A bit of forever, together with Rick Astley

MANILA, Philippines - A bevy of foreign acts have landed on our shores of late and, for the Filipino music lover, this seemingly consistent turn of events is fortunate. From retro acts and tribute bands, to the most notable foreign artists, we’ve had our share of the best concerts and memories forged along the way.

So what happens when one of the biggest acts of the ‘80s turns up here this month, right in time before the holiday preparations become fever-pitch?

Several decades ago, when simple, pop melodies reflect a much simple, happier time, Rick Astley conquered the airwaves with his catchy melodies, smooth vocals and signature moves. The English songwriter didn’t know it when he was starting out, but he would become a global pop superstar who would touch the hearts of listeners the world over.

He lit up the charts with pop gems like Together Forever and Never Gonna Give You Up, inspiring a generation of music lovers to hit the dance floor with She Wants To Dance With Me and reassured lovers with the ballad Hold Me In Your Arms.

Astley will return to Manila to perform his hit songs for his adoring fans. The English sensation will hold a one-night-only show at The Theatre of Solaire Resort and Casino on Nov. 30 featuring the so-called “Astley canon.” He is also set to dish out other dance floor classics like My Arms Keep Missing You, Take Me To Your Heart and Whenever You Need Somebody; and melt hearts anew with It Will Take A Strong, Strong Man, Cry For Help, his remake of When I Fall In Love and many more.

To date, Astley has breached the 40 million mark in record sales -— a stunning achievement, indeed.

Legend has it that when he was discovered by the songwriting powerhouse trio of (Mike) Stock, (Matt) Aitken and (Pete) Waterman — also known as SWA in music circles — Astley was so painfully shy that he was initially hired as a “tea boy” to work in the studio so he could immerse himself in the recording process from a distance.

By the time he put out Never Gonna Give You Up, which was named the Best British Single of 1988, Astley’s star had risen so far he was no longer the pop world’s best-kept secret. With 15 chart-toppers worldwide, he stayed every single week on the Brit charts for six straight months.

Astley stepped away from the spotlight in 1993 to focus on his family. A decade later, he made a comeback and broadened his horizons, establishing himself as a radio personality. But suffice it to say, while his star may have waned, he is still one of the most beloved hitmakers of his time — a fact that surfaced in 2008 when Internet users voted him the Best Act Ever at the MTV Music Awards that year.

He has never given up his love for music and, clearly, fans have never given up on him as well.

For tickets, call TicketWorld at 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

(Astley will be arriving in Manila on Nov. 28 and will promote his concert in different shows on ABS-CBN, the concert’s official TV partner.)