EIGHTIES pop hero Rick Astley has revealed he is thrilled to be heading to Heaton Park this summer.

The chart-topping singer will perform at Europe’s largest public park with Spandau Ballet star Tony Hadley on August 14.

With up to 20,000 music fans expected, Astley said he is looking forward to taking to the stage and has promised to give the crowd what they want.

Speaking to the Bury Times this week, Rick said: “I am really looking forward to it. I have no idea what to expect, but I’m sure we will have a laugh with the crowd. The fans will want to hear the songs they know. I’d rather play the old favourites rather than my new single — unless of course it is a big hit in the charts and people want to hear it. We will have to see.”

Now aged 44, he rose to fame in 1987 when his first single Never Gonna Give You Up reached the top of the charts in 16 countries, including the UK.

His next seven singles reached the UK top 10 and he sold 40 million records worldwide.

But, unlike other 1980s stars, the Newton-le-Willows-born singer was happy to step out of the limelight.

He said: “I got to the stage when I wanted to take a back seat and it went well. I loved being anonymous.”

But that anonymity disappeared in 2008 due to a random internet prank, called Rickrolling. An internet user would be fooled into clicking a link and be forced to watch the video for Never Gonna Give You Up.

The only way to end it was clicking the mouse an infuriating 64 times. The gag became a worldwide phenomenon and introduced a new generation to Rick’s music.

He said: “Out of all the singers in the world, it was me. What are the chances? I was surprised but got used to it.”

Spurred on by other 1980s revivals, Astley toured Japan and recorded a new single with producer Adam Frampton, who has worked with Leona Lewis and The Script.

Also on the bill at the Real Summer 80s Party at Heaton Park will be ABC, Go West and Belinda Carlisle.

Rick said: “I am quite pleased to be going on stage in the middle of that lot. Maybe the crowd will be the people who originally bought the music back in the 1980s. It is a lot different to then and I think they will appreciate the day as a show in itself rather than go for any one particular act. It’s a very good line up and we’re in for a good afternoon. We just need the weather to be good on the day.”

Guests are invited to bring a picnic. Tickets are £32.50 adults and £15 under 16s from Ticketmaster 0844 844 0444 or imlconcerts.

co.uk