Rick Astley and indie-rockers Blossoms are teaming up for a pair of shows that will celebrate the songs of The Smiths.

The Never Gonna Give You Up hitmaker made a surprise appearance with the band during the first of three nights at London’s O2 Kentish Town Forum on Monday. 

During the set, they ran through a selection of covers, which they’ll play when Blossoms become Rick’s backing band for an evening of the best-loved Smiths songs. 

Speaking about the shows at Manchester’s Albert Hall on October 8 and London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town on October 9, Rick said:  “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.”

Blossoms added: “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.”

The Together Forever singer first presented the idea of a Smiths tribute show in a 2016 Rolling Stone interview, with Rick admitting it was “an idea that first sounded crazy… then [we] rehearsed it, into a reality. 

“These shows will be nights that I’ll never forget,” he beamed. 

Tickets are on sale from Friday, September 17. 

The full list of ‘The Songs Of The Smiths’ live dates is as follows:

October 2021

8 – Albert Hall, Manchester
9 – O2 Forum Kentish Town, London