Legendary 1980s pop star Rick Astley has made a firm commitment to improve his fitness in the coming year, with his 60th birthday and a major international tour on the horizon.
A Resolution for the Road
In an exclusive interview, the 'Never Gonna Give You Up' singer revealed that getting in better shape is his primary New Year's resolution for 2026. The motivation stems directly from his packed schedule, which includes 'The Reflection Tour' kicking off in April, followed by a string of summer gigs both in the UK and abroad.
"One of my things that I'm conscious of is I need to get fitter than I am," Astley confessed. He linked this drive to being the youngest of four siblings, noting he's watched his older brother and sister navigate health issues. "We're all moaning about physical things these days," he said, highlighting a personal wake-up call.
Barlow's 'Machine'-Like Inspiration
Astley pointed to fellow pop star Gary Barlow as a surprising source of fitness inspiration. He admitted to regularly watching the Take That frontman's impressive tour preparation on Instagram. "I very often watch Gary Barlow – goddamn Gary Barlow – on his Instagram getting fit for a tour," Astley said with a laugh, adding, "I'm like, 'Gary, calm down, will you, for God's sake!'"
When asked if he would emulate Barlow's intense regime, Astley sighed and declared, "I don't know about that. He's a machine, Gary!" His admiration, however, is genuine and rooted in past experience.
Lessons from Opening for Take That
Astley's respect for Barlow's work ethic was cemented when he supported Take That on their 2019 tour. He observed firsthand the band's meticulous dedication. "One of the things that I thought was amazing about all three of them was how conscientious they were about the gigs," he recalled.
He emphasised that their attitude was never casual. "It's like, 'no, this tour's gotta be as good or if not better than anything we've ever done before, every time'. And I was a bit kind of like, 'wow'... They really put the effort in." Astley believes this professionalism is a direct response to their fans' devotion, creating a "reciprocal" relationship.
While he joked that his own stage show involves less intense choreography – "I pick up a guitar occasionally and walk around pointing at people" – the message is clear. "I've still got to get fitter than I am," Astley affirmed, setting his sights on a healthier and more active 2026 as he celebrates his milestone birthday in February.
