I went to a funeral once, and Ave Maria was unceremoniously Rick Rolled. This had been pre-orchestrated by the deceased. That was his sense of humor. It actually transformed the somber event into a joyous celebration of his life. I still smile when I think about him.
To NOT BE about money is the start(Rick has true class) but having made some $$ and then not being sucked it to that creed for more ..... that's true integrity !
As an MTV kid in the 80s I remember this and the Fine Young Cannibals - She Drives Me Crazy coming out at the same time. At the time when people saw the respective singers of both band's videos people thought their voices should belong to the other singers. Ah the good old days of MTV videos. Us Gen X lived it thank goodness
Foo Fighters having Rick Astley on stage doing "Never Gonna Give You Up" shows just was cool mothertrucker Dave is. And yes "Never Gonna Give You Up" is a new standard.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 he has as much appreciation for artists like Rush as he does for artists like Patti Smith. He's an unbelievable, generalational talent.
When someone started the Rickroll years ago, I thought they were making fun of the song. As it turns out, people of all ages, including the younger generations, LOVE the song! Rightfully so. ☝️😎
Even when we do make fun of the song, it's all in fun. Nick Lowe mentions him (and a lyric of this song) but Nick is the kind of guy who played with and produced so many artists who became much more famous than him, I suspect that they're friends. I really wish the professor would interview Nick Lowe. He's a great guy, funny as hell, and was all over the 1980s even if he was often in the background of other artists music like John Hiatt. He produced Elvis Costello's early albums, who had a huge hit with "What's So Funny About Peace Love and Understanding?" (written by Nick in the 1970s) and Tom Petty covered Nick's song, "Crackin' Up". One of Nick's best known songs (the perfect wedding reception tune) "I Knew The Bride" starts off with the very familiar sound of Huey Lewis and the News. Oh, and of course Johnny Cash's song used in "The Sopranos", "The Beast In Me" was written by his former son-in-law, Nick Lowe (he was married to Carlene Carter, Johnny's stepdaughter)! I would love for Adam to interview him and ask him about his song, "All Men Are Liars". Nick has said that he was in a hotel room watching Oprah on TV, when a large lady stood up in the audience and started chanting, ALL MEN ARE LIARS! and knew that was a song. That's the song that mentions Rick Astley, and the MTV video is so cheesy and silly it's adorable. Here's a link: ruclips.net/video/m6hzkBihaew/видео.html Nick Lowe would be a fantastic interview, enough material there for several episodes. I'll never understand why he's not more famous. I've loved him since the day I bought a cassette tape of his in the 99 cent cutout bin back in 1982 and couldn't believe my ears, it was so good!
My wife and I waited years to have kids. They are under 10 and, just a month or so ago, discovered the "Rickroll." We played them the full song, and told them "mommy and daddy grew up listening to Rick." They still insist thats impossible, it's a new song!
About 10 years ago my nephew started to sing "No sleep till Brooklyn" by The Beastie Boys. He asked me if I ever heard the song. I said yes, It's by The Beastie Boys. He looked at me confused and asked how I knew that? I told him that song was released when HIS dad was only one year old! He couldn't believe it! It's so fun to see the new generations discover good "old" music.
You just have to be happy for Rick. A nice down to earth guy with an amazing voice and great sense of humor and who made it big and whose songs still give us happiness.
I was one of the kids back during that time who really loved metal and prog rock. But I feel that Rick is pretty great, he has an incredible voice and seems like once heck of a nice guy, so some of us metalheads would still listen, because it was just that damn catchy.
While in the Air Force, a good buddy of mine, a real fan of heavy rock, told me I HAD to hear this song. He said, “It’s not my style but this guys voice is amazing!” He put it on, it was Never Gonna Give You Up. The man didn’t lie, the voice I heard was fantastic. Been a fan ever since.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 , you’re welcome but it was nothing special. The Cold War helped keep the peace. I stormed the beaches of Miami for almost four years.
A student rickrolled the entire class during their final presentation. They even started dancing and got most of the class to dance with them (including me). They took their just average presentation to something memorable and I had to give them an A on it.
I worked with Rick's brother for a short time in the early 2000's. I think 2001 as I recall. He told me the story of how he was going to the airport and told the car to turn him around and take him home, he was done. But that he was currently in the studio making new music and that he was happy. Rick is a legend.
Me and my best friend were karaoke freaks back in the 90's. We used to do it as a duet by switching who sang every 2 - 3 words. Sadly, he lost his addiction battle about 12 years ago. This song takes me back to the "good old days". Thanks Rick and you Professor! This one belongs in the history books.
I hadn’t heard of Rickrolling before when he showed up in the Macys parade. I was so excited to see him, I just thought it was a surprise guest appearance. I never understood the negative connotation that the song has, because I was a fan from the beginning. I’m glad he is getting a new resurgence in his career, he deserves it.
This is one vid where I wish you'd been able to interview the singer, it would've been a blast to see Rick's take on the resurgence of this song as a pop culture meme. Thanks for another wonderful insight into the music of my youth!
The last thing I expected... but as always, you give us the full story, and it's delightful. I enjoyed the song back in the day---the infectious rhythm and optimistic lyrics were what I needed. I'm happy with its return. Rick Astley is a phenomenal singer.
One of the greatest songs ever created. I loved it in the 80's because it and the video were soooooo 80's it was perfect. The fact that it became a world cultural icon is just icing on the cake.
I remember hearing it for the first time on the radio as a kid in 1987. It was SO CATCHY I had to hear it again so I spent the whole day changing radio stations in the hope I would hear it again.
I remember those days. Then you'd find a station playing it but it was the last ten seconds. So you'd tape it on your walkman on the top40 (or was it top 20?)
You are THE Professor!! No one could argue your eloquent points about this song. It was and is a Monster Standard for all the reasons given. It touched a global nerve and definitely defines a time. It is a Standard plain and simple. Gotta respect Rick A! His dancing is endearing and unpretentious and relatable, just like the song.
I have so much more respect for this song and Rick nowadays compared to back then. His voice and music has been heard by more people around the world than many artists in music history. That makes him a legend.
I am proud to say that Rick Astley was my first concert! I’ve always kept my love for his voice. Even today over the years my elementary music students request this song, and not ironically! It is an enduring classic, even if it’s not musically complex, it’s just a lot of fun!
I remember when I first heard this I went to Sam Goody in the mall and I was looking in the R&B section for any title with words in it. I couldn’t find it so I finally asked an employee. I had to kind of humm/sing it but the employee took me right to it. When I saw the record cover I said “no, I’m sure this is a big, black dude like in the genre of Barry White or Lou Rawls”. He assured me this is what I was looking for. Of course, he was right. The struggle was real. Kids today will never know how difficult it was to find artists and lyrics without the benefit of the internet.
I had the same kind of problem, only the song I wanted was instrumental. I was in a shop and couldn't find someone to ask what song was playing. Years later I heard it as bump music on talk radio. Thankfully, that show told me the title, so I was able to finally find "Sleepwalk."
My high school girlfriend loved this song and I was into rap so I considered it soft. Now I look back on it as an 80s icon. Rick " we're never gonna give you up" 88 Feeling Great!
The Rickroll is my very favorite prank. No one gets hurt or embarrassed, instead you get a chuckle and a great song (because even if it's a text prank you still hear it in your head). Astley's voice is amazing.
My favorite Rickroll was on a video that claimed to be "Best Muppet Bloopers" or something like that. Instead it was the Muppets doing "Never Gonna Give You Up."
I loved this song the very first time I heard it and like everyone else in the world I was dumbfounded the first time I saw Rick Astley. Nobody would have put that fresh faced kid with *THAT* voice. I, too thought it was a black singer and not some Ginger LOL. I'm sure my clubbing days lasted a little longer because of this song. I don't care how much people made fun of the guy or his music, it was incredible. I think I'm going to Rick Roll someone right now. Cheers from Ottawa, Canada🍁
A "standard" doesn't have to be that epic song that the first time you heard it you fell in love with it. If a song can stay around long enough that most everyone can sing parts or all of it then that my friends IS a standard. This song is embedded itself into "human culture" as more then just a song or a joke or a meme ..... it is RICK ROLL
It was hot in the dance clubs. I am glad he is doing well and his song is still rolling along, almost 2 billion plays is awesome. I hope he has another smash hit soon.
I was working in a clothing store at the mall in 1988. Never Gonna was on the looped tape we had to play ALL DAY. This song was put on the tape *twice* so for three months it played about every twenty minutes. By the end of my shift I'd be gritting my teeth at every "choo" Rick sang. 😬 But, time heals everything and now I LOVE this song, "choo"s an' all. 😊 ❤
I remember sitting in a living room in Crossett Arkansas when the song video was brsnd new. I asked everyone. Have you seen this? Close your eyes. Check out the voice and then look at the guy. Everybody said "wow." Total surprise. Strong voice. Baby face. 🤣
I don't comment very often but when it comes to special artists I have to say something. When I heard Rick Astley for the first time I was blown away. This only happens to me with very few artists like Elvis ( they thought he was black too), Neil Diamond, Paul McCartney, Steve Perry and of course Rick Astley. When these artists sang you felt it. You hung onto to every single word and you didn't want the song to end. It's an emotional experience you will never forget. Thank you Professor of Rock....you got me in the feels. ❤
The best Rickroll happened on WWE. VInce McMahon was doing a contest where he called fans during RAW, and the first winner had "Never Gonna Give You Up" as his ringback. Not only did the fan Rickroll the head of WWE, he also won $200,000 on the spot.
I really love that Astley embraces the whole “Rick roll” thing. Too many artists come to hate their past creations… they get pigeon-holed, typecast, that’s all they’re known for. Whatever. While I do get it… their creativity makes them very bothered by being put in a box… it seems very arrogant and unappreciative. The fans gave you your success. If that’s what they like, that’s what they like. I think some artists need to be more gracious and humble. Astley is 100% that. I love it. He absolutely loves the “Rick roll” shtick, and I love him for that. Love him. Good human. Humble. Embraces what he is. Also explains why he got burned out. It wasn’t what he was. That’s him. Love it.
Best Rick Roll I was ever a part of… I was involved with the creation of a spoof police site, where we had a fictitious police department take controversial positions on hot topics just to see if we could get people’s hackles up before they realized they were being trolled. We had lots of indicators it was humor throughout. For those who didn’t get it anyway, we tried to recruit them to that fictitious police department, telling them we had an immediate opening for detective. And would post our recruiting hotline number. That number was a Rick Roll recording. It was hilarious how many people called that number and then commented with Rick Astley memes and gifs.
Never Gonna Give You Up is a guilty pleasure. It has Rick-Rolled into pop culture everywhere! 😅 Thanks Professor! Thought you would be wearing an Orange Julius shirt. 😅 Have a great weekend. 🎉
I HAD NO IDEA THAT THIS SONG OR THE ARTIST HAD SUCH A TUMULTUOUS HISTORY OR WENT MAD CRAZY YEARS LATER. RICK LOOKED LIKE A 12 YEAR OLD WITH THE VOICE OF A SUPER DAD WHICH WAS STRANGE. I REALLY LIKE YOUR "SO EIGHTIES" QUOTE. I'VE HEARD HIS OTHER HITS TOO. HE HAD GOOD SONGS. SO MANY OTHER THINGS GOING ON IN THE 80'S, VIDEOS, CDS, BIG SCREEN TVS, NEW PROGRAMS... MOVING. JUST TOO MUCH, RICK FADED INTO MEMORY. HE'S POPPED IN AND OUT OF MEMORY FROM TIME TO TIME THOUGH. INTERESTING. HE WAS A PART... A BIG PART IN A FEW YEARS SPAN OF HISTORY OF MUSIC AND AGAIN MANY YEARS LATER, REVIVED BY A FAN OF HIS MUSIC, WHERE HE WAS PUT BACK ON THE MUSIC MAP AGAIN! HOW INCREDIBLE! THIS IS WONDERFUL! "HOW EIGHTIES" INDEED! 😂❤ I LOVE IT! 😂😂😂❤! THANKS, ADAM, FOR EXPANDING THE HORIZONS OF "PROFESSOR OF MUSIC'S" HORIZONS A LITTLE BIT! 👍✌🌸❤
I LOVED THIS SONG BACK IN THE 80's!!! Still do.❤ I had the cassette tape when it first came out.😄 And had a crush on a "ginger" at work because he looked like Rick.😆
When I saw the title I knew it had to be “Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down”! 😀😂😀😀. I love it! Thank you for all your hard work on all these wonderful videos Adam!
First time I heard the song "Never Give You Up", I thought of the singer as someone big, brawny and maybe black. It turns out to be the opposite of what I thought when I saw the video. Surprised is the right word. Still love and playing his songs on my phone and watching his MTVs on YT.
I never would have imagined such a big voice matched the picture of the vocalist! I was amazed! I bought the song! What an amazing voice! It wakes up my day to hear him ding sing this song!!!
Love your respect for King Rick. I often think if a young artist emerged today with a voice like his, the music world would lose its mind. Keep up the good work.
Oh my my... i remember the first time I heard this song on MTV.. to this day I think the same thing "I wish I could dance with this man, to this song" ❤❤❤ Being a teenager in the 80s totally rocked, the music, fashion and way of life back then was "a chefs kiss" ❤❤❤
I loved this song the first time I heard it back in 87. I thought Rick Astley was African American and was totally blown away when I saw his music video. 🤯 I love Rick Astley, and thank you, S.A.W, for giving him a chance to shine and bless us with his soulful vocals. 😍🙏🏼
I thought the same before seeing the music video, his voice is darker in timbre and I didn't think he looked like he sounded. Shows you what I knew at seventeen!
@toddlawrance4045 Ha! I was 20.😂 Amy Winehouse is another singer who I heard before I saw her. Same league as Rick (vocals sounded African American). An amazing singer gone far too soon.
Love that you’re including this with the new standards. It’s a song with a great story, Rick seems like a genuine dude, and the rickroll aspect is internet legend. I have rickrolled my fair share. My favorite was as a student in a masters level mental health counseling class just as the pandemic was starting up. Classes has moved to Zoom and we were instructed to learn the screen-sharing feature by each sharing our screens. When it was my turn, I shared… well you know! It was good to share a chuckle with my classmates at a really scary time. I love rickrolls, because they’re a perfect prank. You get made a fool, but it always puts a smile on your face-and the song is a bop!
Love Rick Astley's music. He is one of my favorite singers that emerged in the late 1980's. His music was fun, dance-pop, which I have always enjoyed. I'm also a major fan of SAW. SAW were the songwriting team of the 80's equivalent to Motown's Holland, Dozier, and Holland of the 60's. Besides Rick Astley, they also worked with one of my favorite girl groups of the 80's Bananarama and The Queen Of Disco Donna Summer bringing her back to her more dance-oriented music roots of the 70's. Anyway, Rick Astley was one of many artists who made 1988 an excellent year for music. "Never Gonna Give You Up", "Together Forever" and "It Would Take A Strong, Strong Man" are all terrific songs.
I don’t know if I’d put SAW on the same level of Holland Dozier Holland, but they made some amazingly catchy songs and made many careers for so many artists. I’m going to look up some Donna Summer SAW tunes thanks to you!
Adam, I’m a Gen X guy and I have to tell you that you do a great job and your channel is entertaining and informative. To top it off, your presentation and tone allow me to drift off to the days when MTV was worth watching and those weekends narrated by Casey Kasey.
Somehow, I made it through this episode. Lol I didn't guess it from your open. And when you dropped the bomb, I just said, "Oh my God!". 😂 But I listened to the whole episode. It was actually quite the interesting story. I sat in my truck in a Lowe's parking lot so I could finish watching it before going inside. 😅
myself, born in 1972.. started a band in 88' trying to catch a hook and have a hit.. 🤷♂️ still working on that.. btw 😅 ..but one of the reasons i love this channel and the content, is that you go through all the music I and my generation grew up with & loved! I dont care what genre you claimed to be part of, you knew every word and groove to every Hit song.. This one included. We heard them played relentlessly on Mtv and radio, also why we laugh when we hear some of them again.. hence the RickRoll.. you couldnt get away from it being played on everything.. I really miss pullin up next to someone driving and they are jamming to the same song on the same radio station.. 😏 All i can say is, all of this music is still appealling to most people, even to Us who had to accept the over playing of these #1 hits.. Be honest, We still love all these songs... an that they catch Fire and become #1 Hits again to a new audience says it All!!!! ..keep the history and stories behind them comin.. these help new ears understand this music better.. 😏😎🤙
My nephew had to record a speech as part of his requirements for graduation. There was a minimum time length for the speech. His was a little short, so he attached a video clip. He Rickrolled his entire high school.
I have always loved this song. This was what my brother and I always referred to as a “pool song” as kids, because we heard it a lot on the local radio station that was always playing at the swimming pool during the summer. The song is just so catchy and infectious, it’s hard not to like it.
I remember this song coming out. I was 24 (I’m just three years older than Rick) and his voice blew me away…it still does! The catchy chorus is excellent and, quite frankly, I love that he sings about true devotion to his girl.
I’m one year younger than Rick and feel the same. I got that first album on cassette because of a music club. You remember when you would get 10 albums for cheap and then they annoyed you every month about new ones? ❤
You know I found out a while ago that Rick Astley is actually a HUGE animated movie buff. Apparently, he has a massive collection, from Disney to Pixar to DreamWorks.. What's more, he's apparently super generous and lends his collection out to friends, family, etc.. You want "Toy Story", he's got you. You need to watch "The Lion King", its yours.... however, as nice as he is, he's never gonna give you "Up".
I remember hearing never gonna give you up when it first hit the charts here in the United States. I’ve always loved that song, and thought he had a great voice. Was very happy to see him have a career resurgence with the Rick Roll.
Adam I thank you for schooling us yet another time. We watch you and it seems as though you’re sitting on the couch across from my wife and I telling us a story about one of your musician friends! God bless you!
love rick astley i loved this song the minute i first heard it on the radio back in 1987. i was listening to the top 20 chart countdown on bbc radio on the mw wave and it came up at number one out of nowhere. i love a good number of his other songs like(it would take a strong strong man, don't say goodbye, cry for help, together forever, when i fall in love, take me to your heart, ain't too proud to beg, she wants to dance with me, hold me in your arms, whenever you need somebody and no more looking for love). the man is brilliant and he knows his music and if didn't give up he would've been even bigger than he is now.
Late again...... but I have always been a Rick Astley fan. This video, especially with the Rick Roll story of Sweet Caroline (I despise that song for personal reasons), has just increased my Astley appreciation. The man has an incredible voice and very soulful songs..... My daughter wants me to sing When I Fall in Love at her wedding when she gets married. I'm glad Rick is enjoying performing and his music career again...... he was always more than just the Rick Roll.....
Getting Rick-rolled live when Rick Astley performed at an 80's/90's music event hosted by David Hasselhoff in my hometown back in 2014 was a pretty fun thing. Other artists this evening were Samantha Fox and 4 Eurodance groups you probably never heard of (Vengaboys, Turbo B/Snap, DJ Sash and Twenty4Seven).
@@ProfessorofRock He just sang the song as part of his set, but it was at the same time Rick-rolling was still done pretty often here in The Netherlands.
Close: He actually sang standing in a bucket crane near the wall while people were tearing it down. It hadn't completely fallen yet. And you might be joking, but the Hoff himself claimed that exact thing at the music event.
Poll: Who is your pick for the most SOULFUL voice of the rock era?
Steve Marriott
BARRY WHITE ALL DAY!
Steve Perry, Journey
Michael McDonald
Melody Cristea.
I went to a funeral once, and Ave Maria was unceremoniously Rick Rolled. This had been pre-orchestrated by the deceased. That was his sense of humor. It actually transformed the somber event into a joyous celebration of his life. I still smile when I think about him.
Excellent story!! 😂😅
what a GRAND story ! you made my day!!!!! Thank You
That's just awesome 😎
Love it!
It's sounds like he was a great guy!👍
The thing you really have to give him credit on was standing his ground and stepping away when he felt it wasn't fun for him, takes guts and integrity
THat's right!
To NOT BE about money is the start(Rick has true class) but having made some $$ and then not being sucked it to that creed for more ..... that's true integrity !
True indeed!!
I don’t blame him at all.
Yep, smart move.
A lesser person would have hated their song being turned into a prank. He ‘rolled’ with it and became a legend to billions. What a cool guy.
As an MTV kid in the 80s I remember this and the Fine Young Cannibals - She Drives Me Crazy coming out at the same time. At the time when people saw the respective singers of both band's videos people thought their voices should belong to the other singers. Ah the good old days of MTV videos. Us Gen X lived it thank goodness
Not quite. "Never Gonna Give You Up" was out in 1988 and "She Drives Me Crazy" was 1989.
But I gave your comment a like anyway.
I liked then alot, too.
Roland Gift, lead singer, played a recurring character on the Highlander series.
Amen! I feel blessed to have grown up during this era.
Foo Fighters having Rick Astley on stage doing "Never Gonna Give You Up" shows just was cool mothertrucker Dave is. And yes "Never Gonna Give You Up" is a new standard.
Dave is our everyman.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 he has as much appreciation for artists like Rush as he does for artists like Patti Smith. He's an unbelievable, generalational talent.
@@stephenmiller2337 Dave loves to be amicable with the greats!
When someone started the Rickroll years ago, I thought they were making fun of the song. As it turns out, people of all ages, including the younger generations, LOVE the song! Rightfully so. ☝️😎
Just like Yacht Rock! How many times have you been rick rolled?
....I wasn't even AROUND for that Roll thing...but, it got SO BIG, even I was tuned in to it! ....go figga! ...ha-HAA!
@@ProfessorofRock A few. I was actually Rickrolled a SECOND time by an old video from Rick Beato recently! 🤣
Even when we do make fun of the song, it's all in fun. Nick Lowe mentions him (and a lyric of this song) but Nick is the kind of guy who played with and produced so many artists who became much more famous than him, I suspect that they're friends.
I really wish the professor would interview Nick Lowe. He's a great guy, funny as hell, and was all over the 1980s even if he was often in the background of other artists music like John Hiatt.
He produced Elvis Costello's early albums, who had a huge hit with "What's So Funny About Peace Love and Understanding?" (written by Nick in the 1970s) and Tom Petty covered Nick's song, "Crackin' Up".
One of Nick's best known songs (the perfect wedding reception tune) "I Knew The Bride" starts off with the very familiar sound of Huey Lewis and the News. Oh, and of course Johnny Cash's song used in "The Sopranos", "The Beast In Me" was written by his former son-in-law, Nick Lowe (he was married to Carlene Carter, Johnny's stepdaughter)!
I would love for Adam to interview him and ask him about his song, "All Men Are Liars". Nick has said that he was in a hotel room watching Oprah on TV, when a large lady stood up in the audience and started chanting, ALL MEN ARE LIARS! and knew that was a song. That's the song that mentions Rick Astley, and the MTV video is so cheesy and silly it's adorable. Here's a link:
ruclips.net/video/m6hzkBihaew/видео.html
Nick Lowe would be a fantastic interview, enough material there for several episodes. I'll never understand why he's not more famous. I've loved him since the day I bought a cassette tape of his in the 99 cent cutout bin back in 1982 and couldn't believe my ears, it was so good!
They were making fun of it, and his dancing primarily.
My wife and I waited years to have kids. They are under 10 and, just a month or so ago, discovered the "Rickroll." We played them the full song, and told them "mommy and daddy grew up listening to Rick." They still insist thats impossible, it's a new song!
That's an awesome story! I love it!
🤣🤣🤣
It actually does sound like it came out recently.
About 10 years ago my nephew started to sing "No sleep till Brooklyn" by The Beastie Boys. He asked me if I ever heard the song. I said yes, It's by The Beastie Boys. He looked at me confused and asked how I knew that? I told him that song was released when HIS dad was only one year old! He couldn't believe it! It's so fun to see the new generations discover good "old" music.
That's funny.
You just have to be happy for Rick. A nice down to earth guy with an amazing voice and great sense of humor and who made it big and whose songs still give us happiness.
I just love what a good sport he has been about the whole thing
I think Rick is a class act. Very humble and a great sense of humor.
He is one of the very few class acts !! Love him 🥰💥
He’s so hilarious and I was hoping Adam interviewed him.
I was one of the kids back during that time who really loved metal and prog rock. But I feel that Rick is pretty great, he has an incredible voice and seems like once heck of a nice guy, so some of us metalheads would still listen, because it was just that damn catchy.
Saturday morning and I get Rick Rolled by the Professor. Outstanding 😁
yes indeed. How many times do you think you've been rick rolled?
Didn’t see that one coming!
While in the Air Force, a good buddy of mine, a real fan of heavy rock, told me I HAD to hear this song. He said, “It’s not my style but this guys voice is amazing!” He put it on, it was Never Gonna Give You Up. The man didn’t lie, the voice I heard was fantastic. Been a fan ever since.
Thank you for serving our country.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 , you’re welcome but it was nothing special. The Cold War helped keep the peace. I stormed the beaches of Miami for almost four years.
A student rickrolled the entire class during their final presentation. They even started dancing and got most of the class to dance with them (including me). They took their just average presentation to something memorable and I had to give them an A on it.
In one of my virtual classes two years ago a 10th grader rickrolled us for a show and tell on the first day. We all laughed at his charming joke.
I worked with Rick's brother for a short time in the early 2000's. I think 2001 as I recall. He told me the story of how he was going to the airport and told the car to turn him around and take him home, he was done. But that he was currently in the studio making new music and that he was happy. Rick is a legend.
I don't think I will ever get tired of this song.
Me and my best friend were karaoke freaks back in the 90's. We used to do it as a duet by switching who sang every 2 - 3 words. Sadly, he lost his addiction battle about 12 years ago. This song takes me back to the "good old days". Thanks Rick and you Professor! This one belongs in the history books.
So sorry for your loss. Glad you have good memories, though.
So sorry to hear.
I hadn’t heard of Rickrolling before when he showed up in the Macys parade. I was so excited to see him, I just thought it was a surprise guest appearance. I never understood the negative connotation that the song has, because I was a fan from the beginning. I’m glad he is getting a new resurgence in his career, he deserves it.
This is one vid where I wish you'd been able to interview the singer, it would've been a blast to see Rick's take on the resurgence of this song as a pop culture meme. Thanks for another wonderful insight into the music of my youth!
I will try and get him!
....Oh I was ANTICIPATING a sitdown!!!....Prof. woulda shown SERIOUS respect to Sir Rick!!!
There are interviews out there where he talks about the Rickroll thing. He's actually a humble guy and his reaction reflects that.
He was even in a few commercials recently extending the joke.
@@ProfessorofRock PLEASE!!! He's awesome 😊
The last thing I expected... but as always, you give us the full story, and it's delightful. I enjoyed the song back in the day---the infectious rhythm and optimistic lyrics were what I needed. I'm happy with its return. Rick Astley is a phenomenal singer.
Gonna be throwing some curveballs for sure!
Definitely one for the guilty pleasure books!
No. It is not delightful. It is the work of Satan.
@@jayburdification Now, now.... "Tennessee Bird Walk" is the work of Satan, not Rick Astley's oeuvre. 😀
@@jayburdification 🙄😑🙄
I ALWAYS like Rick Astley and most of his songs! Amazing voice! Thank you.
Thanks for watching!
One of the greatest songs ever created. I loved it in the 80's because it and the video were soooooo 80's it was perfect. The fact that it became a world cultural icon is just icing on the cake.
I know no one who is unfamiliar with the video.
I remember hearing it for the first time on the radio as a kid in 1987. It was SO CATCHY I had to hear it again so I spent the whole day changing radio stations in the hope I would hear it again.
The melody is irresistible.
I remember those days. Then you'd find a station playing it but it was the last ten seconds. So you'd tape it on your walkman on the top40 (or was it top 20?)
Remember when someone managed to rickroll Rick Astley himself on that reddit AMA? Just legendary.
You are THE Professor!! No one could argue your eloquent points about this song. It was and is a Monster Standard for all the reasons given. It touched a global nerve and definitely defines a time. It is a Standard plain and simple. Gotta respect Rick A! His dancing is endearing and unpretentious and relatable, just like the song.
Even if you hate this song, you know its widespread importance.
I have so much more respect for this song and Rick nowadays compared to back then. His voice and music has been heard by more people around the world than many artists in music history. That makes him a legend.
Right? I thought he was a one hit wonder all this time.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Check also Take me to your heart, great video too, btw.
Agree!!
Love this tune. It’s a basic fun and happy song. What more can you ask a song to do but give you a smile every time you hear it
Good vibes all around.
Loved this song back in the day and I still do. It had the iconic 80s synth pop sound and you could dance to it!
Respect where respect is due. Great episode Professor!
I am proud to say that Rick Astley was my first concert! I’ve always kept my love for his voice. Even today over the years my elementary music students request this song, and not ironically! It is an enduring classic, even if it’s not musically complex, it’s just a lot of fun!
I remember when I first heard this I went to Sam Goody in the mall and I was looking in the R&B section for any title with words in it. I couldn’t find it so I finally asked an employee. I had to kind of humm/sing it but the employee took me right to it. When I saw the record cover I said “no, I’m sure this is a big, black dude like in the genre of Barry White or Lou Rawls”. He assured me this is what I was looking for. Of course, he was right. The struggle was real. Kids today will never know how difficult it was to find artists and lyrics without the benefit of the internet.
Thanks for sharing. Love hearing other people's experiences with music from the 80s and more.
I had the same kind of problem, only the song I wanted was instrumental. I was in a shop and couldn't find someone to ask what song was playing. Years later I heard it as bump music on talk radio. Thankfully, that show told me the title, so I was able to finally find "Sleepwalk."
@@freethebirds3578 I just looked that up on my Apple Music. I’ve heard that before as well but never knew what it was called or what it was from.
@@freethebirds3578Was that the original steel guitar version performed by Santo and Johnny?? Dreamy!!🤗
Haha, I can definitely imagine how you thought this was a Black guy singing.
Definitely one of the most iconic song of the 80s. Such a great beat and rhythm along with Astley's voice.
Adam! Thank you for this episode! LOVE this song and Rick’s voice. One of my all time favorite songs! So happy to see this😊
My high school girlfriend loved this song and I was into rap so I considered it soft. Now I look back on it as an 80s icon. Rick " we're never gonna give you up" 88 Feeling Great!
Love it!
89 and still feeling fine?
The Rickroll is my very favorite prank. No one gets hurt or embarrassed, instead you get a chuckle and a great song (because even if it's a text prank you still hear it in your head). Astley's voice is amazing.
Nobody is immune to this infectious classic prank.
My favorite Rickroll was on a video that claimed to be "Best Muppet Bloopers" or something like that. Instead it was the Muppets doing "Never Gonna Give You Up."
I loved this song the very first time I heard it and like everyone else in the world I was dumbfounded the first time I saw Rick Astley. Nobody would have put that fresh faced kid with *THAT* voice. I, too thought it was a black singer and not some Ginger LOL. I'm sure my clubbing days lasted a little longer because of this song. I don't care how much people made fun of the guy or his music, it was incredible. I think I'm going to Rick Roll someone right now. Cheers from Ottawa, Canada🍁
Do it! Thanks Gio!
@@ProfessorofRock Ha ha ha...I Rick Rolled my wife, daughter, two sisters and my buddy.
I’m gonna rickroll my mom.
Thanks Professor! That was a great story!🤘🔥
Glad you enjoyed it!
A "standard" doesn't have to be that epic song that the first time you heard it you fell in love with it. If a song can stay around long enough that most everyone can sing parts or all of it then that my friends IS a standard. This song is embedded itself into "human culture" as more then just a song or a joke or a meme ..... it is RICK ROLL
Absolutely!!😅
Completely agree
That’s right. It doesn’t have to be a great song, but it can be forever remembered as one of the great pop culture memes.
That's it! Right there.
A tour of duty was all the more enjoyable when Rick (and this song) first emerged. I wish him well.
It was hot in the dance clubs. I am glad he is doing well and his song is still rolling along, almost 2 billion plays is awesome. I hope he has another smash hit soon.
Maybe we’ll see a new album release.
I’m being dead serious Rick Astley is one of my artists to come out of the 80s! Great episode! Best Rick Roll ever 🤘
What a gift to us this morning.
Fun episode! This was a great song when it came out, and remains iconic to this day. Thanks so much for Rick Rolling us, Adam! Have an excellent day.
More to come Jill! Thank you!
I was DEFINITELY not expecting this pleasant surprise.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980, me neither! But then, who ever expects to get Rick rolled? LOL
@@jillwklausen That’s the whole point of a rickroll.
I was working in a clothing store at the mall in 1988. Never Gonna was on the looped tape we had to play ALL DAY. This song was put on the tape *twice* so for three months it played about every twenty minutes. By the end of my shift I'd be gritting my teeth at every "choo" Rick sang. 😬
But, time heals everything and now I LOVE this song, "choo"s an' all. 😊 ❤
‘It would take a strong strong man’ never got the attention or love it deserved… it’s the best -and my favorite song of Rick Astley…♥️♥️💋💋
What a voice! He does sound like a black English soul singer. Whenever You Need Somebody was full of bangers! Nice unpretentious bloke too.
I remember sitting in a living room in Crossett Arkansas when the song video was brsnd new. I asked everyone. Have you seen this? Close your eyes. Check out the voice and then look at the guy. Everybody said "wow." Total surprise. Strong voice. Baby face. 🤣
We just got Rick rolled by Adam! 😉 But thanks to the meme, even new generations recognise this tune, and what an undeniable classic it is! 🥰
Amen! How many times would you say you've been rick rolled Trina?
@@ProfessorofRock Probably countless times at this stage! How about yourself? 😊
Haha, best rickroll ever!
I don't comment very often but when it comes to special artists I have to say something. When I heard Rick Astley for the first time I was blown away. This only happens to me with very few artists like Elvis ( they thought he was black too), Neil Diamond, Paul McCartney, Steve Perry and of course Rick Astley. When these artists sang you felt it. You hung onto to every single word and you didn't want the song to end. It's an emotional experience you will never forget. Thank you Professor of Rock....you got me in the feels. ❤
The best Rickroll happened on WWE. VInce McMahon was doing a contest where he called fans during RAW, and the first winner had "Never Gonna Give You Up" as his ringback. Not only did the fan Rickroll the head of WWE, he also won $200,000 on the spot.
Huge deal.
When Vince was still awesome.
When the WWE still had a sense of humor.
When wrestling was still pretty damn good.
Those were the days.
Proff ..as usual says it better than could about music and an artist. Hes a Gem . A true music Gem . AS THE ARTIST THEMSELVES ARE.
I really love that Astley embraces the whole “Rick roll” thing. Too many artists come to hate their past creations… they get pigeon-holed, typecast, that’s all they’re known for. Whatever. While I do get it… their creativity makes them very bothered by being put in a box… it seems very arrogant and unappreciative. The fans gave you your success. If that’s what they like, that’s what they like. I think some artists need to be more gracious and humble. Astley is 100% that. I love it. He absolutely loves the “Rick roll” shtick, and I love him for that. Love him. Good human. Humble. Embraces what he is. Also explains why he got burned out. It wasn’t what he was. That’s him. Love it.
Best Rick Roll I was ever a part of…
I was involved with the creation of a spoof police site, where we had a fictitious police department take controversial positions on hot topics just to see if we could get people’s hackles up before they realized they were being trolled. We had lots of indicators it was humor throughout. For those who didn’t get it anyway, we tried to recruit them to that fictitious police department, telling them we had an immediate opening for detective. And would post our recruiting hotline number. That number was a Rick Roll recording.
It was hilarious how many people called that number and then commented with Rick Astley memes and gifs.
Never Gonna Give You Up is a guilty pleasure. It has Rick-Rolled into pop culture everywhere! 😅
Thanks Professor! Thought you would be wearing an Orange Julius shirt. 😅
Have a great weekend. 🎉
Ha ha! Someday! Thanks Roger Happy Father's Day!
Oh, that’d be a delight.
I HAD NO IDEA THAT THIS SONG OR THE ARTIST HAD SUCH A TUMULTUOUS HISTORY OR WENT MAD CRAZY YEARS LATER. RICK LOOKED LIKE A 12 YEAR OLD WITH THE VOICE OF A SUPER DAD WHICH WAS STRANGE. I REALLY LIKE YOUR "SO EIGHTIES" QUOTE. I'VE HEARD HIS OTHER HITS TOO. HE HAD GOOD SONGS. SO MANY OTHER THINGS GOING ON IN THE 80'S, VIDEOS, CDS, BIG SCREEN TVS, NEW PROGRAMS... MOVING. JUST TOO MUCH, RICK FADED INTO MEMORY. HE'S POPPED IN AND OUT OF MEMORY FROM TIME TO TIME THOUGH. INTERESTING. HE WAS A PART... A BIG PART IN A FEW YEARS SPAN OF HISTORY OF MUSIC AND AGAIN MANY YEARS LATER, REVIVED BY A FAN OF HIS MUSIC, WHERE HE WAS PUT BACK ON THE MUSIC MAP AGAIN! HOW INCREDIBLE! THIS IS WONDERFUL! "HOW EIGHTIES" INDEED! 😂❤ I LOVE IT! 😂😂😂❤! THANKS, ADAM, FOR EXPANDING THE HORIZONS OF "PROFESSOR OF MUSIC'S" HORIZONS A LITTLE BIT! 👍✌🌸❤
I LOVED THIS SONG BACK IN THE 80's!!! Still do.❤ I had the cassette tape when it first came out.😄 And had a crush on a "ginger" at work because he looked like Rick.😆
I always read the description to know if I want to watch the video.... This one, title alone hooked me, I knew what it was. Bravo!
Glad you enjoyed it
I was pleasantly surprised he would even cover this one!
When I saw the title I knew it had to be “Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down”! 😀😂😀😀. I love it!
Thank you for all your hard work on all these wonderful videos Adam!
Thanks for watching!
Yes, and I was actually shocked that he was willing to cover rickrolling for us today!
First time I heard the song "Never Give You Up", I thought of the singer as someone big, brawny and maybe black. It turns out to be the opposite of what I thought when I saw the video. Surprised is the right word. Still love and playing his songs on my phone and watching his MTVs on YT.
Ive always enjoyed how down to earth Mr. Astley is. Cool dude...
Nice guy for sure. Should I try to interview him?
I agree.
@@ProfessorofRock yes please!
This song is an eternal classic. 🩷🩷🩷 It's one of my all time favorites. 😎
I never would have imagined such a big voice matched the picture of the vocalist! I was amazed! I bought the song! What an amazing voice! It wakes up my day to hear him ding sing this song!!!
Love your respect for King Rick. I often think if a young artist emerged today with a voice like his, the music world would lose its mind. Keep up the good work.
Good stuff Professor! I saw an interview with him recently, super nice guy and so down to earth.
I need to get him!
He is really humorous.
Oh my my... i remember the first time I heard this song on MTV.. to this day I think the same thing "I wish I could dance with this man, to this song" ❤❤❤
Being a teenager in the 80s totally rocked, the music, fashion and way of life back then was "a chefs kiss" ❤❤❤
I wish I could BE in the video too.
It's one of those songs that bring a smile to your face and if you lived during those times, takes you back to fond times.
I loved this song the first time I heard it back in 87.
I thought Rick Astley was African American and was totally blown away when I saw his music video.
🤯
I love Rick Astley, and thank you, S.A.W, for giving him a chance to shine and bless us with his soulful vocals.
😍🙏🏼
He sure does have the pipes to pull off some soul.
I thought the same before seeing the music video, his voice is darker in timbre and I didn't think he looked like he sounded. Shows you what I knew at seventeen!
@toddlawrance4045 Ha! I was 20.😂
Amy Winehouse is another singer who I heard before I saw her. Same league as Rick (vocals sounded African American). An amazing singer gone far too soon.
Love that you’re including this with the new standards. It’s a song with a great story, Rick seems like a genuine dude, and the rickroll aspect is internet legend. I have rickrolled my fair share. My favorite was as a student in a masters level mental health counseling class just as the pandemic was starting up. Classes has moved to Zoom and we were instructed to learn the screen-sharing feature by each sharing our screens. When it was my turn, I shared… well you know! It was good to share a chuckle with my classmates at a really scary time. I love rickrolls, because they’re a perfect prank. You get made a fool, but it always puts a smile on your face-and the song is a bop!
I remember this when it was released, being the same age as Rick. I loved it and his voice is so unique. I had the album and still love it now.
It’s a gem.
Saw Rick live pre covid and he put on such a great gig. Thanks for a great video Adam
Love Rick Astley's music. He is one of my favorite singers that emerged in the late 1980's. His music was fun, dance-pop, which I have always enjoyed. I'm also a major fan of SAW. SAW were the songwriting team of the 80's equivalent to Motown's Holland, Dozier, and Holland of the 60's. Besides Rick Astley, they also worked with one of my favorite girl groups of the 80's Bananarama and The Queen Of Disco Donna Summer bringing her back to her more dance-oriented music roots of the 70's. Anyway, Rick Astley was one of many artists who made 1988 an excellent year for music. "Never Gonna Give You Up", "Together Forever" and "It Would Take A Strong, Strong Man" are all terrific songs.
Don’t forget, the period where SAW were at their A++ game were when they produced Dead or Alive’s 1984 classic You Spin Me Round.
And anybody that can cover a Nat King Cole song and do it well is a huge talent.
I don’t know if I’d put SAW on the same level of Holland Dozier Holland, but they made some amazingly catchy songs and made many careers for so many artists. I’m going to look up some Donna Summer SAW tunes thanks to you!
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 fantastic song! RIP Pete Burns.
Adam, I’m a Gen X guy and I have to tell you that you do a great job and your channel is entertaining and informative. To top it off, your presentation and tone allow me to drift off to the days when MTV was worth watching and those weekends narrated by Casey Kasey.
He has such an amazing voice even to this day! I never mind being rick rolled!
I honestly laugh at it too.
I never paid much attention to this song back in 80's, but it just now became my ringtone.
I'm a solid punk/new wave bloke but I secretly love Rick astley songs 😁😎 hello from the Philippines 🇵🇭
I can't blame you! Hello from Utah!
@@ProfessorofRock Hi Prof! 😎
Hello there!
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Hi!
Classic 80's!
Cry For Help is on my list of favorite 80's songs.
But I love all of his hits.
Somehow, I made it through this episode. Lol I didn't guess it from your open. And when you dropped the bomb, I just said, "Oh my God!". 😂
But I listened to the whole episode. It was actually quite the interesting story. I sat in my truck in a Lowe's parking lot so I could finish watching it before going inside. 😅
Have a nice day at Lowe’s!
myself, born in 1972.. started a band in 88' trying to catch a hook and have a hit.. 🤷♂️ still working on that.. btw 😅
..but one of the reasons i love this channel and the content, is that you go through all the music I and my generation grew up with & loved! I dont care what genre you claimed to be part of, you knew every word and groove to every Hit song.. This one included. We heard them played relentlessly on Mtv and radio, also why we laugh when we hear some of them again.. hence the RickRoll.. you couldnt get away from it being played on everything.. I really miss pullin up next to someone driving and they are jamming to the same song on the same radio station.. 😏
All i can say is, all of this music is still appealling to most people, even to Us who had to accept the over playing of these #1 hits.. Be honest, We still love all these songs... an that they catch Fire and become #1 Hits again to a new audience says it All!!!!
..keep the history and stories behind them comin.. these help new ears understand this music better.. 😏😎🤙
Fantastic summary of the last time music was UNIVERSAL!!🎉🤗👍
There are just so many radio stations now it’s become pretty rare.
My nephew had to record a speech as part of his requirements for graduation. There was a minimum time length for the speech. His was a little short, so he attached a video clip. He Rickrolled his entire high school.
I would have loved to see that.
Not my usual genre of music, but I like every Rick Astley song I've ever heard. Him and Madonna.
I have always loved this song. This was what my brother and I always referred to as a “pool song” as kids, because we heard it a lot on the local radio station that was always playing at the swimming pool during the summer. The song is just so catchy and infectious, it’s hard not to like it.
I've read a few things about Mr. Astley from other artists.
He's a pro.
He's a great guy.
End of the day it’s a great feel good song and that’s why people embraced it.
Indeed.
Drum roll 🥁 for the Rick Roll! 🕺🎶🤩
Definitely a great song that stands the test of time along with "She Wants To Dance With Me"
This is a TRUE "Rick-Roll"...& who better to do an awesome Rick-Roll than the Professor of Rock🎶
Ha ha. Thanks! Happy Saturday!
I agree lol I’ve never minded being Rick rolled and todays episode is the best of Rick Rolls!
Out of all the rickrolls I experienced, this one takes the cake.
I remember when this song was released. I was a radio DJ. I played it for the first time in January 1988.
Poll: What is your pick for the best use of a classic song in pop culture?
...hmmmmm.....I'd like to teach the World to siiiiingg..... ; )
I like how they used "True" by Spandau Ballet in "Not Another Teen Movie."
When Full in Love Rick Ashley 🏴
Wayne's World singing Bohemian Rapsodey
Trolololololo?
I remember this song coming out. I was 24 (I’m just three years older than Rick) and his voice blew me away…it still does! The catchy chorus is excellent and, quite frankly, I love that he sings about true devotion to his girl.
I’m one year younger than Rick and feel the same. I got that first album on cassette because of a music club. You remember when you would get 10 albums for cheap and then they annoyed you every month about new ones? ❤
That annoyance is part of the contract one signs for such a deal.
Stock-Aitken-Waterman had so many hits with that Hi-NRG synthesizer-drum formula that it basically became the signature sound of late '80s pop-rock.
This sound was so ubiquitous.
My favorite Rick Roll is the Muppet version, but live with the Foo Fighters???? Damn!
You know I found out a while ago that Rick Astley is actually a HUGE animated movie buff. Apparently, he has a massive collection, from Disney to Pixar to DreamWorks.. What's more, he's apparently super generous and lends his collection out to friends, family, etc.. You want "Toy Story", he's got you. You need to watch "The Lion King", its yours.... however, as nice as he is, he's never gonna give you "Up".
I watched a video on this, his love of all these movies.
Love Rick!! Thank you for covering this. He’s One of my favorites. Absolutely love his newer songs. Especially Try and Beautiful Life.
I remember hearing never gonna give you up when it first hit the charts here in the United States. I’ve always loved that song, and thought he had a great voice. Was very happy to see him have a career resurgence with the Rick Roll.
Adam I thank you for schooling us yet another time. We watch you and it seems as though you’re sitting on the couch across from my wife and I telling us a story about one of your musician friends! God bless you!
He did a cover of When I fall in love, and it was a great crooners song and he did it very well
Beautiful rendition for sure.
I agree! Beautiful, emotive rendition. Rick has a gorgeous voice.
....LOVELY version....showed he had 'crooner' skills....Sinatra probably would've dug Sir Rick....
Rick was a modern Sinatra with that one.
So, 1987 this song was a monster. I had just started college, great at the clubs. Good memories.
Yes! Awesome!
I imagine it was a club banger.
This song always makes me happy!
love rick astley
i loved this song the minute i first heard it on the radio back in 1987.
i was listening to the top 20 chart countdown on bbc radio on the mw wave and it came up at number one out of nowhere.
i love a good number of his other songs like(it would take a strong strong man, don't say goodbye, cry for help, together forever, when i fall in love, take me to your heart, ain't too proud to beg, she wants to dance with me, hold me in your arms, whenever you need somebody and no more looking for love).
the man is brilliant and he knows his music and if didn't give up he would've been even bigger than he is now.
Me too … along with Billy oceans Caribbean queen !! What amazing songs - miss those days🎉
He was never going to give music up, but he did. Sad.
@@ettaplace6716 try to listen to (red light spells danger) by billy ocean if you didn't.
Thanks for your hard work putting this together! It was great. ❤
Late again...... but I have always been a Rick Astley fan. This video, especially with the Rick Roll story of Sweet Caroline (I despise that song for personal reasons), has just increased my Astley appreciation. The man has an incredible voice and very soulful songs..... My daughter wants me to sing When I Fall in Love at her wedding when she gets married. I'm glad Rick is enjoying performing and his music career again...... he was always more than just the Rick Roll.....
I think it's a first ballot vote in for the New Stardards category.....well done Prof!!
Getting Rick-rolled live when Rick Astley performed at an 80's/90's music event hosted by David Hasselhoff in my hometown back in 2014 was a pretty fun thing. Other artists this evening were Samantha Fox and 4 Eurodance groups you probably never heard of (Vengaboys, Turbo B/Snap, DJ Sash and Twenty4Seven).
Whaaaaaat! Awesome. You can't make it up! Tell us more!
@@ProfessorofRock He just sang the song as part of his set, but it was at the same time Rick-rolling was still done pretty often here in The Netherlands.
Close: He actually sang standing in a bucket crane near the wall while people were tearing it down. It hadn't completely fallen yet. And you might be joking, but the Hoff himself claimed that exact thing at the music event.
I’ve heard them all!
Rick Astley for president. He will never give you up, never gonna let you down, never gonna tell a lie and hurt you.