Buzz
by Kirsten Howard
Ever clicked on an intriguing link or a sensational news story, only to end up watching the music video for Rick Astley's 1987 smash hit 'Never Gonna Give You Up'? Congratulations, you've been rickrolled!
This classic bait-and-switch is still just as popular as ever, continuing to thrive in internet culture.
“It’s one of those strange occurrences where something takes off and people just run with it,” the iconic artist shared with the Los Angeles Times in 2008. “But that’s the magic of the Internet.”
Rick Astley first gained fame in the 1980s with multiple number one hits in the UK, a platinum album, and even a Grammy nomination. But after the meme exploded with millions of views, how much has the rickrolling phenomenon earned him?
By 2010, Astley had reportedly earned a grand total of... $12. This is because he didn’t write the song, so he only gets a performer’s share of the copyright for the sound recording. Since that figure is from 2010, maybe his earnings have doubled by now?
For the record, Astley doesn’t seem upset about being part of the rickrolling joke. “Look, I just think it’s bizarre and funny,” he remarked. “My main concern is that my daughter doesn’t get embarrassed by it.”
Despite the meme's ongoing popularity, Astley has no plans to remix or re-release the song to profit from the trend.
“I’m not sure I’d want to do that,” he said. “It’s not about ageism, but I think it’s something for younger people. I think it’s a bit sad for the artist to remix their own work. No, I’m too old for that.”
To watch Sir Rick Astley being knighted by the Queen earlier this year, click here.
