In the vast landscape of internet humor, few pranks have reached the iconic status of Rickrolling. Originating on the 4chan imageboard in the mid – 2000’s, Rickrolling involves tricking someone into clicking a hyperlink that will shotgun them to the music video for Rick Astley’s 1987 hit, “Never Gonna Give You Up.”
As a friendly blogger, I am not going to actually Rickroll you. Sadly, I am not technically savvy enough to accomplish this with the notice of a new posting. More importantly, it would defeat the purpose of the notice: you would be Rickrolled but not know why… But of course I am providing the link to the awesomeness of Rick Astley:
Rick Astley – Never Gonna Give You Up (Official Music Video) – YouTube
Classic bait–and–switch for the e-savvy pranksters. What started as a simple online gag evolved into a pop culture phenomenon, infiltrating forums, social media, and even real-world events. Now, that 1987 video has hit over 1.5 billion views on YouTube (YouTube even wasn’t activated until 2005), all stemming from Rickrolling. Sure, it’s a catchy tune, but no reason for so many hits other than pranks living large.
I mentioned real-world events. This fun fact happened in 2008, right after the phenomenon phenomed. During the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Astley made a surprise appearance on a float and gave a live performance. Since it wasn’t planned, it was the ultimate Rickroll!
So, you may be asking why, years later, is your modern blogger bringing this to your attention. One, because someone referenced it the other day, and it is awesome and silly. Two, because it is still happening! The video hit 1 billion views in July of 2021 and regularly averages 2.3 million views on April Fool’s Day. Astley is still performing his act in concerts some 35 years later. And Three, because 4 high school students figured it out a couple of years ago and Rickrolled a Chicago school district on 500 screens across 6 school buildings. So, yes, you are welcome. 😊
Now, I have an absurd turn for you to think about. When you watch Astley’s video, the dancing, or lack thereof, becomes readily apparent. Back then there wasn’t too much to music videos – we are talking 1987, after all. So, my question is, was this viral video the foundation for the 2005 movie Hitch, starring Kevin James and Will Smith? The iconic dance lesson scene may be the most memorable of the movie; watch here:
Hitch (6/8) Movie CLIP – Dance Lessons (2005) HD – YouTube
You tell me if only they knew…
Great post. I had no idea. Thanks