Never

The Autobiography

By: Rick Astley

Narrated by: Rick Astley

Read by the author, Rick Astley

'I hadn’t been very comfortable with fame, but I didn’t know what to do with myself after I was famous. On the surface, I was just hugely relieved to be shot of the whole thing. I felt like I’d been let off the hook . . . But underneath that, I was pretty miserable.'

When 'Never Gonna Give You Up’ propelled Rick Astley into the pop stratosphere, it changed his life forever. Nothing could have prepared the young, unassuming lad from Lancashire for what was in store for him. This is Rick's story – in his own words.

At just nineteen, Rick agreed to sign with legendary music producer Pete Waterman – under the wings of music powerhouse Stock Aitken Waterman. Unpredictable, outlandish adventures followed, giving him a peek into the mechanics of the music industry – all of which would eventually take Rick from the shadows of local bands to international stardom. From platinum-selling albums to worldwide tours, the world was at Rick’s feet. And then, suddenly, at what seemed like the height of fame, it wasn’t.

At twenty-seven, Rick retired himself from the industry that had brought him much success and financial stability. Behind the hits and the glitz and glamour was a young man coming to terms with his new-found fame, the realities of life in the pop-music machine and the pressures of life on the road, not to mention reconciling with his childhood spent between his divorced parents in a volatile family dynamic. Time out of the industry offered Rick room for much-needed reflection and therapy – and unknowingly helped to set the stage for his triumphant return to music.

Balancing nostalgia, fresh perspectives and introspection, with a good dose of northern humour, Never is an intimate look at the man behind the hits – and is a portrait of truth, artistic evolution and the astounding power of contentment.

©2024 Rick Astley (P)2024 Macmillan Publishers International Limited

A Fantastic, Deeply Honest Memoir

I’ve been a Rick Astley fan since he first broke out in 1987. I saw him perform in Glastonbury and attended a talk of his in London about this memoir. I loved listening to him tell his story and can’t recommend it highly enough. Tune in and enjoy. Now I just want to see him in concert again!

Boy done good

Ricks enthusiasm for his story was intoxicating, loved every minute of the listen, tough upbringings generally equals the most interesting successful people.

Rick Astley is as delightful as you hope

The story of a normal guy, turned pop star, turned normal guy, turned multi-generational icon, who, by the way, is a normal guy.

Astley offers an engaging and warm performance. This is the RickRolling we all need.

this is the greatest thing ever

Humble and self-deprecating, starstruck and just exactly profane enough, this is something you need to download and listen to *immediately*

Astley narrates the audiobook himself, talking about his early family life, his career, his not-quite-comebacks, actual comebacks, collabs with artists that you will never believe, and tells you about work that you never knew he did, it's a fantastic and quite real fish out of water story.

There were literally parts of this book - particularly his celebrity encounters - that made me guffaw out loud
(the Morrissey story especially).

Bonus points for hearing Rick Astley tell you the story of Rick Astley getting rick rolled.

BUY THIS.

Sad the book had to end

A funny, thoughtful and a pleasure to gain insight into one of my favorite artists. He is the same age as I. I remember listening g to his music while I was in college. At the time, I thought he was a “wxnker” because my girlfriend at the time had such a crush on him. However, as time passed, I have truly come to appreciate his music and his talent as an artist. Much respect. Not just for his music, but his faith in himself and not listening to his fears.

Excellent narration by Rick

This kept my interest, from his childhood to his rocket to stardom, I felt like I really got to know him.
Down to earth and a likable guy who sang an anthem to the late 80’s!

A Genuine Person

I didn't expect to like it. I'm not a music person, and had no idea who he was until I googled his music. The preview was good and got meto invest a credit, lol.(I'm 63) I found myself caught up in his life, family, musical journey.
Great voice. Relatable stories. Honesty that surprises you.

A different path to cool

I loved how authentic, straightforward and vulnerable Rick Astley is in his book.
Anyone who grew up in the UK in the eighties knows Rick, who was extremely famous for a while and then not so.
Life had soem strange plans, but also some pretty strange beginnings for him, I found this fascinating and heart-warming.

Clean cut Rick

Great voice! Great narration. Story just a bit routine and unassuming: but that’s why we love him. Just a regular bloke but with magnificent vocal ability!

Download this book now!

Rick has one of the most remarkable show biz stories and it’s even better to hear him tell it.

I had the pleasure of meeting g Rick on his book tour and my only regret was that I hadn’t read the book prior. There are SO many things I want to say - but mainly what an absolute gentleman he is and that I do hope to see him live one day.

Never give up the music, Rick and Lene and Emile are very lucky ladies.

Thank you for sharing your story. xx