ONE of the north west's most-loved artists is heading back with his brand new tour dates.

Hot off his stand-out performance at Glastonbury, Rick Astley has announced fresh tour dates to mark the release of his new album.

Astley, who is from Newton-le-Willows, opened the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury 2023 on the festival's Saturday line-up.

Warrington Guardian: Rick Astley will be bringing his tour to ManchesterRick Astley will be bringing his tour to Manchester (Image: PA)

Now, the '80s icon has announced his latest tour dates, with one spot not too far away.

On Saturday, March 2, 2024, Rick will be heading to Manchester's AO Arena as part of his 'Are We There Yet?' tour.

Not only this, but he is set to be supported by another star with links to the area.

Belinda Carlisle was recently the focus of Moore RUFC's attention, with the rugby club adopting 'Heaven Is A Place On Earth' as their official anthem - and now, Carlisle will be supporting Rick Astley's tour.

Speaking about the new album, 'Are We There Yet?', Rick said: "Now, that phrase has multiple meanings.

"Are we there yet in my musical ambitions? Am I done with my career? Have we arrived? Or are we still travelling?”

Rick spoke to the Warrington Guardian about his youth in Newton-le-Willows, as well as venturing into Warrington to experience the nightlife.

He said: "One of the first gigs I went to was in Birchwood. And there were a couple of pubs in Warrington; I used to go to Mr Smiths, and people came from everywhere to go to that place it was huge."

Warrington Guardian: The singer played at Mr Smiths in Warrington before it closedThe singer played at Mr Smiths in Warrington before it closed (Image: Newsquest)

The 'Never Gonne Give You Up' singer also reflected on the differences between playing Glastonbury and playing a smaller venue, like Parr Hall: "Most artists want to be on as big a stage as possible, but then you realise how good the smaller ones are.

"My ego wants to do Glastonbury every weekend, but that isn’t on the cards for me

"Parr Hall is a great old venue, it’s got such good history – the Stones have played there, it’s a really solid place to do a gig, and I’m pretty sure everyone’s been there for sure; but the tactics you use a different to make sure the audience goes home with a grin on their face."

For more information about Rick Astley's tour, and how to get tickets, visit his official website at: https://www.rickastley.co.uk/