Family heartbreak put Rick Astley on path to fame

In a recent interview, Rick Astley candidly shared how a family tragedy that occurred before his birth significantly shaped his musical journey. The singer opened up about the loss of his brother, which ultimately led to his parents’ separation during his early childhood. “I think it did shape me as a person, definitely,” he reflected. “It influenced many of my choices regarding why I pursued music, sought the stage, and craved attention—because I felt I didn’t receive enough from my parents.”

Astley, originally from Newton-le-Willows, rose to fame at the age of 21 with his iconic hit “Never Gonna Give You Up.” Now at 58, he looks back on his career, having sold five million copies of his album “Whenever You Need Somebody.” However, he made the surprising decision to step back from the music industry just a few years later, a choice he partially attributes to becoming a father. “Even though my career was flourishing and I felt incredibly lucky, after four or five years, I had enough… Being a parent really reinforced that for me,” he shared during his appearance on BBC North West Tonight.

With a touch of humor, Astley remarked that, in a way, his life has felt “all downhill” since those early successes. “I didn’t have the usual experiences of growing up—like going to university or starting my first jobs—where you figure out what you like and who you are,” he said.

In recent years, the phenomenon of Rickrolling—where people are tricked into clicking links that lead to the “Never Gonna Give You Up” video—has introduced him to a whole new generation of fans. Despite this resurgence in popularity, Astley insists that fame hasn’t overshadowed his everyday life. “It’s a lovely thing that floats through my life but doesn’t dominate it,” he explained.

Astley’s memoir, “Never: The Autobiography,” is set to be released on October 10.