Photos by Andy Argyrakis

British soul crooner Rick Astley hasn’t stopped by Chicago since holding the world in his arms during the summer of 1989, but that didn’t stop him from filling up the House Of Blues with those who nonetheless felt like they’ve stayed “Together Forever.” It definitely didn’t hurt that Astley is the ongoing subject of the “Rickrolling” YouTube phenomenon, or much more importantly, released an album of all new material called “50” (marking his first in America since 1993’s “Body & Soul”).

When he wasn’t aiming for the dance floor, Astley excelled on the warm ballads “Hopelessly” and “Cry For Help,” plus he also tore through Ed Sheeran’s “Shape Of You” as if it came from his pen and production.

Besides being named after Astley’s age when it was recorded just like Adele always does, the project bares several musical similarities to the “Rolling In The Deep” diva, though don’t get it reversed, she’s actually the one who owes a load of gratitude to her elder for helping lay a similarly stomping, soulful pop formula. Whether it was the recent “This Old House” and “Keep Singing” or the retro “It Would Take A Strong Man” and “She Wants To Dance With Me,” the headliner’s vocals were rich and radiant, while his four-piece band and two background sirens made the downtown club swing with additional soulfulness.

When he wasn’t aiming for the dance floor, Astley excelled on the warm ballads “Hopelessly” and “Cry For Help,” plus he also tore through Ed Sheeran’s “Shape Of You” as if it came from his pen and production. There was also a slice of his rock n’ roll side with a completely unexpected but thoroughly convincing attempt behind the drums during AC/DC’s “Highway To Hell” and the guitar for Foo Fighters’ “Everlong,” plus a hand-in-glove mash-up of his older “Take Me To Your Heart” with Rihanna’s “We Found Love.”

Predictably, “Never Gonna Give You Up” that was saved for the bitter end, prompting a giant sing-a-long and some extended beats that freshened up the flavors to fit the forward-thinking tone of the 100-minute night. Now if only Astley would consider coming to the States more than twice in a lifetime, it would be a lot easier to track his evolution as a singer, songwriter and entertainer who currently retains every bit of his often times overlooked talents.

Click here for more photos of Rick Astley at the House Of Blues.

For additional information on Rick Astley, visit http RickAstley.co.uk.

Upcoming concert highlights at House Of Blues include Hayley Kiyoko (May 3); Minus The Bear (May 4); “Celebrate Selena!” (May 5); Jonathan Davis of Korn (May 6); Zoé (May 7); Afterjourney + Boom Huang (May 9); 101 Jukebox The Ghost (May 10); Smallpools and Great Good Fine Ok (May 11); Tom Jones (May 12-13); Bunbury (May 16); Local Motive (May 17); “Bringing Down The House” Showcase (May 20); Ivy Queen and Tito El Bambino (May 22); Arrested Development (May 23); Wet (May 25); Cultura Profetica (May 26); The Victory Party (May 27); The Black & Blue Ball (May 28); Ugly God (May 30); José Madero (May 31). For additional details, visit HouseOfBlues.com/Chicago and LiveNation.com.

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