Rick Astley is a British singer-songwriter known for his hit song "Never Gonna Give You Up," which became an internet sensation due to the "Rickrolling" meme. Here are some interesting facts about Rick Astley and his famous song:
"Never Gonna Give You Up" Release: The song was released on July 27, 1987, as the debut single from Rick Astley's album "Whenever You Need Somebody." It quickly became a massive hit.
Meme Phenomenon: In the mid-2000s, "Never Gonna Give You Up" gained newfound popularity as part of the "Rickrolling" meme. People would post seemingly intriguing links online, but when clicked, they would redirect viewers to the music video for the song, catching them off guard. This meme became an internet sensation and is still occasionally used for online pranks.
MTV Video Music Award: Rick Astley received the Best New Artist award at the 1988 MTV Video Music Awards for his hit song. This recognition helped solidify his status as a pop music sensation.
Guinness World Record: In 2008, Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up" earned a Guinness World Record for the most online videos uploaded with people lip-syncing to the song in a 24-hour period. This record was part of the Rickrolling phenomenon.
Musical Comeback: After taking a break from the music industry, Rick Astley made a comeback in the late 2000s. He released a new album titled "50" in 2016, which reached the number one spot on the UK Albums Chart, marking a significant return to the music scene.
Rickrolling for a Good Cause: In 2020, Rick Astley participated in a Rickrolling event to raise money for the charity "Children in Need" in the UK. He performed "Never Gonna Give You Up" alongside the NHS Choir in a bid to bring some joy during challenging times.
YouTube Milestone: The official music video for "Never Gonna Give You Up" reached over 1 billion views on YouTube, a testament to the enduring popularity of both the song and the Rickrolling meme.
Diverse Musical Talents: Rick Astley is not just known for his singing but is also a talented drummer and guitarist. He occasionally plays these instruments during live performances.
Influential Pop Artist: Rick Astley's music has had a lasting impact on pop culture, and his style of music, often referred to as "blue-eyed soul," continues to influence contemporary artists.
Personal Life: Rick Astley was born on February 6, 1966, in Newton-le-Willows, England. He married his longtime girlfriend, Lene Bausager, in 2003, and they have a daughter together.
While "Never Gonna Give You Up" will forever be associated with the Rickrolling meme, Rick Astley's career spans more than just one iconic song, and he remains a respected figure in the music industry.