Rick Astley is known for his hit song "Never Gonna Give You Up," which became a viral sensation thanks to the "Rickrolling" internet meme. Here are some interesting facts about Rick Astley and his iconic song:
Early Career: Rick Astley was born on February 6, 1966, in Newton-le-Willows, Lancashire, England. He began his music career at a young age, performing in various local bands.
Debut Single: "Never Gonna Give You Up" was released as Astley's debut single in 1987. The song was an instant success, reaching No. 1 on the charts in 25 countries.
Grammy Nomination: Astley received a Grammy Award nomination for Best New Artist in 1989, thanks in large part to the success of "Never Gonna Give You Up."
Rickrolling: The "Rickrolling" meme, which involves tricking someone into clicking a hyperlink to the music video for "Never Gonna Give You Up," became a global internet sensation in the mid-2000s. Astley himself has embraced the meme and even participated in live Rickrolls.
YouTube Milestone: In 2020, the official music video for "Never Gonna Give You Up" surpassed one billion views on YouTube. Astley celebrated the achievement with a special message to his fans.
1980s Pop Star: Rick Astley was part of the 1980s pop music scene, known for his distinctive deep voice and catchy tunes. Some of his other popular songs from that era include "Together Forever" and "Whenever You Need Somebody."
Comeback: After taking a break from the music industry, Rick Astley made a comeback in the mid-2000s. His album "50," released in 2016, marked his return to the charts and was well-received by both fans and critics.
Respect in the Music Industry: Despite the meme status of "Never Gonna Give You Up," Rick Astley is respected in the music industry for his talent and contributions to pop music.
Family Life: Astley is known for keeping a relatively low profile in his personal life. He has been married to Lene Bausager since 2003, and they have a daughter together.
Collaborations: Rick Astley has collaborated with other artists over the years, including performing with Foo Fighters on stage in 2017, where they covered "Never Gonna Give You Up" in a live performance.
Philanthropy: Astley is involved in charitable work and has supported various causes, including children's charities and cancer research.
Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up" continues to be a timeless pop classic and an enduring part of internet culture, making him an iconic figure in both the music industry and online community.