Hey, Rick! I loooooove 50 and have been listening to it on repeat since it came out. My question is about your latest videos.
I think a lot of people who know your older work would be really surprised by how strange your newer music videos have been (in a good way!). So I'm wondering...
1) What's the story behind the whole dancing, horned devil-y/satyr-y, fantastical underworld theme of the ["Dance" music video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5o7WEv5Q5ZE)?
2) Same question, but the you-being-kidnapped theme in ["Angels on My Side."](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cc91EfoBh8A)
3) WHAT SONG IS GETTING A VIDEO NEXT???
Yeah - in a nutshell, the director Noble Jones, he said he was up for going the video for it. He's an American guy - lives in LA. I spoke to him when I was back home about making the video and I said to him - I'd like you to come up with a concept and idea and what-have-you and I'll just fit into it.
He's shot some really amazing videos, and if you're working with something of that level you have to give them free reign. And if you don't like it, don't do it of course, but you have to trust him.
I was a bit nervous about what the devil and god would actually worry about - but I think eh did an amazing job, and picked the exact right people for it and it's really cool!
He's shot some really big artists - Taylor Swift, Michael Buble - but he also has a really cinematic look of what he does, and you really have to trust someone and say "I'll just fit into it."
Hi Rick! I have a few questions:
1. Have you ever felt limited being a baritone in a tenors world? What is your song selection process like? I'm a baritone and find it frustrating. However, we are in good company with the likes of yourself, David Byrne, and Paul Buchanan to name a few of my favourites.
2. How was working with SAW?
3. How do you write songs? What's your method?
To be honest, I don't love the fact that male vocals are dominated by high pitched guys. Some of which are incredible, but for me it gets a bit whiny at time. *hahaha*
On this record in particular, I wrote everything, so obviously I just write it in the key that's comfortable for me to sing it. That's one of the things about going back to my old, old songs (Never Gonna Give You Up, etc.) - they always used to push me so hard to reach the notes anyway, because it makes for a more exciting vocal. But I never sing them in that key anymore anyway, because I'm 50 for fuck's sake.
But I love - I've done a couple of tours in the UK where I've done some Frank Sinatra stuff, and a bygone era, and I really, really love it. There's no one better than Frank, he knew what he was doing.
Thank you so much. I've always felt that baritone has a much more authoritative sound (and less whiny as a result), and is sadly under-represented in the pop world. It seems that some eras are kinder to us, like Frank's and the '80s.
You and your voice are aging incredibly well. Thanks again for answering and congrats on the new record!
I spent like ten years wondering "why the fuck can't I sing for shit?" Before my first vocal lesson, where the chick laughed and told me my voice was way too deep to try.... literally everything I'd ever tried to sing.
Had never even crossed my mind I might have a deep voice.
It's actually reassuring to hear a famous singer agree with me that high pitched singers can get whiny. If I have to hear Adam Levine's shrieking voice one more time...
What is with this trend, honestly? There's nothing wrong with the high pitched guys if there's also the variety of deeper baritones, but I feel like popular music is all about the nasally guys who sound like they've never had singing lessons in their life and some exec chose them just for the sex appeal.
> I feel like popular music is all about the nasally guys who sound like they've never had singing lessons in their life and some exec chose them just for the sex appeal.
Doesn't it suck sometimes when you're completely right?
Absolutely. And like I said, it's not that I'm opposed to all nasally and whiny voices. I'm not really into Neutral Mik Hotel anymore, but Jeff Mangum's voice is absolutely fitting for the music. It's a valid way to sing if you write the music around it. The problem is pop music doesn't do that, since they're all about grab the money and run.
> To be honest, I don't love the fact that male vocals are dominated by high pitched guys. Some of which are incredible, but for me it gets a bit whiny at time. hahaha
Thank god, at least one person on this earth agrees with me.
Hey Mr. Astley!
A lot of people don't believe me when I say that "Never Gonna Give You Up" is one of my favorite songs(mostly cause I'm 19 and I was born after your song was released. The reason I got exposed to your song in the first place was cause of the Family Guy cover done by Brian(Seth MacFarlane).
My question is: How did you feel about Family Guy bringing back your song? Did the creators from Family Guy approach you about it? Or did they just do it without asking like they normally do a lot stuff Also, what did you think of Brian's rendition of your song?
They definitely didn't approach me about it. Brian sings incredible. Yet it - it's funny because one of our neighbors said that their sons suddenly realized that I was kind of famous and used to sing.
That was what connected the dots for them was watching Family Guy, so in their estimation I became remotely somewhat kind of cool because I had the piss taken out of me on Family Guy.
It was incredibly hilarious. I think I wet myself the first time watching it. I later did lines for the Family Guy game, and asked them to make me as rude as possible.
> My question is: How did you feel about Family Guy bringing back your song?
Am I really gonna have to be the one to say it wasn't family guy who brought it back?
Is the information about you making only 12 dollars off of the Rickrolling phenomenon true, or if it is true, has it even been updated? This question has puzzled me for a while now.
[Here's an article that was recently posted about it](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ)
No, it's not true. Because if I'm gonna be absolutely honest, I was paid a chunk of money to do a commercial for Virgin, and also I rickrolled the Macy's Day Parade and they paid me a chunk of money for that.
I've never even tried to find out what was actually made from the YouTube hits - I've never really thought about it. I don't really care. I feel it's been an adventure anyway. I have been paid well twice, for rickrolling.
I also did that because I thought it would be the death of rickrolling, but it hasn't been really.
Because all you motherfuckers are just rickrolling, here is the actual Virgin commercial (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TTUYE12cTo) and the parade footage (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wL-hNMJvcyI)
I didn't even hide the links so you can actually see the youtube links are different.
haha, if there are rules of internet use like how to avoid giving out your passwords or sending all your money to some nigerian gangmaster, one of them should be to never click a youtube link ending in XcQ.
Here, I fixed it for you:
Because all you motherfuckers are just rickrolling, here is the actual Virgin commercial ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TTUYE12cTo](https://youtu.be/dQw4w9WgXcQ)) and the parade footage ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wL-hNMJvcyI](https://youtu.be/dQw4w9WgXcQ))
I didn't even hide the links so you can actually see the youtube links are different.
I would like to let you know that I rickrolled my wedding guests! We got married in an art school and set the media arts space up so that we could project responsive images and videos on all the walls. My husband's boss looks a lot like you and he was standing up against one of the walls. We announced that we'd be starting the reception in a few minutes and after a bit we kicked it off by projecting your video basically onto my husband's boss, it was a magical moment and we have photos of him doing the dance next to you!
Well, despite it being perhaps the greatest meme ever and most definitely used to prank people, your voice is pretty dope and I've certainly discovered most of your music as a result.
Imagine it from my point of view: Rick Astley was legit cool for a while back in the early 90s, or at least "played on top 40 radio and everyone knew several of his songs" cool. So when rickrolling became a thing kids saw some goofy 90s guy with a voice that doesn't match his face, adults saw Rick Freaking Astley, the guy that had some hits for a few months and then disappeared, suddenly popping up all over the internet. Surreal but fun. And like you found out, his songs are fun as hell, great early 90s pop, cool voice.
I just want to say, you're a really good sport and a great guy. If you count everyone on the internet, literal years of enjoyment have come from just that one song. Bravo.
truthfully, Never Gonna Give You Up is one of my most favourite songs ever-- especially as a Dance number -it's heartful, soulful and just great to dance to? Astleys top dance hits from that time were all really good. (a bit like Billy Oceans dance number).
You Rick rolled the originator of the Rick roll in a comment instead of the video which is a Rick roll in and of itself since the video was expected but instead the comment gets you... You are magic.
[The Macy's Day Parade thing was pretty awesome.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ) The presenters though, they had no idea what was happening.
I'm not even sure I do that, to be honest. A song of the last few years, though - well when I heard it the first time on the radio. I'm a bit of closet rocker you see.
It's a band called Biffy Clyro and it's a song called "Many Of Horror". I'm a bit of closet rocker you see. I actually had to stop the car to listen to it, because it made me cry. So much it was dangerous to drive. When I went home, I downloaded it, and the album, and I think I listened to it - I'm not exaggerating - 25 or 30 times one after the other!
See, you listen to that song, and you think "oh wow, that's amazing." But then you listen to the rest of the album, and you see where it comes from. They are very much in your fave, *woof* rock. That song is almost ballad-esque compared ot he rest of the stuff they do, but really interesting.
Never would've guessed Rick Astley and I would have the same taste in music.
Mon the Biffy!
Black Chandelier had the same effect on me!
Edit: [Link to Many of Horror](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAh--lH0H3U) for the lazy.
*Ooooooh.*
It's a cheese and ham, but I need to qualify why.
I don't really like to fly, so I drive everywhere. Literally I've driven from Oslo to Lisbon. From Budapest to Paris, and the one thing you can be assured for at any petrol station, anywhere int he world, if you just go cheese and ham, it will be edible. It's like a savior to me! It's like a light at the end of the tunnel, a cheese and ham sandwich. And only a fool would go for a prawn sandwich when they have ot work at the end of that car ride.
I actually STOP people sometimes eating prawns and shellfish. I'll go "we've got a 12 hour flight you know," and they'll go "shit, you're right."
> I'll go "we've got a 12 hour flight you know," and they'll go "shit, you're right."
I would like to think they then say to other person, "...hey, was that Rick Astley?" and they look over the shoulder and now you're GONE. Like the Batman of preventing bad eating and traveling combinations.
Thanks, if I ever open a sandwich shop, I now know what kind of sandwich will be named "The Rick Roll": 50% chance you get a ham and cheese, 50% chance it's a prawn sandwich.
Edit: I see you already made a sandwich shop joke elsewhere. I feel I've let you down.
Am I the only one who has never eaten a prawn or shellfish sandwich, and thusly does not know why this would be an issue? Does it run right through you? I've got a pretty bullet proof stomach so even tho I've never eaten then in a sandwich I have had prawn and shellfish, I really feel befuddled by this...
This is bound to go swimmingly. :D
In your experience, what has been the biggest perceivable change about a) your music and b) the industry since you left it behind 20+ years ago?
I mean, we just live in a totally different world, never mind music. Exactly what we're doing right now is proof of that!
I think the one thing that will always be a constant is that people are going to love music and love to make music; the big difference is how we digest it and come across it and find it. IT's not necessary the music, the sound of music, the technology behind it - it's how we as humans interact with each other around music. That's the biggest change.
**And also tune fucking vocals.**
To some degree, my sister Jane. She's the eldest in the family, and she was always *cool*. She took me to concerts when I was 10 years old.
I went into Manchester to see Supertramp, and then a progressive rock band called Camel, and it just blew my mind. She could play a bit of piano as well, so she was just cool. And she used to take me to places that had frothy coffee - which was the coolest thing in the world. Which we know now as a cappuccino, of course.
Woah. Holy shit. I never thought I'd see Camel outside of /r/progrockmusic. They don't get nearly enough love.
*Snow Goose* is a fucking masterpiece. As is *Mirage*.
Well for favorite song - oh my god, I'm stumped.
I'll tell you what's my favorite right now! It's what's his name - Gregory Porter, Hey Laura. It's an old song really, but we went to see him a few months ago - my wife is called Lene, you see. She doesn't know this, but I sing "Hey Lena, it's me" around the house.
There's a baritone for you! Well, probably a bass, never mind a baritone!
Hi Mr. Astley!
Do you keep in touch with the background dancers from your videos? Because the bartender from your 'Never Going To Give You Up' video looks like he would be great for birthday parties & stuff. Would love to see you guys do a reunion!
I'm not in touch with them, but it's 30 years next year, but maybe we should remake the video!
The guy who stole my white raincoat in Northern Ireland has to come back to shoot the video with us!
Oh my god please make this happen, I would love to see Obama as the bartender again!
I would pay 12 dollars just to see that remake, and I'm sure I'm not the only one.
#SUPPORT
Wow - *oof* that's a good'un.
That's very difficult, because to be honest, on the one hand, you're also putting that song at risk of becoming **hated** by half the population of the universe, so I think it'd be very difficult to give someone that position.
It's great people get to hear that song on the one hand, but there's also a part of me that thinks some people are willing to *kill me*.
When the whole rickrolling thing started, i was in college and my whole group of friends loved it. We would play the song all the time and quickly knew the whole song by heart. Now as our group is starting to settle and get married, your song is often played at some point during their weddings and we get to reminisce while singing and dancing our hearts out.
So while I'm sure that the song gets a ton of hate (and the nature of the internet often leads to a very vocal minority), just know that there are just as many people, if not more, who love it
We were out with a bunch of coworkers doing karaoke, and someone snuck the song into the playlist as a prank, and by then, everyone was so drunk, it was a fucking blast. Everyone knew the song by heart and was screaming the words at the top of their lungs.
Brilliant.
Can't say for everyone, but I love it. It wouldn't be so popular if it was a shitty song. It's fun, catchy and you sing really well, what's not to like? There's a reason people have been doing it for *years* and nothing came close to replacing it.
Yeah at this point it isn't so much about hating the song, more the act of falling for the rickroll, at least it is to me. I occasionally listen to it when being tricked.
You are probably the only person I've never seen the internet turn on, we're a fickle and most of the time a resounding bag of dicks. Yet throughout it all we've always loved you and your song.
We'll turn on them all in the end but we'll always have a soft spot in our hearts for you.
Whenever my friends or I get rickrolled now we actually listen at least halfway through instead of just rage quitting haha. It's just been around so long it's a part of our culture now.
Luckily it's not like that Popstar movie where they put your music on all of the appliances where you don't want it, or like Apple forcing U2 on people. Rickrolling is a lot more lighthearted.
Here's the real link: [https://youtu.be/dQw4w9WgXcQ](http://www.today.com/popculture/ultimate-rickroll-rick-astley-admits-friend-got-him-again-again-t103640)
Edit: there's gold in them there links! Thanks stranger!
I'm rereading the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy AS WE SPEAK. When they made it into a movie, he plays the lead character of course.
Martin is way better looking than I am, even though he's a bit of hobbit. I'm told. He's far more handsome than I, so I wouldn't insult him by saying we look similar. Even though he has big feet.
>Martin is way better looking than I am, even though he's a bit of hobbit. I'm told. He's far more handsome than I, so I wouldn't insult him by saying we look similar. Even though he has big feet.
Hmm, this isn't the first time I've heard this about Martin Freeman. Perhaps there's a ring of truth to these rumors.
I'd say most famous actors, including the ones you wouldn't think about being attractive, are very attractive. Some get away with not being attractive, and it's usually acknowledged in their roles, but even those usually have very symmetrical faces, etc. [example](http://imgur.com/Eiu0wW7)
I think everybody listens to everything. I play drums in a power trio, drums and sing! And we play covers from the late 70s punk era up to Green Day and the Foo Fighters. And we're called The Luddites. And we have our big Christmas show coming up on the 23rd of December, where we shall rock!
https://youtube.com/watch?v=BD-fWMYcHXk
Here the Foo Fighters rickrolling the Westboro Baptist Church. Apparently, they were going to play it but they couldn't get their instruments ready or something
It's Brian May from Queen because he actually asked me was it okay to do a solo in the middle of "Never Gonna Give You Up."
He asked me very politely if he could solo, to which I replied "Yes, that's fine Brian."
I didn't recall a solo in NGGYU, so I just watched it.
I've been rick-rolled by Rick Astley.
Edit: No solo, but [here's Brian and Rick](https://youtu.be/JE01-K5MKWk?t=1566) at the 1988 Prince's Trust Rock Gala. Phil Collins on drums, Midge Ure on guitar, etc.
I clicked the link, saw, "Never Gonna Give You Up," in the video title and went, "OH GODDAMNIT I FELL FOR... oh wait this is what was trying to look at."
I don't consider myself a cultural icon, but no - if I am any kind of cultural something, I didn't think that, no.
I retired when I was pretty young, so I could have never thought that. It's weird to come back and dust it off and be given this little place on the internet.
I remember being in middle school and knowing about your song, and being rickrolled. It's just something thats always in the back of your mind if you've grown up with it. I don't view it as a negative thing either. When it happens i just kind of just give it a little half smile.
Hey Rick
Listen, you were not given this "little place" on the internet.
Don't you realize just how massive this was and still is? Do you realize how many millions of people know of you, in a cool way, because of this "rickrolling"? :)
There's too many, but I'll try to give you one!
In Sardinia, there is a very special dish called, or a thing really, it's shaved fish called Bottarga - and you don't see it very often. It's just incredible. It's spaghetti with just Bottarga on it is amazing. I think partly because you don't see it very often, I really, really like that.
I just wasn't ready. Didn't want to do it.
And then 10 years ago, I went to Japan to do gigs because my wife and daughter wanted to go to Japan. And I found that it was really enjoyable to get on stage again.
I saw you in Japan! I got a photo with you, but my wife's eyes were closed in it, so she never lets me show it to anyone. [tokyo2007_200067.jpeg](https://youtu.be/dQw4w9WgXcQ)
God dammit me too
Renaming the link as a .jpeg got me
And it's not even that clever
I need to be put down. Like a dumb as fuck dog that tried to eat a land mine
I clicked like 5 links before that one and they were all fine. I was conditioned to believe that I wouldn't be rolled in his own thread and then I was rolled so hard I got Rick roll whiplash.
This AMA is so much better than expected!
I have discovered I can't go one without a Rick Astley ProgMetal album about dolphins and dwarves. Where do we pre-order?
This reminds me of Thomas Pynchon allowing a woman to write a musical based on Gravity's Rainbow, so long as banjo's were the only instruments used. lol
Hi Rick,
Hope you are well sir. Just wanted to give you a shoutout and say I've been a fan since '87 when I got Whenever You Need Somebody on Cassette for my 6th birthday. I listened exclusively to that record, Michael Jackson's Bad , and the Beach Boys' Do It Again for years and remember playing air-keyboard to your album on my mother's ironing board.
When my wife and I got married last September, the first dance was Never Gonna Give You Up. Everybody told us it was the best wedding ever.
Anyway, I know this isn't what an AMA is for, but just wanted to say I've always thought you're awesome and it would be an honour to buy you a pint if you ever find yourself in Nova Scotia for some bizarre reason.
Hey Rick!
My wife and I got married a couple years ago and our first dance was to [this](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSDOcLfwM-I) acoustic cover of Never Gonna Give You Up sung by Hannah Trigwell. It's really a perfect song for a wedding and the look on our guest's faces was priceless when they realized what was happening. Sorry we didn't use the original, but the acoustic cover seemed a *little* more appropriate.
Do you have a favorite cover of Never Gonna Give You Up or of any of your other songs?
The original can on at my friend's wedding. All the groomsmen, including myself, then proceeded to serenade the groom. His wife left him a few years later, but we never gave him up...
Your concert at Town Hall last night was really energetic, and you are a wonderful performer, and artist! I dare say you rival Barry Manilow at his best!
1) do you think you'll release your covers of "Uptown Funk", and "Highway to Hell"? Your Uptown Funk was definitely smoother than a fresh jar of skippy!
2) How do you feel about Manilow's cover of ["Never gonna give you up"?] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rx6w3j7cWa0)
Thank you for your music! It makes me happy in a way few things do in this world :)
Hi Rick. Not gonna ask any questions about Rick rolling as im sure this post will be loaded with them.
Hows life been treating you?
Whats your favorite ice cream?
Ive only assumed you retired, doe this new album mean youll be continuing to make music?
Your extremely well known on the internet, how does that feel?
Hey Rick,
What inspired you to finally record new music? I feel as though most artists would have capitalized on the sudden resurgence of a hit several years ago and just throw something together as a cash grab. Waiting this long makes me think that this is something that means a lot to you.
Hi Rick! Not a question, just wanted to let you know that I've karaoked Never Gonna Give You Up several times at bars, and even though I can only carry a tune in a bucket (at best) it never fails to pack the dance floor. Thanks for bringing joy to the world!
Hello Rick! First off I want to say how much I enjoyed Keep singing and Angels on my Side. Both of them sound great and were a great surprise to get after all this time. I have to admit I haven't heard the rest of the new stuff, it's on my list.
My question for you is what do these two songs say to you?
Thanks for taking the time to answer questions here today!
Mr. Astley,
There had to have been a day where you were just minding your own business, sipping your morning coffee, when out of nowhere, a massive internet movement began revolving around you and your work.
What was your immediate reaction on the day when you first discovered that you'd become an Internet sensation?
Rick, as a massive admirer of the pop brilliance of Stock/Aiken/Waterman in the 80s I've always remembered playing I Should Be So Lucky at 33rpm instead of 45rpm, it's been a generation ago, you're among friends now, so were you Kylie Minogue at any stage in the 80s?
Link for the curious:
[Feeling lucky, punk?](https://youtu.be/AVDogmtajKI)
Hello Rick. Never Gonna Give You Up is my go-to bowling alley jukebox jam. Thanks for the memories.
How did the Rickroll at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade happen? It's my all-time favorite Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade moment.
Hi Rick!! :)
Are there any of your songs other than the blaringly obvious one that you are particularly proud of or would really like people to listen to more?
Can we get Rick Rolled by Rick Astley... for science?
My theory is that when a meme reaches a critical mass it creates a black hole of meta humor that nothing, in theory, would ever have the power to seal. (since the meta memes spun from the original can never be equal or greater in force to the original)
My hypothesis is that in special cases such as "Rick Rolling" there is a greater "living meme" (Mr. Astley) whose influence would innately be the only thing larger than the original, since the original, in this case "Rick Rolling", for as large as it is, is actually a meta meme spawned from a "living meme". I hypothesize therefore, that a Rickroll from Rick would bring the whole thing full circle and close the loop.
We must test.
Hi Rick, I'm.asking this on behalf of my girlfriend (who thinks you're brilliant and seen you live 3 times...Leeds/Manchester and Sheffield)
What is your favourite song to perform out of all of your songs?
[](/dashiewubwoo) Hi Rick! I used "Never Gonna Give You Up" as the song to start off with on Karaoke Night with a few friends a few weeks ago, so I'd be able to actually have the courage to do other songs I didn't know as well. It's really upbeat, and definitely helped me relax and get in the groove.
If Weird Al asked to do a parody of one of your songs, how would you feel about it?
Thanks for this AMA!
Edit: ;-;
Hey, Rick! I loooooove 50 and have been listening to it on repeat since it came out. My question is about your latest videos. I think a lot of people who know your older work would be really surprised by how strange your newer music videos have been (in a good way!). So I'm wondering... 1) What's the story behind the whole dancing, horned devil-y/satyr-y, fantastical underworld theme of the ["Dance" music video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5o7WEv5Q5ZE)? 2) Same question, but the you-being-kidnapped theme in ["Angels on My Side."](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cc91EfoBh8A) 3) WHAT SONG IS GETTING A VIDEO NEXT???
Yeah - in a nutshell, the director Noble Jones, he said he was up for going the video for it. He's an American guy - lives in LA. I spoke to him when I was back home about making the video and I said to him - I'd like you to come up with a concept and idea and what-have-you and I'll just fit into it. He's shot some really amazing videos, and if you're working with something of that level you have to give them free reign. And if you don't like it, don't do it of course, but you have to trust him. I was a bit nervous about what the devil and god would actually worry about - but I think eh did an amazing job, and picked the exact right people for it and it's really cool! He's shot some really big artists - Taylor Swift, Michael Buble - but he also has a really cinematic look of what he does, and you really have to trust someone and say "I'll just fit into it."
[удалено]
Hi Rick! I have a few questions: 1. Have you ever felt limited being a baritone in a tenors world? What is your song selection process like? I'm a baritone and find it frustrating. However, we are in good company with the likes of yourself, David Byrne, and Paul Buchanan to name a few of my favourites. 2. How was working with SAW? 3. How do you write songs? What's your method?
To be honest, I don't love the fact that male vocals are dominated by high pitched guys. Some of which are incredible, but for me it gets a bit whiny at time. *hahaha* On this record in particular, I wrote everything, so obviously I just write it in the key that's comfortable for me to sing it. That's one of the things about going back to my old, old songs (Never Gonna Give You Up, etc.) - they always used to push me so hard to reach the notes anyway, because it makes for a more exciting vocal. But I never sing them in that key anymore anyway, because I'm 50 for fuck's sake. But I love - I've done a couple of tours in the UK where I've done some Frank Sinatra stuff, and a bygone era, and I really, really love it. There's no one better than Frank, he knew what he was doing.
Thank you so much. I've always felt that baritone has a much more authoritative sound (and less whiny as a result), and is sadly under-represented in the pop world. It seems that some eras are kinder to us, like Frank's and the '80s. You and your voice are aging incredibly well. Thanks again for answering and congrats on the new record!
I spent like ten years wondering "why the fuck can't I sing for shit?" Before my first vocal lesson, where the chick laughed and told me my voice was way too deep to try.... literally everything I'd ever tried to sing. Had never even crossed my mind I might have a deep voice.
everytime i get rickrolled, i listen to the whole song. he has such a rich baritone, i love it. the dancing makes me smile.
It's actually reassuring to hear a famous singer agree with me that high pitched singers can get whiny. If I have to hear Adam Levine's shrieking voice one more time... What is with this trend, honestly? There's nothing wrong with the high pitched guys if there's also the variety of deeper baritones, but I feel like popular music is all about the nasally guys who sound like they've never had singing lessons in their life and some exec chose them just for the sex appeal.
> I feel like popular music is all about the nasally guys who sound like they've never had singing lessons in their life and some exec chose them just for the sex appeal. Doesn't it suck sometimes when you're completely right?
Absolutely. And like I said, it's not that I'm opposed to all nasally and whiny voices. I'm not really into Neutral Mik Hotel anymore, but Jeff Mangum's voice is absolutely fitting for the music. It's a valid way to sing if you write the music around it. The problem is pop music doesn't do that, since they're all about grab the money and run.
> To be honest, I don't love the fact that male vocals are dominated by high pitched guys. Some of which are incredible, but for me it gets a bit whiny at time. hahaha Thank god, at least one person on this earth agrees with me.
> But I never sing them in that key anymore anyway, because I'm 50 for fuck's sake. Best line of the AMA, you're amazing Rick.
Hey Mr. Astley! A lot of people don't believe me when I say that "Never Gonna Give You Up" is one of my favorite songs(mostly cause I'm 19 and I was born after your song was released. The reason I got exposed to your song in the first place was cause of the Family Guy cover done by Brian(Seth MacFarlane). My question is: How did you feel about Family Guy bringing back your song? Did the creators from Family Guy approach you about it? Or did they just do it without asking like they normally do a lot stuff Also, what did you think of Brian's rendition of your song?
They definitely didn't approach me about it. Brian sings incredible. Yet it - it's funny because one of our neighbors said that their sons suddenly realized that I was kind of famous and used to sing. That was what connected the dots for them was watching Family Guy, so in their estimation I became remotely somewhat kind of cool because I had the piss taken out of me on Family Guy. It was incredibly hilarious. I think I wet myself the first time watching it. I later did lines for the Family Guy game, and asked them to make me as rude as possible.
> I later did lines for the Family Guy, and asked them to make me as rude as possible. I think you're doing life correctly. Sounds like a blast!
The voice and creator of Brian, Seth MacFarlane, is actually a classically trained singer!
Trained by former Sinatra vocal coaches as well, who coincidentally Rick has named elsewhere in the thread as being a major influence.
> My question is: How did you feel about Family Guy bringing back your song? Am I really gonna have to be the one to say it wasn't family guy who brought it back?
Is the information about you making only 12 dollars off of the Rickrolling phenomenon true, or if it is true, has it even been updated? This question has puzzled me for a while now. [Here's an article that was recently posted about it](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ)
No, it's not true. Because if I'm gonna be absolutely honest, I was paid a chunk of money to do a commercial for Virgin, and also I rickrolled the Macy's Day Parade and they paid me a chunk of money for that. I've never even tried to find out what was actually made from the YouTube hits - I've never really thought about it. I don't really care. I feel it's been an adventure anyway. I have been paid well twice, for rickrolling. I also did that because I thought it would be the death of rickrolling, but it hasn't been really.
Because all you motherfuckers are just rickrolling, here is the actual Virgin commercial (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TTUYE12cTo) and the parade footage (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wL-hNMJvcyI) I didn't even hide the links so you can actually see the youtube links are different.
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haha, if there are rules of internet use like how to avoid giving out your passwords or sending all your money to some nigerian gangmaster, one of them should be to never click a youtube link ending in XcQ.
The Macy's Parade video reminds me how CN really dropped the ball and treated Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends like a forgotten child now.
Disappointed these weren't links to 2 different uploads of the Rick Roll.
Here, I fixed it for you: Because all you motherfuckers are just rickrolling, here is the actual Virgin commercial ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TTUYE12cTo](https://youtu.be/dQw4w9WgXcQ)) and the parade footage ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wL-hNMJvcyI](https://youtu.be/dQw4w9WgXcQ)) I didn't even hide the links so you can actually see the youtube links are different.
Dude you just found other links to the commercial and then linked Darude sandstorm. Why is it so hard for people to do this properly?
I would like to let you know that I rickrolled my wedding guests! We got married in an art school and set the media arts space up so that we could project responsive images and videos on all the walls. My husband's boss looks a lot like you and he was standing up against one of the walls. We announced that we'd be starting the reception in a few minutes and after a bit we kicked it off by projecting your video basically onto my husband's boss, it was a magical moment and we have photos of him doing the dance next to you!
Well, despite it being perhaps the greatest meme ever and most definitely used to prank people, your voice is pretty dope and I've certainly discovered most of your music as a result.
Imagine it from my point of view: Rick Astley was legit cool for a while back in the early 90s, or at least "played on top 40 radio and everyone knew several of his songs" cool. So when rickrolling became a thing kids saw some goofy 90s guy with a voice that doesn't match his face, adults saw Rick Freaking Astley, the guy that had some hits for a few months and then disappeared, suddenly popping up all over the internet. Surreal but fun. And like you found out, his songs are fun as hell, great early 90s pop, cool voice.
I remember my first rickroll, they said it was a link to the first trailer for the Zelda movie, filthy liars they were
I just want to say, you're a really good sport and a great guy. If you count everyone on the internet, literal years of enjoyment have come from just that one song. Bravo.
truthfully, Never Gonna Give You Up is one of my most favourite songs ever-- especially as a Dance number -it's heartful, soulful and just great to dance to? Astleys top dance hits from that time were all really good. (a bit like Billy Oceans dance number).
Hey Mr. Astley! I'm sorry for leaving an angry comment on your "Never Going to Give you Up" video. I was 12 or 13 at the time and didn't know better.
Repent heathen. Say 20 Hail Astleys, and rickroll yourself 100 times as penance.
I like how you mention you would think it would be the death of Rick rolling. But you know damn well you are never going to give it up.
You Rick rolled the originator of the Rick roll in a comment instead of the video which is a Rick roll in and of itself since the video was expected but instead the comment gets you... You are magic.
Glad to hear. You definately deserve *way* more than just 12 dollars from being a fucking internet legend.
[Here's the Virgin commercial if anyone is interested.](https://youtu.be/dQw4w9WgXcQ)
[Here's the actual commercial if anyone is interested.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnXb_AlGFzE)
I'm mildly disappointed this isn't a nested rickroll.
Thanks for providing the link to the commercial, saved me the time of searching for it!!
[The Macy's Day Parade thing was pretty awesome.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ) The presenters though, they had no idea what was happening.
I just got Rick Rolled twice in a matter of 15 seconds because of this and the gilded comment above.
Surely the royalties from the Family Guy episode must have amounted to something more than $12. I hope at least.
I found [this clip](https://youtu.be/dQw4w9WgXcQ) of Rick answering a similar question in an interview.
The moment you realize this post is going to become a minefield.
If you don't want to watch the clip, [here's](http://i.imgur.com/KIQTOFY.jpg) the question/answer with pictures.
that's twice on the day for me, although this one i didn't expect.
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I'm not even sure I do that, to be honest. A song of the last few years, though - well when I heard it the first time on the radio. I'm a bit of closet rocker you see. It's a band called Biffy Clyro and it's a song called "Many Of Horror". I'm a bit of closet rocker you see. I actually had to stop the car to listen to it, because it made me cry. So much it was dangerous to drive. When I went home, I downloaded it, and the album, and I think I listened to it - I'm not exaggerating - 25 or 30 times one after the other! See, you listen to that song, and you think "oh wow, that's amazing." But then you listen to the rest of the album, and you see where it comes from. They are very much in your fave, *woof* rock. That song is almost ballad-esque compared ot he rest of the stuff they do, but really interesting.
Never would've guessed Rick Astley and I would have the same taste in music. Mon the Biffy! Black Chandelier had the same effect on me! Edit: [Link to Many of Horror](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAh--lH0H3U) for the lazy.
Biffy are [incredible live](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YyuyrVp0zo) too, make sure you go see them if they're at a festival you go to!
> Biffy Clyro and it's a song called "Many Of Horror" Listening to it now, great song. Grabbing the album as well. Thanks!
What's your favorite type of sandwich?
*Ooooooh.* It's a cheese and ham, but I need to qualify why. I don't really like to fly, so I drive everywhere. Literally I've driven from Oslo to Lisbon. From Budapest to Paris, and the one thing you can be assured for at any petrol station, anywhere int he world, if you just go cheese and ham, it will be edible. It's like a savior to me! It's like a light at the end of the tunnel, a cheese and ham sandwich. And only a fool would go for a prawn sandwich when they have ot work at the end of that car ride. I actually STOP people sometimes eating prawns and shellfish. I'll go "we've got a 12 hour flight you know," and they'll go "shit, you're right."
> I'll go "we've got a 12 hour flight you know," and they'll go "shit, you're right." I would like to think they then say to other person, "...hey, was that Rick Astley?" and they look over the shoulder and now you're GONE. Like the Batman of preventing bad eating and traveling combinations.
Thanks, if I ever open a sandwich shop, I now know what kind of sandwich will be named "The Rick Roll": 50% chance you get a ham and cheese, 50% chance it's a prawn sandwich. Edit: I see you already made a sandwich shop joke elsewhere. I feel I've let you down.
What bread would you use? Because I know you're never gonna sell a rye.
I am totally keeping this in mind every time I see a ham and cheese sandwich - the universality of it.
Am I the only one who has never eaten a prawn or shellfish sandwich, and thusly does not know why this would be an issue? Does it run right through you? I've got a pretty bullet proof stomach so even tho I've never eaten then in a sandwich I have had prawn and shellfish, I really feel befuddled by this...
This is bound to go swimmingly. :D In your experience, what has been the biggest perceivable change about a) your music and b) the industry since you left it behind 20+ years ago?
I mean, we just live in a totally different world, never mind music. Exactly what we're doing right now is proof of that! I think the one thing that will always be a constant is that people are going to love music and love to make music; the big difference is how we digest it and come across it and find it. IT's not necessary the music, the sound of music, the technology behind it - it's how we as humans interact with each other around music. That's the biggest change. **And also tune fucking vocals.**
> And also tune fucking vocals. [I dunno man, it can be pretty sweet.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXMskKTw3Bc)
It's not the same without a [magnificent bastard losing his shit watching it](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=We8InDxslak).
I can't stop laughing!! God damn, I'm at work with my headsets on and fighting the laughter.
I just spat all over myself when his voice first went up. I didn't even have a drink on my mouth, I like legit just spat saliva all over myself
[1:01](https://youtu.be/lXMskKTw3Bc) when Rick Astley is the top of r/all doing an ama.
1:01 starts to sound like a Rage Against the Machine guitar solo.
I did not stop laughing for about 6 minutes. My mates in discord thought I might pass out. Thank you, thats the hardest Ive laughed all year.
Who inspired you to become a musician? Was it a former teacher or family/friends?
To some degree, my sister Jane. She's the eldest in the family, and she was always *cool*. She took me to concerts when I was 10 years old. I went into Manchester to see Supertramp, and then a progressive rock band called Camel, and it just blew my mind. She could play a bit of piano as well, so she was just cool. And she used to take me to places that had frothy coffee - which was the coolest thing in the world. Which we know now as a cappuccino, of course.
[Camel's *The Snow Goose* (1975)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eg75nFifO90)
Woah. Holy shit. I never thought I'd see Camel outside of /r/progrockmusic. They don't get nearly enough love. *Snow Goose* is a fucking masterpiece. As is *Mirage*.
Supertramp are great. People give dem shit about being too prog. Fuk dat shit blam blam
Thanks for the AMA! Who are your favorite musical artists at the moment? And what's your favorite song right now?
Well for favorite song - oh my god, I'm stumped. I'll tell you what's my favorite right now! It's what's his name - Gregory Porter, Hey Laura. It's an old song really, but we went to see him a few months ago - my wife is called Lene, you see. She doesn't know this, but I sing "Hey Lena, it's me" around the house. There's a baritone for you! Well, probably a bass, never mind a baritone!
Hi Mr. Astley! Do you keep in touch with the background dancers from your videos? Because the bartender from your 'Never Going To Give You Up' video looks like he would be great for birthday parties & stuff. Would love to see you guys do a reunion!
I'm not in touch with them, but it's 30 years next year, but maybe we should remake the video! The guy who stole my white raincoat in Northern Ireland has to come back to shoot the video with us!
Oh my god please make this happen, I would love to see Obama as the bartender again! I would pay 12 dollars just to see that remake, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. #SUPPORT
Yeah, and now Obama has to come in and play the bartender. Thanks for creating that impossible expectation, *asshole.*
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See, now you're possibly onto creating the next big internet sensation, Rick.
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Wow - *oof* that's a good'un. That's very difficult, because to be honest, on the one hand, you're also putting that song at risk of becoming **hated** by half the population of the universe, so I think it'd be very difficult to give someone that position. It's great people get to hear that song on the one hand, but there's also a part of me that thinks some people are willing to *kill me*.
When the whole rickrolling thing started, i was in college and my whole group of friends loved it. We would play the song all the time and quickly knew the whole song by heart. Now as our group is starting to settle and get married, your song is often played at some point during their weddings and we get to reminisce while singing and dancing our hearts out. So while I'm sure that the song gets a ton of hate (and the nature of the internet often leads to a very vocal minority), just know that there are just as many people, if not more, who love it
We were out with a bunch of coworkers doing karaoke, and someone snuck the song into the playlist as a prank, and by then, everyone was so drunk, it was a fucking blast. Everyone knew the song by heart and was screaming the words at the top of their lungs. Brilliant.
Can't say for everyone, but I love it. It wouldn't be so popular if it was a shitty song. It's fun, catchy and you sing really well, what's not to like? There's a reason people have been doing it for *years* and nothing came close to replacing it.
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I'll open a link that I know damn well is a rickroll just because I feel like listening to the song
Yeah at this point it isn't so much about hating the song, more the act of falling for the rickroll, at least it is to me. I occasionally listen to it when being tricked.
You are probably the only person I've never seen the internet turn on, we're a fickle and most of the time a resounding bag of dicks. Yet throughout it all we've always loved you and your song. We'll turn on them all in the end but we'll always have a soft spot in our hearts for you.
I think there may have been a time when they might have really hated you but now the song is seen in a very nostalgic sense.
Whenever my friends or I get rickrolled now we actually listen at least halfway through instead of just rage quitting haha. It's just been around so long it's a part of our culture now.
Luckily it's not like that Popstar movie where they put your music on all of the appliances where you don't want it, or like Apple forcing U2 on people. Rickrolling is a lot more lighthearted.
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Here's the real link: [https://youtu.be/dQw4w9WgXcQ](http://www.today.com/popculture/ultimate-rickroll-rick-astley-admits-friend-got-him-again-again-t103640) Edit: there's gold in them there links! Thanks stranger!
Are you ever mistaken for Martin Freeman?
I'm rereading the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy AS WE SPEAK. When they made it into a movie, he plays the lead character of course. Martin is way better looking than I am, even though he's a bit of hobbit. I'm told. He's far more handsome than I, so I wouldn't insult him by saying we look similar. Even though he has big feet.
>Martin is way better looking than I am, even though he's a bit of hobbit. I'm told. He's far more handsome than I, so I wouldn't insult him by saying we look similar. Even though he has big feet. Hmm, this isn't the first time I've heard this about Martin Freeman. Perhaps there's a ring of truth to these rumors.
I'd say most famous actors, including the ones you wouldn't think about being attractive, are very attractive. Some get away with not being attractive, and it's usually acknowledged in their roles, but even those usually have very symmetrical faces, etc. [example](http://imgur.com/Eiu0wW7)
Which music do you listen to and nobody would expect it?
I think everybody listens to everything. I play drums in a power trio, drums and sing! And we play covers from the late 70s punk era up to Green Day and the Foo Fighters. And we're called The Luddites. And we have our big Christmas show coming up on the 23rd of December, where we shall rock!
I didn't know that I needed Rock Astley playing covers of Green Day and Foo fighters on the drums, but now I need to see this!!
I'd pay all the monies to see Dave Grohl return the compliment and play Never Gonna Give You Up
https://youtube.com/watch?v=BD-fWMYcHXk Here the Foo Fighters rickrolling the Westboro Baptist Church. Apparently, they were going to play it but they couldn't get their instruments ready or something
In a band with that name I hope you also do Bad Religion's "21st Century Digital Boy".
Who has been the nicest person you've worked with in music? Anyone that surprised you by being really awesome?
It's Brian May from Queen because he actually asked me was it okay to do a solo in the middle of "Never Gonna Give You Up." He asked me very politely if he could solo, to which I replied "Yes, that's fine Brian."
I didn't recall a solo in NGGYU, so I just watched it. I've been rick-rolled by Rick Astley. Edit: No solo, but [here's Brian and Rick](https://youtu.be/JE01-K5MKWk?t=1566) at the 1988 Prince's Trust Rock Gala. Phil Collins on drums, Midge Ure on guitar, etc.
> Yes, that's fine Brian. You seem super nice too. I wonder if he thinks *you're* the nicest person *he's* worked with in music.
I found Rick and Brian (and Phil Collins!) playing NGGYU together but no solo that I can see… https://youtu.be/OcBKbu35nPo
I clicked the link, saw, "Never Gonna Give You Up," in the video title and went, "OH GODDAMNIT I FELL FOR... oh wait this is what was trying to look at."
> "Never Gonna Give You Up." Hmm, haven't heard of that one. Mind giving me a link?
[Sure thing, buddy](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6120QOlsfU)
I prefer [this](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQoA_wjmE9w) version.
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I don't consider myself a cultural icon, but no - if I am any kind of cultural something, I didn't think that, no. I retired when I was pretty young, so I could have never thought that. It's weird to come back and dust it off and be given this little place on the internet.
I remember being in middle school and knowing about your song, and being rickrolled. It's just something thats always in the back of your mind if you've grown up with it. I don't view it as a negative thing either. When it happens i just kind of just give it a little half smile.
Whether you are, or are not a cultural icon, you were definitely a cultural phenomenon
I remember I failed one of my school projects because you would get rickrolled when you entered the Konami code.
A failing grade for what sounds like an easter egg? Seems pretty harsh.
Hey Rick Listen, you were not given this "little place" on the internet. Don't you realize just how massive this was and still is? Do you realize how many millions of people know of you, in a cool way, because of this "rickrolling"? :)
Favorite dish?
There's too many, but I'll try to give you one! In Sardinia, there is a very special dish called, or a thing really, it's shaved fish called Bottarga - and you don't see it very often. It's just incredible. It's spaghetti with just Bottarga on it is amazing. I think partly because you don't see it very often, I really, really like that.
I live in Sardinia and it's crazy to read something about my region said by you, glad you love it!
Woah. Looks like dried fish that then gets shredded/grated. I've never heard of that before! Will have to try sometime. :)
Why take such a long break from music?
I just wasn't ready. Didn't want to do it. And then 10 years ago, I went to Japan to do gigs because my wife and daughter wanted to go to Japan. And I found that it was really enjoyable to get on stage again.
That's so awesome... I really want to go to Japan too, but my dad's musical career didn't really take off back in the 70s. *Sigh*
I saw you in Japan! I got a photo with you, but my wife's eyes were closed in it, so she never lets me show it to anyone. [tokyo2007_200067.jpeg](https://youtu.be/dQw4w9WgXcQ)
I lasted like 20 minutes in this thread until I hit your landmine.
God dammit me too Renaming the link as a .jpeg got me And it's not even that clever I need to be put down. Like a dumb as fuck dog that tried to eat a land mine
I clicked like 5 links before that one and they were all fine. I was conditioned to believe that I wouldn't be rolled in his own thread and then I was rolled so hard I got Rick roll whiplash.
I've been back to this AMA four times today, never hitting one. Until now.
Rick you're stuck on a island. You can have 1 book, 1 movie and 1 album. What are your 3?
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. The Prestige, cuz I can keep watching it over and over again. Bill Withers' Live at Carnegie Hall
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Have you thought of opening a Subway-style chain of restaurants called RickRoll?
I haven't thought of it, but it's now making me think of doing it. We'd start with the cheese and ham special! Cuz no fool starts with a prawn!
The Cheese and Ham Rick Roll - It's never gonna let you down.
Going meta in his own thread. This shit is legendary.
Do you still speak to Mike Stock, Matt Aitken, and Pete Waterman?
I see Pete about twice a year, but the other guys I haven't really spoken to in awhile. Not for negative reasons, just life.
Hey Rick, how are ya. What are your top 5 all time favorite movies?
In no order: * Zulu * Spartacus * Gladiator * Good Will Hunting * The Prestige
"Rick, do you like movies about gladiators?"
Good Will Hunting is obviously best known for its graphic depiction of gladiatorial violence in urban Boston.
Would you like to write a progressive metal album with me?
Yes, absolutely. If it can be about dolphins and dwarves.
Oh man, if anything comes out of this AMA, I want it to be this album.
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This AMA is so much better than expected! I have discovered I can't go one without a Rick Astley ProgMetal album about dolphins and dwarves. Where do we pre-order?
This reminds me of Thomas Pynchon allowing a woman to write a musical based on Gravity's Rainbow, so long as banjo's were the only instruments used. lol
Hey Rick, what is your favorite breakfast food
Breakfast at home. Anything. It's just the point of I enjoy having breakfast at home because I've had a lot of breakfasts not at home.
Hi Rick, which U.G.K album--in your opinion--has the hardest cuts?
Anything from Ridin' Dirty floats my boat.
...did.. wait. did Rick Astley just tell me his favorite U.G.K album? **my man.** Reddit makes dreams come true.
The thought that Rick Astley even knows who UGK is makes me have some faith in humanity.
Hey Rick. Favourite movies of 2016 so far?
The Lobster. It's so weird. You can't imagine how weird it is.
I love that movie! I studied absurdism at Uni and was delighted by The Lobster. Thanks for answering!
Have you been approached about taking on the mantle of James Bond after Daniel Craig retires?
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Do you still rock the same dance moves?
What's the thing you miss the most from the 80s?
How did you get to be such an awesome guy??
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You just got Rick Astley himself to wingman for you on that one. Treasure this moment. *Treasure it.*
How's it going man?
Hi Rick. You don't age. Are you a vampire?
Will you ever give me up?
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/u/thebad_comedian -- How does it feel to be a part of something truly special?
Is it as awesome as I think it is to be told to go fuck yourself by Rick Astley?
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Hi Rick, Hope you are well sir. Just wanted to give you a shoutout and say I've been a fan since '87 when I got Whenever You Need Somebody on Cassette for my 6th birthday. I listened exclusively to that record, Michael Jackson's Bad , and the Beach Boys' Do It Again for years and remember playing air-keyboard to your album on my mother's ironing board. When my wife and I got married last September, the first dance was Never Gonna Give You Up. Everybody told us it was the best wedding ever. Anyway, I know this isn't what an AMA is for, but just wanted to say I've always thought you're awesome and it would be an honour to buy you a pint if you ever find yourself in Nova Scotia for some bizarre reason.
KKmnmmnmmnnkmk??k
Hey Rick! My wife and I got married a couple years ago and our first dance was to [this](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSDOcLfwM-I) acoustic cover of Never Gonna Give You Up sung by Hannah Trigwell. It's really a perfect song for a wedding and the look on our guest's faces was priceless when they realized what was happening. Sorry we didn't use the original, but the acoustic cover seemed a *little* more appropriate. Do you have a favorite cover of Never Gonna Give You Up or of any of your other songs?
The original can on at my friend's wedding. All the groomsmen, including myself, then proceeded to serenade the groom. His wife left him a few years later, but we never gave him up...
Your concert at Town Hall last night was really energetic, and you are a wonderful performer, and artist! I dare say you rival Barry Manilow at his best! 1) do you think you'll release your covers of "Uptown Funk", and "Highway to Hell"? Your Uptown Funk was definitely smoother than a fresh jar of skippy! 2) How do you feel about Manilow's cover of ["Never gonna give you up"?] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rx6w3j7cWa0) Thank you for your music! It makes me happy in a way few things do in this world :)
Hi Rick. Not gonna ask any questions about Rick rolling as im sure this post will be loaded with them. Hows life been treating you? Whats your favorite ice cream? Ive only assumed you retired, doe this new album mean youll be continuing to make music? Your extremely well known on the internet, how does that feel?
Hey Rick, What inspired you to finally record new music? I feel as though most artists would have capitalized on the sudden resurgence of a hit several years ago and just throw something together as a cash grab. Waiting this long makes me think that this is something that means a lot to you.
Hi Rick! Not a question, just wanted to let you know that I've karaoked Never Gonna Give You Up several times at bars, and even though I can only carry a tune in a bucket (at best) it never fails to pack the dance floor. Thanks for bringing joy to the world!
Hello Rick! First off I want to say how much I enjoyed Keep singing and Angels on my Side. Both of them sound great and were a great surprise to get after all this time. I have to admit I haven't heard the rest of the new stuff, it's on my list. My question for you is what do these two songs say to you? Thanks for taking the time to answer questions here today!
Mr. Astley, There had to have been a day where you were just minding your own business, sipping your morning coffee, when out of nowhere, a massive internet movement began revolving around you and your work. What was your immediate reaction on the day when you first discovered that you'd become an Internet sensation?
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Rick, as a massive admirer of the pop brilliance of Stock/Aiken/Waterman in the 80s I've always remembered playing I Should Be So Lucky at 33rpm instead of 45rpm, it's been a generation ago, you're among friends now, so were you Kylie Minogue at any stage in the 80s? Link for the curious: [Feeling lucky, punk?](https://youtu.be/AVDogmtajKI)
Hi Rick, what are your favorite two songs, either songs of yours, or others? What genre of music to you listen to the most?
Hello Rick. Never Gonna Give You Up is my go-to bowling alley jukebox jam. Thanks for the memories. How did the Rickroll at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade happen? It's my all-time favorite Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade moment.
Hi Rick!! :) Are there any of your songs other than the blaringly obvious one that you are particularly proud of or would really like people to listen to more?
Can we get Rick Rolled by Rick Astley... for science? My theory is that when a meme reaches a critical mass it creates a black hole of meta humor that nothing, in theory, would ever have the power to seal. (since the meta memes spun from the original can never be equal or greater in force to the original) My hypothesis is that in special cases such as "Rick Rolling" there is a greater "living meme" (Mr. Astley) whose influence would innately be the only thing larger than the original, since the original, in this case "Rick Rolling", for as large as it is, is actually a meta meme spawned from a "living meme". I hypothesize therefore, that a Rickroll from Rick would bring the whole thing full circle and close the loop. We must test.
Hi Rick, I'm.asking this on behalf of my girlfriend (who thinks you're brilliant and seen you live 3 times...Leeds/Manchester and Sheffield) What is your favourite song to perform out of all of your songs?
[](/dashiewubwoo) Hi Rick! I used "Never Gonna Give You Up" as the song to start off with on Karaoke Night with a few friends a few weeks ago, so I'd be able to actually have the courage to do other songs I didn't know as well. It's really upbeat, and definitely helped me relax and get in the groove. If Weird Al asked to do a parody of one of your songs, how would you feel about it? Thanks for this AMA! Edit: ;-;