Celebrated Pop Legend, Rick Astley, who has been keeping us entertained for several decades with his timeless hits is set to rock us into the new year at New Year’s Eve Rocks. Rick is best known and loved for his 1980s chart-topper “Never Going To Give You Up” and following his triumphant set on the mighty Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury, where he covered Harry Styles’ hit As It Was, and AC/DC’s Highway To Hell, he went onto wow the crowds at Radio 2 In The Park in Leicester.
Astley will build audience excitement to mark the end of what has been an incredible 2023 before ‘Rick-Rolling’ us into 2024.
The exciting news was revealed today on Claudia Winkleman’s Show on Radio 2 (Saturday, 10am – 1pm).
Made by BBC Studios Entertainment, and coming from the Camden’s iconic Roundhouse, the dazzling TV event will see Rick joined on stage by some very special guests, with performances
that will bring the house down and ring in the brand-new year. Performing his global hits and some surprise numbers, Rick and his all-star guests will party right into 2024. This one-off TV recording of Rick Astley Rocks New Year’s Eve (working title) for BBC One will be a night to remember. The festivities will continue after BBC One goes live to London for the traditional epic fireworks display.
Rick said: “What an honour it is to host the New Year’s Eve celebration on BBC One this year! It’s always been part of my New Year’s ritual to watch the show and take in the amazing fireworks, so to be part of it this year is fantastic! Here’s to a great night.”
Jonathan Rothery, Head of BBC Pop Music TV said: “Our annual New Year’s Eve performances on BBC One are about bringing some of the biggest names in music to people’s homes, wherever they are in the UK. The last few years have seen performances from Sam Ryder in 2022, Olly Alexander, Kylie, Pet Shop Boys in 2021 and Alicia Keys in 2020 and I’m so pleased to be able to announce that Rick Astley – who has had a fantastic 2023 so far – will be soundtracking the celebrations this year. It’s a brilliant way to round off another fantastic year of live performances on the BBC.”
Alison Howe, Executive Producer, Entertainment and Music, BBC Studios said: “After working with Rick and his team at Glastonbury, we are thrilled to be joining forces again. Who better to see us into the new year from another iconic venue, the atmosphere is sure to be electric.”
The special guests joining Rick on stage at the very special event will be announced in due course.
Rick follows on from Sam Ryder, who brought in 2023 at last year’s event. Previous New Year’s Rocks acts include Years & Years, Alicia Keys and Craig David.
Tickets go on general sale at 9am on Tuesday 14th November 2023, priced at £35 plus booking fee. Minimum age 18 years.
Tickets can be purchased online from www.ticketmaster.co.uk .
Rick Astley Rock’s New Year’s Eve (2 x 30) is a BBC Studios Entertainment production for BBC One and BBC iPlayer and was commissioned by Jonathan Rothery, Head of Popular Music, TV and Rachel Davies, Commissioning Editor, BBC Pop Music TV. The Series Editor is Rina Dayalji, the Executive Producer is Alison Howe and the Director is Liz Claire.
