Rick Astley at Pabst Theater, Milwaukee (26 Apr 2018)

For Twin Cities fans wanting to get RickRolled, it meant taking a five hour road trip east-

UK singer-songwriter Rick Astley recently wrapped his over two-year long world tour for latest album, 50 (BMG Records) doing a short North American Tour that brought hits old and new, to these shores for the first time in a long while. 

The newest album was another rebirth for the singer, primarily known for his 80‚Äôs hits- the first studio album in over ten years, and the first on a US label since 1993 and the fans at the revered Pabst Theater (built in 1895) in Milwaukee were anxious and anticipatory for the singer‚Äôs return. 

Astley began his set with ‚ÄòThis Old House‚Äô from the latest record, but quickly bounced back to the 80‚Äôs with hit, ‚ÄòTogether Forever‚Äô which got the mostly middle age crowd up and dancing.  Astley showed he‚Äôs kept up with recent music as well, covering Ed Sheeran mid-set and playing an encore medley that included AC/DC, Rihanna , and the Foo Fighters songs. 

As well as still singing in that deep and still-distinctive voice, Astley picked up the guitar here and there, and sat down on the drum kit for the energetic (if not unpredictable) AC/DC cover.  Saving the best-known for last, biggest hit ‚ÄòNever Gonna Give You Up‚Äô closed the show, with everyone on their feet and singing along. 

Those wise enough to hang around after the show, found Astley coming out to say hello, pose for pictures and meeting the fans, that had waited so long to see him live.  Here‚Äôs hoping we all get rickrolled again sooner than later, and that Rick Astley returns to North America again.

Tour dates:

(all photos by Amy Kuznia)