In the 1980s in the UK the music industry saw the emergence of electronic dance music and new wave, also known as Modern Rock. Disco fell out of fashion and instead in came soft rock, glam metal, thrash metal, shred guitar characterized by heavy distortion, pinch harmonics, and whammy bar abuse became very popular.
In 1987 topping the music charts were a whole roster of established stars such as Madonna, and Boy George. Pet Shop Boys, LL Cool J, Michael Jackson, George Michael etc Then in August of that year came an unknown 21-year-old, who looked no older than 12 and had an amazing profundo voice. He was Rick Astley.
Seemingly against all odds his song “Never Going To Give You Up” was a number 1 hit single in 25 countries, winning the 1988 Brit Award for Best British Single. Astley a clean-cut Northern lad was an unlikely popstar which in many ways contributed to his success. Then just 6 years later Astley retired from the music industry to be with family. Fast forward another 7 years and he is back and recording again and enjoying moderate success.
Then in 2007, Astley became an Internet phenomenon when the music video for his song “Never Gonna Give You Up” became integral to the Rickrolling meme, and his performance career was revitalized by the meme’s popularity..
Labels: 2022, Never Going to Give You Up, Rick Astley, rickrolled, VICE video
