By Rachel Nurse

An 80s legend who famously sings ÔÇÿTogether ForeverÔÇÖ, ÔÇÿCry For HelpÔÇÖ, ÔÇÿTryÔÇÖ and a whole set list of songs youÔÇÖve probably never heard unless youÔÇÖre a die hard Astley-Admirer. Most of us were there for one thing – and thing only.

The highlight of the show was when 5,000 fans belted out the lyrics to ÔÇÿNever Gonna Give You UpÔÇÖ in unison. As a matter of fact, the audience carried the more tonally challenging parts of the song. Rick may be able to Roll like in the 80s, but bless him, he canÔÇÖt hit the high notes at ÔÇ£You know the rules, and so do IÔÇØ.

The 90-minute buildup to his mega-hit was a rip-roaring roller coaster that did not disappoint. Crowds were roaring with laughter at RickÔÇÖs one-liners, declining a romantic proposition from the audience with a casual ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm 52 love!ÔÇØ. After the encore, with everyone expecting one very specific song, Rick trolls the audience by quipping ÔÇ£IÔÇÖd like to play you this song about GodÔÇØ before surprising us with a new hit.

If you manage to roll into one of RickÔÇÖs concerts, expect a musical odyssey. Nobody expects a vocoded funky cover of Daft PunkÔÇÖs ÔÇÿHarder, Better, Faster, StrongerÔÇÖ, but that is what youÔÇÖll get. Covering George EzraÔÇÖs ÔÇÿShot GunÔÇÖ, Rick interacted with the crowd showing he could master the new stuff as well as the oldies with lots of singing along and body popping from the audience (even if they didnÔÇÖt know the song). AstleyÔÇÖs band were an all-impressive crew, of which many were saying that the two supporting singers were so talented they would see them live themselves.

Get in early and youÔÇÖll get two for the price of one, 90s/00s icon Gabrielle wowed the crowd with her hits ÔÇÿOut of ReachÔÇÖ and ÔÇÿDreamsÔÇÖ (and some fresh new stuff for the loyal fans). An emotional rollercoaster, with childhood memories and flashbacks of Bridget Jones being dumped.

Overall, the concert was a blast and was enjoyed by all. From the all-time mega-fan to the people who only knew ÔÇÿNever Gonna Give You UpÔÇÖ. When Rick tours again, he has promised to come back to Cardiff. I would certainly recommend getting a ticket for a fun night out with an icon of 80s pop and 00s meme culture. HeÔÇÖs someone who is passionate about music and loves entertaining the crowd. It wasnÔÇÖt a one-hit wonder but the full amaze factor.