The British pop legend proved that great songs, genuine warmth and effortless professionalism never go out of fashion as he brought his Summer Shows 2026 Tour to the Auditorio Marina Norte as part of FAR València 2026. For more than ninety minutes, on a hot summer night, Rick Astley reminded an enthusiastic audience why he has become one of Britain’s most enduring live performers. Far removed from the novelty status that internet culture once attached to him, Astley now commands the stage with the confidence of a seasoned soul singer, backed by an exceptionally tight band and a voice that has matured beautifully over the decades.

From the opening number, the atmosphere was one of celebration. His rich baritone remains remarkably powerful, while his relaxed stage manner made the large waterfront venue feel surprisingly intimate. Between songs he chatted comfortably with the audience, displaying the dry humour and self-deprecating wit that have become trademarks of his live performances. He wished ‘España’ the best of luck for the World Cup final too!

Rather than relying solely on nostalgia, Astley cleverly mixed his classic hits with newer material, demonstrating that his songwriting has continued to evolve. Tracks from his recent albums sat comfortably alongside the timeless favourites that first made him an international star during the late 1980s.

 The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser

Rick Astley even performed AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell” while playing the drums and singing lead vocals during his July 16, 2026 concert at La Marina de València! Before launching into the rock anthem, Astley frequently reminds audiences that he actually started his musical career as a teenage drummer. For this memorable concert in Spain, he hopped behind the drum kit to deliver a high-energy rendition of the track, pulling double duty as both the drummer and frontman. This hard-rock moment has become a staple of his live sets, famously debuting to massive crowds at festivals like Glastonbury before arriving in València.

Song after song showcased the strength and warmth of his voice, while the audience enthusiastically joined in during Together Forever and Whenever You Need Somebody. The inevitable finale, Never Gonna Give You Up, transformed Marina Norte into one enormous singalong, with thousands of fans dancing, clapping and singing every word back to the stage. Despite the ‘pop star’ tag, he remains very much an all-round musician and he played a fair bit of funky rhythm guitar during the set as well. Indeed, if you check the credits for his latest album…he plays most of the instruments too!

Musically, the 10-piece band was first class throughout, combining polished musicianship with an infectious sense of fun. Soul, pop, rock and even a few well-chosen covers blended seamlessly into a performance that never lost momentum. You can see that there is a lot of camaraderie in the band and they transmit this joy to the crowd.

Rick Astley has successfully reinvented himself without abandoning the music that made him famous. His Valencia appearance demonstrated that he is no longer simply an icon of the 1980s, but an accomplished live entertainer whose voice, charisma and musicianship continue to win over audiences of every generation.

A joyful, polished and thoroughly entertaining evening from one of Britain’s most likeable performers, proving that Rick Astley is enjoying one of the strongest periods of his long and successful career. With a smile, he told the audience “I really wanted to be a drummer in a heavy rock band…in a parallel universe… but I have great hair  so I became a pop star instead!”

Report by Will McCarthy

Article copyright ‘24/7 Valencia’

Photos copyright Rhyan Paul / 24/7 Valencia

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