rick astley

It's been 17 years since Rick Astley released a song.

A lot has happened in that time: The Internet became huge, the RickRoll was invented, and Astley's only hit "Never Gonna Give You Up" reemerged as a cultural phenomenon.

Well, 40 million views put dollars signs in someone's eyes, because once again a music exec has decided to exploit this poor white kid's inability to dance with a new song and video: "Lights Out."  (Check out around the 30 second mark for Rick's big new move, the "why me?")

It's not terrible.  It's kind of what I imagine Coldplay will sound like in 15 years …assuming someone starts ColdRolling people and Coldplay become relevant again.

[via Blame It On The Voices]

Cats are lazy, thoughtless, aloof animals who only care about eating, sleeping and driving you crazy.

But apparently even cats aren't willing to listen to "Never Gonna Give You Up" by Rick Astley.

Keep an eye on his paw.  He's like, Alright, one, stop that, and two, get this thing away from me.

It's almost identical to how I act when my phone wakes me up while I have a hangover.  Good kitty.

[via CollegeHumor]

OnlineSchools has created this amazing infographic detailing the history of the RickRoll.

They discuss how many times the video has been viewed worldwide, the pathetically low royalties the songwriters have received from the phenomenon, and all the variations that exist on the web.

Click on the image above or here to check out the full thing.

[via The Daily What]

Everyone is lamenting the death of the RickRoll!

Mashable reports that "if you want to use the original Rickroll video…you?ll be greeted by an ugly message: This video has been removed due to terms of use violation."

Well, even though the RickRoll is dead, here is something else that is totally awesome for you to check out!!!

[image via Videogum]

Here's a fun new mashup video: The music from Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" with the vocals from Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up."  Now you can mosh your way back from a RickRoll.

Though I think a more inspired Nirvana tune to combine with Rick Astley vocals would be "I Hate Myself and Want to Die."