Rick Astley fights back tears as he makes heartbreaking confession about 'unconventional' childhood

Singer Rick Astley was overcome with emotion as he spoke about his 'unconventional' childhood and the turbulent relationship he shared with his parents

Rick Astley was visibly moved during a live event as he opened up about his 'unconventional' upbringing. The chart-topping singer is currently touring the UK to promote his revealing new autobiography, 'Never', which delves into his early life in Newton-le-Willows and his rise to fame in the 80s.

At an intimate evening at Liverpool's Philharmonic Hall, Astley spoke candidly about his 'unconventional' childhood and the complex relationship with his parents. While in conversation with Nihal Arthanayake, the 58 year old star disclosed that he had consulted with his family before sharing their collective past in his book.

Rick shared: "I wouldn't say I've been given a green light, but you know, it's a difficult thing because it's their story as well. But I think, when you see the videos of me when I was 21, sort of shuffling around - the kind of brightness of those videos and those songs, it's kind of hard to believe I was raised the way I was."

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He also recounted the profound impact of his family's history on his life, including the loss of his sibling to meningitis and his parents' subsequent divorce when he was just five years old, after which he and his siblings were raised by their father. Rick Astley opened up about his father's struggles with what he believes were mental health issues, telling the Liverpool Echo: "My dad had some issues with, probably, mental health. I think if he'd been diagnosed today he'd have gone in for treatment, and that wouldn't be an issue today. But going back a generation there was no way he was going to do that."

He also recounted his dad's unpredictable behaviour, swinging from joyously singing Frank Sinatra tunes to bouts of severe darkness. The singer-songwriter even recalled the time their family residence was exchanged for a simple cabin in the midst of launching a garden centre.

Discussing his time at school, Rick shared a particularly poignant memory: "In the summer holidays it was great, but the minute you had to go back to school, and there's someone shouting from the back of the class 'Miss, Rick Astley lives in a tin hut', it's a bit embarrassing to say the least."

Notwithstanding all the challenges, Rick sustains a complex fondness towards his father, acknowledging that despite everything, his father's love remained evident. Rick spoke candidly about his mixed feelings towards a close individual, stating, "I actually think if he was a pure b****** all the time it would have been easier to deal with, but the fact that he really loved us and showed us that as well was what was really psychologically hard to get your head around."

His voice carried the weight of his passion for music and the triumphs in his career, with a clear emotional undertone. He shared tales of craving "normality" amidst his struggle not wanting to "live in a tin box in a field". He remembered a poignant chapter from the past when a local bank manager in Warrington presented him with the surprising fortune in his account, which deeply moved him.

Rick recalled: "I go upstairs and he says to me, 'do you know what's in your account? ' - and he showed me what was in my account and it was A LOT of money. I was 21 - maybe just turned 22 even - and it was a stupid amount, like winning the lottery." With emotion swelling, Rick reflected on a powerful epiphany: "And I thought I'm saved. Music has just saved me. I don't have to go back and live in that way ever again, this is my life now and I can choose what I want. It meant a lot to me, because music had saved my life."

Touched by his vulnerability, the audience erupted in supportive applause, cheering him on as he took a moment to sip water and wipe away tears.