Tony Cowell talks to Rick Astley
BEST’S CELEB INSIDER TALKS TO RICK ASTLEY
Rick Astley had sold more than 40 million records before he suddenly retired in 1993, destined to become yet another forgotten pop star from the Eighties. Then, in 2016, his comeback album, 50, went straight to number one. And it seems Rick is back for good – and attracting a whole new generation of fans. Here, the 53-year-old opens up about his years in the pop wilderness and explains why he has a new-found confidence. His greatest hits compilation album is out this month, with a huge arena tour to follow, culminating with a concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
Were you surprised by the success of your comeback album, 50? Totally. Because who, at the age of 50, makes an album that goes to number one? I remember standing in my kitchen the day it went to the top of the charts – I couldn’t believe it. It was weird, hearing the songs I had recorded in my garage being played on the radio. I don’t think anybody, myself included, believed I would have another hit record.
You recently toured with Take That – was that fun?
It was incredible. I was really lucky to get that gig and it was a perfect fit. Take That are brilliant and put on such an amazing show. I was quite nervous, because I thought it would just be their fans – but the audience started to sing along to my songs, which came as a bit of a shock, if I’m honest!
You decided to quit music in 1993. Do you look back at that time now and think ‘I’m glad I made that decision’?
Yes, definitely, and I will never regret it. I think physically it did me some good, as my voice is much better because I hadn’t sung professionally for 30 years, up to and until a few years ago. Emotionally and mentally it’s been a good thing to have taken so many years off because I don’t feel jaded. Sometimes, I look back at my early career and it feels like it belongs to someone else.
Do you think the public empathised with your decision to walk away from music to be with your family?
Yes, I think they did. Because it’s not the norm for someone at the top of their pop career to say ‘I’ve had enough – I can’t cope any more’ and just walk away. People have been quite good about that, and said ‘ Well done for having the guts to actually do it’.
Did you ever get down over the decision you had made?
Not really. I had a few scary moments at the beginning when I thought: ‘I probably will never have a record deal again, I won’t ever have any more hits.’ It was scary, but I still never regretted the decision. I wasn’t in love with fame and I’d had enough of it. My daughter Emilie was young at the time, and I wanted a life with her and my wife.
Are you in a much happier place now?
Yes, I am. I have a far better balance in my life. Yes, I’m working hard again, but I’m not travelling around the world, like someone else’s puppet. I record my music at home, I’m more confident, and I get to be with my family.
Were you inspired to pursue music because of your dad, Horace, singing Frank Sinatra in the house when you were young?
I was, because it broke down the barriers of music and the fact that he would just walk around the house singing. Most people would think that a little odd, but he was always singing. My mum played piano all her life, so I was lucky to have those early memories of music.
You were very young when your parents split up and you lived with your dad. Do you have any memories of that period of your life?
Not really. I was about four years old. I do remember being a kid at school with divorced parents – because it was quite unusual back then. I was brought up by my dad and not my mum. I saw my mum a lot, however, but I wasn’t in the house with her every day, and that was very unusual too, I suppose.
You later joined a Beatles tribute act, didn’t you?
Yes, I became serious about making music in my early teens and I used to play drums because it was a place of safety, and I wasn’t confident enough then to sing up front. I had a real passion and love of music which came from my songwriting.
You start an arena tour across the UK next year – do you still get that same buzz, performing live in front of an audience?
Yes, I do. I would have to be made of stone if I didn’t! I’m always pacing around backstage waiting to go on. I still get so excited about performing live.