Rick Astley, at 58 years old, has candidly labeled his 1980s hit, “Never Gonna Give You Up,” which propelled him into instant stardom, as a ‘s*** song’. Despite this, the 1987 release topped the charts in 25 countries and later gained notoriety as one of the earliest YouTube pranks for Rickrolling. Rick admitted that performing the song live at last year’s Glastonbury Festival helped him view it in a new light, noting that festivals have a unique ability to elevate songs. He also shared a humorous anecdote about being approached by fans in unexpected places during the peak of his popularity, such as being asked to sign bibles by two nuns high up in the Italian Alps.
Last year, Rick filed a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against Yung Gravy for unauthorized use of an imitation of his vocals from “Never Gonna Give You Up” in the 2022 single “Betty (Get Money).” Rick claimed that Yung Gravy and his team only licensed the instrumental of the pop classic and surreptitiously used an impersonator to reproduce his vocals in the song. This legal battle potentially cost Rick future lucrative collaboration opportunities, as the lawsuit alleged that the rap artist and his production team conspired to include a nearly indistinguishable imitation of Rick’s voice throughout the track. Despite this legal dispute, Rick delivered an energetic performance at Glastonbury, dressed in a salmon pink suit that delighted fans and likely solidified his status as a festival favorite.
Rick’s Glastonbury performance in 2021 was met with overwhelming praise and adoration from fans and music enthusiasts alike. Many viewers and festival-goers lauded his set as ‘amazing’ and even suggested that he should have headlined the event. The performance was hailed as the highlight of the festival, with commentators commending Rick for his charismatic stage presence and undeniable talent. The singer’s unexpected cover versions of songs like AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell” and Harry Styles’ “As It Was” added a fresh twist to his set, further showcasing his versatility as a performer. Social media was abuzz with compliments for Rick, with numerous fans expressing their admiration for his performance and calling him a ‘legend.’
The impact of Rick Astley’s timeless hit “Never Gonna Give You Up” continues to resonate, despite his personal reservations about the song. The track’s enduring popularity is evident from its success in multiple countries and its resurgence as a viral meme through Rickrolling. Rick’s willingness to embrace the song’s legacy and perform it live at prestigious events like Glastonbury demonstrates his versatility as an artist and his ability to connect with audiences across generations. The lawsuit against Yung Gravy highlights the ongoing challenges faced by artists in protecting their intellectual property and creative work in the digital age. Overall, Rick Astley’s enduring appeal as a performer and his ability to captivate audiences with his music reaffirm his status as a beloved and iconic figure in the music industry.
