THIRTY years ago, Rick Astley assured teenage girls that he was never going to let them down and on a glorious Saturday evening at Westonbirt Arboretum he returned to make good on his promise.

The teenage girls have aged with him, but this was not just a walk down memory lane.

Unusually for an artist from the 80’s, Rick managed to pull off an incredible comeback last year with his number 1 album ‘50’ which sold 150,000 copies.

This meant that on Saturday night a lot of the audience got as excited about his new material, including Keep Singing, as the obvious 80’s pop feel-good classics, which included Together Forever and of course Never Gonna Give You Up.

It was clear from the first few songs of this Forest live set that his unique voice is as soulful and powerful as it was when he was 21, and he has lost none of his energy (although there were a few jokes in between songs about needing to take a breather).

There were plenty of anecdotes throughout the night and a healthy dose of self-deprecating humour that got the crowd on his side.

He proved his versatility and delighted some of his newer fans with an Ed Sheeran cover.

And he surprised everyone (and pleased some of the reluctant male partners) with his cover of ACDC’s Highway to Hell- even more impressive for that fact that he played the drums whilst singing.

His musicianship had passed me by 30 years ago, when watching him on Top of the Pops, but as well as his turn on the drums he frequently changed guitars throughout the night.

Never Gonna Give You Up was of course saved until the end to send the crowd on their way singing into the forest.

Even the reluctant male partners were singing. Rick had delivered to fans and made some new ones.

He was supported on the night by very capable British singer-songwriter Rumer, who set the scene with her mellow and soulful voice, reminiscent of Karen Carpenter.

This was music to enjoy whilst sitting on a blanket taking in the setting of the sun over the forest and not music to dance to.

That was Rick’s job and he managed to carry it off with ease.

It was a great night in the presence of a comeback legend, in a perfect setting.