Jack Antonoff of Bleachers performs at Rachael Ray's Feedback Party during the 2019 SXSW Conference and Festival at Stubbs Bar-B-Que on March 16, 2019 in Austin, Texas.
Tim Mosenfelder/Getty ImaghesC3 Presents and Live Nation have acquired full ownership of the iconic venue and BBQ restaurant Stubb’s Austin, the companies announced Tuesday (Feb. 15). The sale includes the city block where Stubb’s is located, in Austin’s Red River Cultural District.
C3 has been handling booking at Stubb’s, which typically hosts over 100 shows annually, for the past 26 years. With Live Nation, the company will immediately begin improvements to the 2,500-capacity venue and restaurant, as well as the surrounding land. Live Nation acquired a majority stake in C3 in 2014.
In a statement, C3 promoter Amy Corbin called Stubb’s “one of the most special music venues, not only in Austin, but in the country” adding, “It’s part of our DNA as Austinites, and we intend to carry on the outstanding legacy and experience fans have come to know and love over the years.”
Stubb’s is a popular venue for the annual South by Southwest conference and festival, which runs this year March 11-20.
C3 Presents and Live Nation have been making substantial investments in Austin’s musical landscape for several years. The two companies oversee the entertainment operations of the city’s Moody Amphitheater and the new Moody Center Arena, the latter of which will open with performances by John Mayer on Apr. 20 and 21, 2022.
Rick Astley will take viewers on a reflective look back at his life and career when he appears alongside Dermot O’Leary in a new episode of Reel Stories, due to air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer in February 2026.
The series, first broadcast in 2018, invites major music figures into a London cinema to revisit key moments from both their personal lives and professional paths. With his 60th birthday approaching next year, Astley becomes the latest musician to sit down with O’Leary for the thoughtful and personal conversation.
Looking back on taking part, Astley said: “I loved doing Reel Stories with Dermot O’Leary, what a treat to be taken back to the start and come right through to today. Dermot is the perfect companion to go on that rollercoaster of emotion, love and thanks, Rick x.”
O’Leary shared his own praise for the experience, saying: “What a pleasure to spend time with Rick and hear him talk so openly about his memories from over the decades. I’ve long been a fan of his… A true gent, wise soul and real talent. I hope that viewers enjoy this extended interview as much as I did.”
Rachel Davies, Commissioning Editor for BBC Pop Music TV, described the timing of the episode as ideal. She said: “Reel Stories is all about telling artists’ stories in a unique way… I’m thrilled that in February, Dermot will be joined by the one and only Rick Astley, celebrating Rick’s life and work as he reaches his 60th birthday.”
The programme follows Astley’s journey from his early work with the soul group FBI through to becoming an international pop star guided by Stock Aitken Waterman. He revisits his first appearance on Top of the Pops, speaks about the intense pressure that followed worldwide success when Never Gonna Give You Up reached number one in 25 countries, and reflects on his decision to step back from fame to focus on family.
Astley also talks about how his music found a new audience through the Rickrolling phenomenon, his return to recording after a 20 year break with encouragement from comedian Peter Kay, and his later career revival. This includes the success of his 2016 album 50 and his appearance on Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage in 2023.
As part of the themed evening, viewers will also be able to watch a repeat of Astley’s Glastonbury performance along with Stock Aitken Waterman at the BBC. The additional programme features classic moments from Astley as well as performances by Dead or Alive, Donna Summer, Bananarama, Mel and Kim, and Kylie and Jason Donovan.
Astley now joins a notable group of past Reel Stories guests that includes Dave Grohl, Jon Bon Jovi, Kylie, Noel Gallagher, Pet Shop Boys, Robbie Williams, Shania Twain, Rod Stewart, Sting, and Take That.
