10 Questions

In the 1980s, Rick Astley’s song, Never Gonna Give You Up, topped the charts in 25 countries, kicking off a career in which he’s sold over 40 million records. His new album, 50, went straight to No.1 in the UK last month while he played the Rewind Festival at Scone Palace yesterday.

WHERE DO YOU SHOW OFF YOUR GOLD AND PLATINUM

DISCS?

I don’t. My mum and sister have them all apart from one that hung on my daughter’s wall when she was little.

WHY DID SHE WANT IT?

I visited Elton John in the studio one day and he asked me to sing with Gary Barlow on the track he was doing. It was Can You Feel The Love Tonight? from The Lion King. He sent me a platinum disc and my daughter wanted it.

ARE YOU A CONFIDENT PERSON?

Recording the new album was easy because fans on social media encouraged me, but I found releasing it difficult. I really worried in case it wasn’t liked. Now the world’s gone crazy for it.

SO IT’S ALL NEW SONGS AT GIGS NOW?

No. I do all the hits but I slip in a couple of new ones too. Seeing the crowds sing along is mind-blowing.

HOW DO YOU MOTIVATE YOUR BAND IN THE PRE-SHOW

HUDDLE?

If I tell you that it will put a hex on it. I’ll admit this much though – it’s about remembering that for the audience it’s a first and we have to make it count.

WHO WOULD YOU HAVE LOVED TO WORK

WITH BUT NEVER DID?

I wish I could have been in the studio with Sinatra. Just to see him at work, not to sing with him. I mean, who could?

WHAT TUNE GETS YOUR DINNER PARTIES

GOING?

Back For Good by Take That. Whether they’re pop or rock fans, our guests always end up standing on chairs and singing every word when I dig out the CD.

ANY TIPS FOR ASPIRING SINGERS?

If anyone tells you alcohol makes your voice sound better then don’t listen – it doesn’t. Also, get a manager you can trust. You’ll

need great guidance.

EVER FANTASISE ABOUT ANOTHER LIFE?

I dream of being old and buying a beach bar with my own jazz trio. I’d sing whenever the mood took me and I’d wear a different coloured velvet jacket every night.

YOU HAVE 24 HOURS TO LIVE. HOW

DO YOU SPEND THE TIME?

On a beach in Sardinia with family and friends having a Caprese salad for lunch, ice cream in the afternoon, Campari in the early evening and spaghetti vongole for dinner.