker and evening dress.  After wobbling to my spot with my neckless choking me and dress riding into the unknown (don't ever let them tell you glamour equals comfort!) I watch the man who hit the music world in the 80's (1987 in fact) revealing an extraodinarily soulful, powerful and mature voice at the age of 21.

His debut single 'Never gonna give you up' shot straight into the charts within two weeks of release, rare for a British artist.  Ricks initial flourish saw him crack the States,  earning him a grammy award.

After a very long time away, (for which reasons, he is not prepared to talk about) he is back tonight in a new guise, performing the music of Frank Sinatra and Burt Bacharach.

He is backed by a big band and the stage has been extended especially for his perfomance.  Judging by the reaction of the crowd,  he is worth every penny.  I have to say,  after not really being a fan back then,  the man still has it!