No Rickroll Here: Rick Astley Stages Comeback

By PopEater Staff Posted May 25th 2010 11:22AM

Rick Astley has been out of the music business for 17 years, but thanks to a cheeky online prank based around his biggest hit, people still know his brand of blue-eyed soul. And his dance moves. And the hair. Now, with a new single and a realistic attitude, the 'Never Gonna Give You Up' star is staging a comeback.

"I'm not expecting great things this time round," he told The Sun, saying he's simply "having a giggle" with the June 7 release of 'Lights Out,' his first single since retiring in 1993.

Listen to the New Track:

Astley, now 44, inspired an Internet phenomenon in 2007 when his song became part of a bait-and-switch joke called "Rickrolling," which happens when someone provides a link claiming to be something important, but it instead leads to the video for 'Give You Up.'

In 2008, the singer called the prank "bizarre and funny," and that same year the MTV Europe Music Awards gave him a nod for Best Act Ever.

'Never Gonna Give You Up' topped the charts in Astley's native UK in 1987 and the US Billboard charts in 1988, becoming a dance-pop classic. His other hits include 'Together Forever' and 'She Wants to Dance With Me.'

Seriously, Give Rick's New Track a Listen

Tags: rick astley

Comments

(7)

Tuesday 25 May

By Sean

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Rick Astley has not been out of the music industry for 17 years. He recorded background vocals for Elton John on the Lion King soundtrack in 1994. He toured in 2000. He released a cd in 2002 that had the hit single "Sleeping" on it . He toured again in 2004.

By Lori

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Lights Out is a great song. Watching the Never Gonna Give You Up video brought back a lot of memories. ;) At 44 he's looking good.

By JBaer

Today's excuses for recording artists, including Usher, Chris Brown, Beyonce Knowles and Lady Gaga, could learn a thing or two from Mr. Astley.

By myo

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everybody you named are really good artists though. Your point would've been more understandable if you named some people who couldn't sing or dance.

By Lissy

I love Rick Astley! He seems to be so down to earth and kind, unlike many in the music industry!

By tori

I've always love Rick and his music, he makes me smile and brings up lots of great memories from the 80's. His new song is great and he looks fantastic. I'll definitely be listening and buying anything he's selling. Love you Rick!!!!

By sleepyhead

This guy's song reminds me of Family Guy when their all dancing.

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