AllMovie

Factsheet

• Left school aged 16 and worked as a driver for his father's gardening business.
• Discovered by Pete Waterman while singing for a soul band; was signed to Stock Aitken Waterman as a songwriter aged 19.
• At 21, released "Never Gonna Give You Up", the biggest selling UK single of 1987 and reaching number one in 16 countries.
• In 1993, retired from the music industry aged 27, citing burn out, to spend more time with his family.
• In 2007, became the focus of the rickrolling internet meme, where people were tricked into viewing the video for "Never Gonna Give You Up". In 2008 participated in a live rickroll during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
• Released the album 50 at the age of 50, inspired by Adele's practice of naming albums after her age.