A good way to write a post about Rick Astley’s latest tour would be to link to his video biography and let the story speak for itself. We know the game and we’re gonna play it.

But if you want an even better recap of his stop in D.C. at 9:30 Club this Valentine’s Day, first forgive us for that unavoidable link, and then keep reading.

“Did anyone buy my first album?” Rick Astley, now 51, asked the excited crowd that was a visible mix of new and original fans. “Thank you very much, you’ve give me an unbelievably comfortable life. And my mom says thank you because she has a very nice three bedroom house as well.”

Astley was full of candid moments offset by his unmistakable voice belting out crooning ballads. This guy sounds even better now as his songwriting is steeped in soul and he has proven to be a truly a lasting artist beyond the dance-pop stardom of his early 20s.

“This Old House” from 50, his latest # 1 album, and “Together Forever” that earned him his Grammy nomination for ‘Best New Artist’ in 1988, kicked us off into a night that was a concoction of the newest Astley and the young Astley. Plus, we are no strangers to love for the plenty of covers peppered in between.

This was a show for those who wanted dance to an injection of love, vitality, and just enough nostalgia to get us through a holiday that is usually reserved for sap and superficiality. Not here. Not from Astley.

From his covers of Nat King Cole’s “When I Fall In Love” to Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk,” fans were singing, dancing, and asking how we happened upon a perfectly balanced timewarp. You wouldn’t get this from any other guy.

Rick Astley joked that the internet is to thank for introducing fans to his newest work. He also took a survey from the stage, postulating, “You either have your mom’s tickets, you’re at the wrong show, or… You’ve been dragged here.”

With that, he suggested his following tune “Hold Me In Your Arms” were for the later. For all those who might rather be at home watching something on Netflix, he said, but were in attendance because of someone standing next to them, it was the song to at least get their arms around that person.

“You may have noticed that I don’t really move a whole lot, or do a lot of dancing,” Astley said later, trying to tell us how he was feeling. “To be honest it wasn’t really even dancing back in 1987, it was pure fear, that’s what it was.” Astley shared he was often put in front of a microphone as a fresh-faced artist, and challenged to entertain everyone.

But just because he claimed he didn’t dance much anymore, Astley kept the crowd moving with songs like “She Wants to Dance With Me” and “Whenever You Need Somebody.” Backed by the magnificent vocals of Dawn Joseph, this show has some serious power behind it, the kind that is never going you let you down.

And, like a truly masterful performer, Astley knew a Marvin Gaye tribute toward the end of the night was a nice touch for a show in D.C. After his stop with us, he only had dates in New York City and Boston before launching into his 2017 U.K. tour, with all 21 shows sold out.

Of course, the big finale was tipped off by Astley coyly singing, “We’ve only got one more song to play, and you know what it is…”

Don’t tell me you’re too blind to see.

Post and photos by Cristina Rayas & Toby Mues