Rick Astley has spent the last decade proving that his career is about far more than nostalgia. Few moments captured that better than his performance of “As It Was” during BBC New Year’s Eve 2023, a broadcast that welcomed in 2024 with energy, warmth, and unexpected musical twists.
Airing live on BBC One, Rick Astley Rocks New Year’s Eve was filmed at London’s iconic Roundhouse in Camden. Astley wasn’t just the night’s headline performer — he was the host, guiding viewers through a celebration packed with music, guests, and countdown excitement.
While fans tuned in expecting classics like Never Gonna Give You Up and Together Forever, one of the most talked-about moments came when Astley stepped into modern pop territory with a cover of Harry Styles’ “As It Was.”
Reimagining a Modern Classic
Rather than copying the original’s airy, synth-driven feel, Astley gave As It Was his own spin. His deeper, seasoned vocals added emotional weight, turning the song into a reflective, almost nostalgic moment — fitting for a night about endings and new beginnings.
Backed by a tight live band and a crowd fully locked into the moment, the performance felt intimate despite the scale of the broadcast. It was a reminder that great songs can transcend generations when placed in the hands of the right performer.
Why the Performance Resonated
Astley’s choice to cover As It Was wasn’t random. The song’s themes — change, distance, and looking back — perfectly matched the spirit of New Year’s Eve. Coming from an artist whose own career has evolved dramatically since the 1980s, the lyrics took on an added layer of meaning.
Social media quickly lit up with praise, with viewers applauding Astley’s willingness to embrace contemporary music while still sounding unmistakably like himself.
Hosting the BBC’s flagship New Year’s Eve special marked another milestone in Astley’s ongoing resurgence. In recent years, he’s released new music, played major festivals, and reintroduced himself to younger audiences — not as a novelty act, but as a respected live performer.
His As It Was performance stood as proof that longevity in music isn’t about staying the same. It’s about staying relevant, curious, and open to reinvention.
