Hot! The Los Angeles Times tracked down Rick Astley using "assists from RCA Records, the webmaster of Astley’s U.K. fan site, and his manager at Sony BMG" for an interview about the internet phenomenon known as Rickrolling that's popped up this past year. You can read this epic meeting of the minds, as well as listen to audio clips from the interview.Personally, I think it's pretty classy that they bothered poor ol' Rick at home for this trash, as if his career began and peaked with "Never Gonna Give You Up." Hello!? He totally did backing vocals on the 1994 Elton John Lion King songs -- where his name is misspelled in the liner notes -- along with Gary Barlow! At any rate, Rick comes across as being pretty embarrassed about the whole thing.
He even manages to toss out a zinger at Debbie Gibson, when trying to state how cheesy he thinks "Never Gonna Give You Up" is now in retrospect: “For me it’s a good example of what some of the ’80s were about in that pop sort of music way. A bit like you could say Debbie Gibson was absolutely massive, but if you look back at it now ... do you know what I mean?”
I agree, Rick. Everyone knows "Together Forever" was the true hands-down masterpiece. (followed closely by "Take Me To Your Heart"!)
Thanks to Towleroad for the tip.