Rick Astley and Blossoms to perform songs by The Smiths at UK shows
Wow
Rick Astley and Blossoms have announced they’re uniting for two very special concerts where they will perform a set consisting entirely of songs by The Smiths.
The Songs of The Smiths concerts take place at Manchester Albert Hall on Friday 8th October 2021 and London O2 Forum Kentish Town on Saturday 9th October 2021.
Rick Astley previously said in a 2016 Rolling Stone interview that he’d love to perform an entire set of Smiths songs one day, and Blossoms have now helped this dream become a reality.
As a tantalising taster for the two full concerts, last night (13th September) Rick Astley joined Blossoms on stage at their sold-out O2 Forum Kentish Town show to perform two Smiths classics – ‘Panic’ and ‘This Charming Man.’
Rick Astley & Blossoms perform The Songs of The Smiths tickets:
Tickets for Rick Astley and Blossoms’ The Songs of The Smiths concerts in Manchester and London go on sale from Absolute Radio Tickets at 9.30am on Friday 17th September.
Rick Astley says: “From the moment The Smiths emerged in 1983 I was hooked and it’s as a fan, with deep respect as a musician for Morrissey, Marr, Rourke and Joyce, that I’ll be joining the endlessly enthusiastic and talented Blossoms on stage to sing their songs.
“It’s no secret that it’s been an ambition of mine to turn an idea that first sounded crazy, making more sense as Blossoms and I talked about it and then rehearsed it, into a reality. These shows will be nights that I’ll never forget.”
Blossoms frontman, Tom Ogden, adds: “The Smiths have always meant so much to Blossoms, with even their rainiest songs complete with wry humour and soul-reaching musicianship and melody. Their poppier moments are pure, joyful, danceable poetry.
“Imagine backing Rick Astley to play the songs of The Smiths? We’ve had wilder dreams, but not many. We’ll barely be able to believe it until it happens, but the dates are set, we’re studying every note, line and beat to say ‘thank you’ to The Smiths alongside Rick and do both of them proud.”
Back in August 2017, Rick Astley hit the headlines when he performed his signature song ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ with Foo Fighters at Summer Sonic Festival in Tokyo. Rick and the Foos went on to join forces several times in the ensuing years.
Rick Astley & Blossoms perform The Songs of The Smiths tour dates:
OCTOBER 2021:
Manchester Albert Hall – Fri 8th
London O2 Forum Kentish Town – Sat 9th
Buy Rick Astley and Blossoms tickets
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