Rick Astley will perform two free concerts for UK key workers next week.

The Never Gonna Give You Up hitmaker will take the stage at London’s The SSE Arena Wembley and Manchester’s AO Arena for all NHS frontline staff, primary care workers and all blue light staff. 

Tickets were free to frontline staff including all frontline NHS staff and Primary Care workers, plus the emergency services including Ambulance, Fire Brigade and Police. 

Rick said: “Our NHS and emergency services are amazing. These concerts are a thank you to all those fantastic frontline staff. I promise my band and I will give it everything to give you a great night out.”

The shows will see Rick perform a career-spanning set, mixing massive hits like Whenever You Need Somebody and Together Forever alongside recent favourites – with a few surprises thrown in. 

Rick recently teamed up with Blossoms for a pair of live dates honouring both acts’ love of The Smiths. 

Ahead of the gigs, Rick beamed: “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.”