“Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley is one of the most iconic pop songs of the 1980s and has gained renewed fame in the internet age through the phenomenon known as “Rickrolling.” Released in July 1987, it was Astley’s debut single and remains his most well-known track.
Rick Astley was discovered by the production trio Stock Aitken Waterman, who were known for creating catchy, danceable pop music. “Never Gonna Give You Up” was written and produced by Mike Stock, Matt Aitken, and Pete Waterman. The song showcases the signature Stock Aitken Waterman production style, characterized by its infectious melody, upbeat tempo, and polished production.
“Never Gonna Give You Up” was a massive commercial success. It reached number one on the charts in 25 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. In the US, it topped the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks, and in the UK, it stayed at number one for five weeks. The song’s popularity helped establish Rick Astley as a major pop star of the late 1980s.