Rick Astley to perform songs by The Smiths alongside Blossoms at UK shows
He will perform alongside Blossoms
Last updated 15th Sep 2021
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.’
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.”
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
Take a look at some of the best ever duets:
Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney – 'The Girl Is Mine'
Released in 1982, 'The Girl Is Mine' was the first offering from Jackson's sixth studio album, 'Thriller'.
The song was successful in the charts too, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and eight in the UK Singles Chart.
Philip Bailey and Phil Collins – 'Easy Lover'
Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire and Phil Collins of Genesis released this duet in 1984. It was nominated for a Grammy award in 1986!
Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers – 'Islands in the Stream'
'Islands In The Stream' was written by legendary disco group the Bee Gees and was initially intended for Marvin Gaye. Dolly and Kenny's version was released in 1983 and topped the Billboard Hot 100. It was the second number one for both artists, after Kenny achieved had a number one with 'Lady' in 1980 and Parton with '9 to 5' in 1981.
Sonny and Cher – 'I Got You Babe'
The song was written by musician and producer Sonny Bono for him and his then-wife Cher. It reached number 1 in the US, UK and Canada.
Diana Ross and Lionel Richie – 'Endless Love'
Recorded for Motown Records, 'Endless Love' was also featured on the soundtrack for the film Endless Love in 1981. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 for nine weeks, yet the pair only sang it together on stage once, at the Oscars in 1982 when it was nominated for Best Original Song.
Queen and David Bowie – 'Under Pressure'
This classic hit was written by the four members of Queen and the brilliant David Bowie. The single emerged from a chance encounter between Bowie and the band, who were both recording at a studio in the Swiss mountains. It was Queen's second number one, after Bohemian Rhapsody in 1975 and Bowie's third following 'Space Oddity' and 'Ashes to Ashes'.
Aretha Franklin and George Michael - 'I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)'
Not originally supposed to be a duet, this collaboration of two of music's biggest stars was previously pitched to Tina Turner before soul legend Aretha Franklin and popstar George Michael teamed up.
Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty - 'Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around'
'Stop Draggin' My Heart Around' is the first single from Nicks' debut album 'Bella Donna' released in 1981 and was recorded whilst she remained a member of Fleetwood Mac. It was written by Tom Petty and fellow Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers member Mike Campbell.
Elton John and Kiki Dee - 'Don’t Go Breaking My Heart'
This duet became Elton John's first number one single in the UK chart and spent six weeks at the top. The song was originally supposed to be a collaboration between Elton and Dusty Springfield, but she was too ill at the time to record. Kiki was the first female British singer to be signed to Motown's Tamla Records.
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