Pop legend Rick Astley has been confirmed for next year’s Eden Sessions and will be joined by special guests, The Lightning Seeds.

Rick Astley’s story is a remarkable career of two chapters. In 1987, he became an unlikely global phenomenon as his era-defining smash ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ established him as an international chart-topping, BRIT Award-winning global star.

This status was heightened by further hits such as ‘Together Forever’ and ‘Whenever You Need Somebody’.

After stepping away from the spotlight, Rick’s second chapter started when he celebrated his half-century by returning to the top of the charts with 2016’s ‘50’.

Falmouth Packet: Rick performed at Glastonbury earlier this year - much to the delight of the crowd Rick performed at Glastonbury earlier this year - much to the delight of the crowd (Image: Peter Neill)The somehow still boyish singer, songwriter and producer has stayed at the top of his game ever since, leading to collaborations with everyone from Foo Fighters to Blossoms, this summer’s show-stealing double-bill of festival sets at Glastonbury, and a number two chart position for his new album ‘Are We There Yet?’

Rick has had six UK top-ten albums and eight top-ten singles. ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ – his debut single and first number one – has been viewed more than 1.5 billion times on YouTube and is central to the “Rickrolling” meme.

Falmouth Packet: Rick shot to fame with his iconic single 'Never Gonna Give You Up' Rick shot to fame with his iconic single 'Never Gonna Give You Up' (Image: Austen Hargrave)Rick was named Best Act Ever at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards, beating artists including Britney Spears, U2 and Green Day.

Rick, will perform at the Eden Project on July 3, 2024, along with the legendary band, The Lightning Seeds. 

The Lightning Seeds were formed by vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and producer Ian Broudie and are responsible for some of the most recognisable tunes of the nineties, including ‘Pure’, ‘The Life of Riley’ and ‘Lucky You’.

In 1996, they teamed up with comedians David Baddiel and Frank Skinner to record the anthemic ‘Three Lions’ as the official song of the England football team’s Euro ’96 campaign. The song topped the UK charts on release and then again in 1998 (with an adapted version recorded for that year’s World Cup) and 2018.

Falmouth Packet: The Lightning Seeds will also perform on the Eden Sessions stage on July 3 The Lightning Seeds will also perform on the Eden Sessions stage on July 3 (Image: Supplied)Rita Broe said: “It’s fantastic to be welcoming two such well-loved artists as Rick Astley and The Lightning Seeds to the Eden Sessions.

“Rick’s appeal spans generations – from the millions who bought ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ when it was released to the huge Glastonbury crowds enraptured by his wonderful performances this summer - and The Lightning Seeds have gifted us some of the most recognisable anthems of recent decades. It will be a magical evening here at Eden and we really can’t wait.”

Tickets for Rick Astley and The Lightning Seeds at the Eden Sessions on July 3, 2024, cost £56 plus £7.30 booking fee and are available through www.edensessions.com.

Tickets are now on sale to Inside Track pass-holders. The general ticket sale is at 4pm on Monday, December 11.

Rick Astley and The Lightning Seeds is the sixth show to be announced for the 2024 Eden Sessions.

Already confirmed acts for next summer’s Sessions are Crowded House (June 12), Fatboy Slim (June 15 – sold out), Suede and Manic Street Preachers (June 29), The National (July 2) and JLS (July 13). More artists are expected to be announced soon.