Two of the biggest, iconic names of '80s pop, a-ha and Rick Astley, are headed down under for a massive 2020 tour including a number of A Day On The Green dates. We're not rickrolling you. Honest.
Their first tour of Australia in 34 years, the 'Take On Me' legends – singer Morten Harket, keyboardist Mags Furuholmen and guitarist Paul Waaktaar-Savoy – have sold more than 55 million albums. a-ha remain one of the UK and Europe's most-loved pop bands, regularly playing stadiums and festivals.
"We have so many great memories of our Australian tour of 1986 and look forward to making new ones," Paul Waaktaar-Savoy says.
"Australia was the country we played our first ever live concerts," adds Mags Furuholmen, "and was our first brush with worldwide fame. It was a thrilling adventure to be there on the opposite side of the world and it's a thrill to return in 2020 – finally we will be back where it all started."
The Norwegian trio, who dominated pop charts worldwide during the '80s, are celebrating the 35th anniversary of their debut album 'Hunting High And Low' and will be performing the classic album in full as well as other favourites from across their career.
High-profile a-ha admirers include U2's Adam Clayton, Robbie Williams, Pet Shop Boys and Kanye West as well as Coldplay's Chris Martin who named them as one of his early inspirations. "The first band I ever loved was a-ha," Chris says.
"I put a-ha's first record on – I just remembered how much I loved it. It's incredible songwriting – some of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard.
"Everyone asks what inspired us, what we've been trying to steal from and what we listened to as we were growing up. Back when we didn't have any hits of our own, we used to play a-ha songs."
Not to be out-done, 'Never Gonna To Give You Up' singer Rick Astley will be tagging along with his massive back catalogue featuring a treasure trove laden with shimmering pop hits.
The British star has sold more than 40 million albums fuelled by hits like 'Whenever You Need Somebody', 'Together Forever', 'When I Fall In Love', 'She Wants To Dance With Me' and 'Cry For Help'.
Tickets go on sale 26 July at 11am EST. Click here for more information.
a-ha & Rick Astley 2020 Tour Dates
A DAY ON THE GREEN
Wed 19 Feb - Kings Park & Botanic Garden (Perth)Sat 22 Feb - Rochford Wines (Yarra Valley)
Sat 29 Feb - Bimbadgen (Hunter Valley)
Sun 1 Mar - Sirromet Wines (Brisbane)
HEADLINE SHOWS
Sun 23 Feb - Margaret Court Arena (Melbourne)Wed 26 Feb - ICC Sydney Theatre
