Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” turns 35; remember the meme

The song “Never Gonna Give You Up” in Rick Astley turns 35 this Wednesday, 27. The track appears to be a common song from the 80s, but is remembered much more by young adults today than those who were teenagers at the time, because the song is born in a pre-internet era.

In 2007, an anonymous user posted a link on the 4chan forum to download the beta version of the game. Grand Theft Auto IV (GTA)– which would only be released in April 2008. However, when clicking, the user was taken to the video clip. “Never Gonna Give You Up” in Rick Astley on Youtube.

The game was successful and came to be called “Rickrolling” – as a reference to a similar meme called “Duckroll”, where the link to a fake and extremely interesting news story directs the user to a video of a duck on wheels.

Today the clip of “Never Gonna Give You Up” contemplates 1 billion and 256 million of views on YouTube and has already been used by companies, events, internet users and even by TV in an ostensible way.

There is no explanation for the success, but the comical effect of the clip with the pompadour Astley, the exaggerated style of the 80s and his extremely serious voice with a youthful appearance.

The British musician does not seem to be bothered by the meme and has always treated fans with great affection, in addition to understanding that the joke contributed to the success of the song.

“I think it’s one of those weird things that happen and people embrace it, but that’s what the genius of the internet is,” Astley said of the meme to the English newspaper. Subway. “My concern is that my daughter won’t be embarrassed about it,” he joked. (via G1)

“Never Gonna Give You Up” it was the singer’s first hit, being the UK’s best-selling single in the year of release. The song is part of their first album Whenever You Need Somebody (1987) and reached number one on music charts in many countries.

Never Gonna Give You Up is 35 years old today! If it was a person it would be old enough to be President according to US law! It’s really got a life of it’s own at this point & I just appreciate all the love, fun & laughter that surrounds it! Here’s to the next 35! Rick ❤️ @POTUS

— Rick Astley (@rickastley) July 27, 2022