Watch Rick Astley join Blossoms for 'Joke About Divorce' at Tramlines

For Rick Astley, this year's Tramlines Festival may have been a chance to relive his past glories, but for Blossoms, it was a moment to cement their status as one of the UK's most exciting live acts. The Stockport band's performance of 'Joke About Divorce' with Astley was a masterclass in collaboration, showcasing the chemistry between the two acts.

The Astley-Blossoms partnership is no new thing. In fact, their history of collaboration dates back to 2021, when they first performed together at a London show. That night, they covered The Smiths classics 'This Charming Man' and 'There Is A Light That Never Goes Out', a move that sent fans into a frenzy. The momentum from that performance led to a series of The Smiths-themed concerts in London and Manchester, which were met with widespread critical acclaim.

NME's review of their first show hailed Rick Astley as "a fine substitute for Morrissey", a bold statement that speaks to the respect with which Astley is held by fans and critics alike. The article went on to describe the performance as "the best Smiths gig since December 12, 1986, when Morrissey and Marr last took the stage together". Such high praise is evidence of the talent and dedication of both Astley and Blossoms.

For Rick Astley, collaborating with Blossoms on a Smiths cover set is a labor of love. In an interview with NME ahead of their secret Glastonbury Festival performance in 2023, Astley confessed, "I can't tell you how much I love doing this. I know it's sacrilege and they should hang the lot of us on the line for doing it, but I also just don't care." Such enthusiasm is infectious, and it's clear that Astley and Blossoms are driven by a shared passion for music.

As Blossoms continue to push the boundaries of their sound with their forthcoming sixth studio album, 'Songs From The Wedding Cake', their collaboration with Rick Astley serves as a reminder of their commitment to innovation and creativity. By embracing their past while still pushing forward, Blossoms are cementing their status as one of the most exciting live acts in the UK.

I predict that this collaboration will not be a one-off. In fact, I foresee a future where Astley and Blossoms continue to work together, exploring new sounds and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in live music. With their combined talents and dedication to their craft, the possibilities are endless.

And so, as Blossoms continue to soar to new heights, it's clear that their legacy is in good hands, with Rick Astley by their side, they're unstoppable.