Rick Astley has once again demonstrated his versatile musical talent with captivating covers of Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Drivers License’ and Ed Sheeran’s ‘Shape of You’ during his recent visit to the BBC Radio 2 Piano Room. Known for his iconic 1987 hit ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’, Astley took the opportunity to blend his pop legacy with contemporary hits at BBC’s Maida Vale Studios, offering a fresh twist that has captured the attention of fans across generations.
The performance included a string-laden melody of ‘Shape of You’, seamlessly integrated into his own classic track, showcasing Astley’s ability to cross musical boundaries and genres. Additionally, his dramatic rendition of ‘Drivers License’ was enhanced with a full orchestral arrangement and backing singers, elevating the emotional depth of Rodrigo’s 2021 hit song.
Astley’s affinity for cover songs has been well-documented, especially following his collaboration with Blossoms to form a Smiths cover band. This partnership gained significant attention in 2021 when Astley and Blossoms performed a series of Smiths covers on stage in London, leading to a string of dedicated gigs that celebrated the indie legends. Despite some controversy, including comments from former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, Astley and Blossoms continued their tribute, even taking it to the stage of Glastonbury in 2022.
Astley’s enthusiasm for covering songs from a range of artists and eras is evident. “I can’t tell you how much I love doing this,” he shared with NME. His fearless approach to music, combined with a willingness to experiment and pay homage to other artists, underlines a career that refuses to be defined by a single era or genre.
In addition to his notable performances of Rodrigo’s and Sheeran’s songs, Astley has also ventured into covering tracks by other major artists, including a memorable take on Foo Fighters’ ‘Everlong’. His light-hearted comment about enjoying “playing other people’s songs” resonates with fans who appreciate his talent for reinterpreting beloved tracks with his own distinctive flair.
Astley’s latest covers have not only provided a platform for showcasing his musical adaptability but have also offered audiences a unique listening experience that bridges the gap between the classic hits of the ’80s and today’s chart-toppers. With these performances, Rick Astley continues to surprise and delight fans, proving that his musical journey is far from over.
