Local band The Lottery Winners are riding an absolute high this year and only look to be getting bigger and better — that being said, it doesn’t get much bigger than jumping on the road for a massive arena tour with an absolute pop music legend in Rick Astley.
Not unlike the Leigh-based pop rockers, Rick Astley‘s popularity is also through the roof these days and is enjoying a real renaissance; he has been for a couple of years now, becoming best mates with the likes of The Blossoms and Foo Fighters, smashing Glastonbury and pumping out plenty of new music.
In fact, after once again joining the Stockport lads on stage for a series of The Smiths covers and smashing his own Glasto 2023 set, many music fans want him to headline the festival next year.
However, unlike Astley who admitted it was his first trip to Worthy Farm not just as an artist but as a punter, The Lottery Winners managed to smash out a frankly ridiculous six sets in four days and are now they’re set to jump on tour with Rick as his special guests next year. Massive.
Set to appear as supports at every show except for the two sold-out gigs at the Royal Albert Hall in London and his two Irish dates, The Lottery Winners will be opening up for Rick Astley all over the country alongside fellow 80s pop icon, Belinda Carlisle.
The 57-year-old is playing a total of 12 shows across the UK and Ireland between 1 November and 5 March 2024, with the English leg ending at Manchester’s AO Arena, naturally — you can’t find a better closer than that.
On top of that, both Astley and The Lottery Winners still have various other festival gigs and tour dates to get through, respectively, with the ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ singer also set to headline Kendal Calling later this month and, lucky for you, you can still get tickets.
These lot are absolutely killing it at the minute.
Last but not least, with a new album on the way this October entitled, Are We There Yet?, these shows are set to be stellar and you know that Manc gig is going to be the best of the lot.
You can grab your tickets to see Rick Astley and The Lottery Winners in Manchester HERE.
In the meantime, you can always hear the man himself sharing his thoughts on what it’s like to be well and truly back on the scene and delighting fans both old and new.
For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.
Featured Image — Rick Astley/BBC Radio 2/The Lottery Winners (via Instagram)