Rick Astley

Rick Astley, the iconic English singer-songwriter behind the hit "Never Gonna Give You Up," shares his journey from global fame to personal discovery. He opens up about childhood trauma and how early doubts shaped his desire to perform. Astley reveals the pressures he faced while touring and the financial motivations behind his career choices. He discusses his triumphant return to music, fueled by viral fame, and emphasizes the importance of family over fame. This candid conversation explores mental health, authenticity, and the true joys of connecting through music.

Rick Astley is a singer and songwriter from England, whose debut single, "Never Gonna Give You Up," became an international smash hit. The song came out in July 1987 and won the BRIT Award for “British Single of the Year.” It hit number one in 25 countries, and Rick Astley was nominated for a Grammy for Best New Artist. And then, 20 years after the song came out, it became a new kind of phenomenon, when the meme Rickrolling was born. Last year, the music video for "Never Gonna Give You Up" passed a billion streams on YouTube. The song was written and produced by the production team Stock Aitken Waterman, who became hitmakers for artists like Kylie Minogue, Dead or Alive, and others. For this episode, I spoke to Rick Astley, and songwriter and producer Mike Stock, and the two of them tell the story of how "Never Gonna Give You Up" was made. For more, visit songexploder.net/rick-astley.

Rick Astley, a renaissance man and pop superstar best known for 'Never Gonna Give You Up', shares his fascinating journey from 80's stardom to stepping away from music, and then making a comeback. He discusses the cultural phenomenon of 'Rick Rolling' and his unexpected collaborations with the Foo Fighters. Astley also dives into the challenges of musical creativity in today's world, reflecting on nostalgia and the evolving relationship between artists and meme culture. Prepare for insights and laughs from this iconic figure!

Join singer-songwriter Rick Astley, famous for 'Never Gonna Give You Up,' as he navigates the complexities of parenting while reflecting on his rise to fame. He shares amusing travel tales and insights into balancing family life with a music career. The conversation touches on cultural differences in parenting styles, the emotional connections to iconic songs, and fond memories from Glastonbury. Rick also dives into his upcoming book and tour, showcasing his relatable charm and humorous storytelling.

Rick Astley, the iconic 80s singer and songwriter known for "Never Gonna Give You Up," shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to global fame. He reflects on the surprising resurgence of his career through the 'Rickrolling' phenomenon and discusses the pressures of fame and the importance of mental health. Astley recounts his nerve-wracking performance at Glastonbury and the healing power of music amidst childhood challenges. He emphasizes that true greatness lies in relationships rather than just fame.