Rick Astley Is Back

“I didn't love the world of pop music, to be honest” Rick Astley says, “because what I dreamed it was and what I wanted it to be, it kind of wasn't.” Well, here’s to never giving up: 36 years after his first, biggest, and completely career-defining hit, 28 years after walking away from the industry, seven years after dipping a toe back in and getting a surprise number one album, Rick Astley is having one hell of a moment. He’s got a fresh perspective on pop stardom, a surprising side project or two, a killer set at one of the world’s biggest rock festivals, a closet full of gorgeous suits, and a new album Are We There Yet, out today. “It’s a lot more comfortable now,” he says, “and therefore I don’t want to stop it.” We’ve known each other for so long, us and him, but 2023 is finally Rick Astley’s year.