The singer on wanting to be a drummer, why he’s never had a proper job and why fame is a disappointment

Born in Lancashire, Rick Astley, 52, was playing in a local band when he was spotted by Stock, Aitken and Waterman. He had his first hit, Never Gonna Give You Up, in 1987 and his debut album, Whenever You Need Somebody, was Grammy-nominated. At 27, he abandoned his career, stepping back into the limelight only after the Rickrolling meme appeared in 2007. His latest album is Beautiful Life and next week he starts a UK tour. He is married with a daughter and lives in Surrey.

What is your earliest memory?
Christmas. I am not sure what year, but I would have been tiny. We made a nativity on a shelf out of cotton wool and little glass figurines.

Sitemap