The Bridgewater Hall

Richard Paul Astley, born on 6 February 1966, is an English singer, songwriter, radio DJ, and podcaster. He gained prominence through his association with the production trio Stock Aitken Waterman. His 1987 album, Whenever You Need Somebody, sold 15 million copies worldwide and was certified platinum by both the BPI and the RIAA. His debut single, "Never Gonna Give You Up," reached number one in more than 25 countries and won the 1988 Brit Award for Best British Single. The song remained at the top of the UK chart for five weeks in 1987 and was the best-selling single of that year. His 1988 single "Together Forever" also topped the US Billboard Hot 100 and was among his eight songs to reach the UK Singles Chart top 10. Following his debut album, Astley released Hold Me in Your Arms, which received platinum and gold certifications internationally. The lead single from that album, "She Wants to Dance with Me," became a worldwide top 10 hit. In 1991, he left Stock Aitken Waterman and shifted his musical focus towards soul, which he explored in subsequent albums.