WHEN it comes to making gigs, the Eighties icon known as Rick Astley might well insist he's never going to give it up, even if it means singing in a wood.

In fact, given recent album success and a remarkable come-back, Rick could fill a stadium or two.

But Rick is the first artist to announce dates for 2017 as part of Forest Live, the summer concert series promoted by the Forestry Commission where acts perform "in spectacular woodland locations around the country".

A spokesman said: "Soulful-voiced pop icon and multi-million selling artist, Rick Astley has had a lot to celebrate. With his first No 1 album in twenty-nine years, titled ‘50’ the Brit Award winning singer has pulled off one of pop’s most remarkable comebacks; ‘50’ has gone gold and has been well received by fans and critics alike, with singles ‘Keep Singing’ and ‘Angels On My Side’ dominating the airwaves and raking in nearly 1.8m views on VEVO and over 600,000 streams on Spotify."

Astley was just twenty-one years old when he unleashed the iconic ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’, and few debut singles have had the same impact.

The spokesman said: "It became the UK’s biggest selling single of the year, going on to hit No 1 in 16 countries."

Moving to now, and following on from a run of sold out indoor spring 2017 tour dates, at the Forest Live gigs fans can look forward to seeing Rick perform a set of songs from his latest album and greatest hits.

Rick Astley said: Next year sees me celebrating 30 years in the music business since my first No 1 hit. I can’t wait to perform as a part of Forest Live and I really hope you can make one of the dates to enjoy the experience with me.”

The local date will be Saturday June 17 at Westonbirt Arboretum, near Tetbury in Gloucestershire.

Tickets and further details on, 03000 680400, or buy online at www.forestry.gov.uk/music