Rick Astley’s iconic 1987 hit “Never Gonna Give You Up” has achieved a remarkable milestone, surpassing one billion streams on Spotify — a testament to its enduring appeal across generations. The news was announced in a June 2 press release from the streaming giant, officially inducting the song into Spotify’s prestigious “Billions Club.”
Astley, now 59, expressed his gratitude and disbelief at the song’s longevity in a statement: “I never could have imagined back in 1987 that ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ would still be going strong decades later,” he said. “Thanks to streaming platforms, a whole new generation has been able to discover music like mine. Reaching one billion streams is something I never dreamed of — and to everyone who’s ever listened, thank you.”
Originally written and produced by the powerhouse pop team Stock Aitken Waterman, “Never Gonna Give You Up” debuted on Astley’s first album, Whenever You Need Somebody, and quickly rocketed to the top of the charts, peaking at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks. The upbeat synth-pop track has sold over five million copies worldwide and helped define the sound of late-’80s dance-pop.
The song’s cultural impact was reignited in the late 2000s with the rise of the “Rickrolling” meme — an internet prank that tricked unsuspecting users into watching the “Never Gonna Give You Up” music video. The phenomenon introduced the song to millions of new fans, and Astley himself credits the meme with boosting his career in unexpected ways. “I don’t know how my career would have turned out without Rickrolling,” Astley reflected in his 2024 memoir Never. “But it would be stupid to say it hasn’t ultimately done me a lot of good.”
Beyond its internet fame, the song’s music video has racked up an astonishing 1.6 billion views on YouTube, appeared at sporting events, and even earned a nod from the White House’s official Twitter account during the Obama administration.
While “Never Gonna Give You Up” remains Astley’s signature song, his catalog features other hits like “Together Forever,” “She Wants to Dance with Me,” “Cry for Help,” and “It Would Take a Strong Man.” His latest album, Are We There Yet?, released in 2023, reached No. 2 on the U.K. charts, demonstrating his enduring relevance as a performer and songwriter.
Why This Matters: Astley’s milestone highlights how classic songs can find new life in the digital era, transcending generations and platforms. Streaming services like Spotify allow artists’ legacies to thrive while connecting them to younger audiences who might otherwise miss out on iconic tracks. As Astley himself acknowledges, “Never Gonna Give You Up” continues to resonate — not just as a nostalgic throwback, but as a living, evolving piece of pop culture.
What’s Next: With this billion-stream milestone, Astley’s legacy is secure as a global pop icon. Fans can expect the artist to continue performing and recording, as his recent chart success shows that his musical journey is far from over. As streaming continues to reshape the music industry, Astley’s experience offers a blueprint for artists hoping to adapt their music to modern audiences while celebrating their roots.
