hidden-histories

Rickroll History and Impact

Get ready to dive deep into the wild world of Rickrolling, from its humble beginnings to its impact on pop culture!

About this Rabbit Hole

Ever wondered how a simple 80s pop hit became the internet's favorite prank? Dive down the Rickroll rabbit hole to explore how Rick Astley's 'Never Gonna Give You Up' has infiltrated every corner of the web. From hilarious school-wide rickrolls to mind-blowing renditions on bizarre instruments, this collection uncovers the genius behind this enduring meme. Plus, discover the surprising story behind the original music video and witness YouTubers falling victim to the ultimate bait-and-switch. Watch in order or skip around β€” each video adds a new layer to the Rickroll phenomenon!

Videos in this Rabbit Hole

1

HE RICKROLLED EVERY SCHOOL!

Icycol
2024-10-13
HE RICKROLLED EVERY SCHOOL! by Icycol
Click to load video

Our Commentary

So this guy managed to pull off the ultimate rickroll by broadcasting it to every school in his city. Now that's what I call a commitment to classic internet mischief.

2

Rick Roll on EVERY Instrument!

Landen Purifoy
2025-06-26
Rick Roll on EVERY Instrument! by Landen Purifoy
Click to load video

Our Commentary

Who knew the iconic Rick Astley tune could sound simultaneously amazing and ridiculous on every instrument known to man? I guess even a Rick Roll can be impressive in the right hands (and paws, and hooves...).

3

The first time Rick Astley got RickRolled

VICE
2025-05-28
The first time Rick Astley got RickRolled by VICE
Click to load video

Our Commentary

Who would have thought the man behind the iconic RickRoll would get RickRolled himself? It's like a rickception, and I'm here for it.

Tags:
4

The real story behind Rick Astley's 'Never Gonna Give You Up' video

VICE
2025-06-14
The real story behind Rick Astley's 'Never Gonna Give You Up' video by VICE
Click to load video

Our Commentary

So, turns out Rick Astley was the original master of the unexpected plot twist. Who knew the RickRoll was just a glimpse into his genius for trolling the entire internet?

Tags:
5

YouTubers getting rickrolled compilation

Offline Mort
2024-09-11
YouTubers getting rickrolled compilation by Offline Mort
Click to load video

Our Commentary

So basically, we're just watching people fall for the oldest trick in the book over and over again? Classic. But hey, at least they're keeping the meme alive and well in the digital age.

Tags:
6

Rick Astley, on dealing with 'Never Gonna Give You Up' burnout

VICE
2025-05-09
Rick Astley, on dealing with 'Never Gonna Give You Up' burnout by VICE
Click to load video

Our Commentary

Rick Astley went from obscurity to worldwide recognition in the blink of an eye, but let's be real, he probably gets tired of people yelling "Never Gonna Give You Up" at him in the grocery store.

Tags:
7

Rick Astley: Never Gonna Give You Up, Quitting It All and His Rickrolling Renaissance | MAS #22 🎬

Making A Scene
2025-07-01
Rick Astley: Never Gonna Give You Up, Quitting It All and His Rickrolling Renaissance | MAS #22 🎬 by Making A Scene
Click to load video

Our Commentary

Rick Astley: the man who quit while he was ahead, only to resurface through the depths of internet trickery. Never gonna give you up, indeed.

Tags:
8

Nobody knew 'Never Gonna Give You Up' was going to be a hit. Besides Rick Astley.

VICE
2025-06-24
Nobody knew 'Never Gonna Give You Up' was going to be a hit. Besides Rick Astley. by VICE
Click to load video

Our Commentary

Rick Astley is the ultimate secret keeper of pop music. Who would've thought this unassuming redhead was hiding a banger like "Never Gonna Give You Up" up his sleeve? I guess we all got RickRoll'd in more ways than one.

Tags:
9

I Got Rick Roll'd AGAIN In Genshin Impact

Doro44
2025-04-08
I Got Rick Roll'd AGAIN In Genshin Impact by Doro44
Click to load video

Our Commentary

Just when you thought you were safe in Genshin Impact, the Rick Astley curse strikes again. Can't tell if it's a glitch or some twisted form of entertainment, but hey, at least you got a catchy tune to go with the chaos.

Tags:
10

80λ…„λŒ€ 영ꡭ κ°€μˆ˜ λ¦­ μ• μŠ¬λ¦¬ κ³Όκ±° vs ν˜„μž¬

ν›ˆλΉ„ HOONBEE
2025-02-05
80λ…„λŒ€ 영ꡭ κ°€μˆ˜ λ¦­ μ• μŠ¬λ¦¬ κ³Όκ±° vs ν˜„μž¬ by ν›ˆλΉ„ HOONBEE
Click to load video

Our Commentary

Rick Astley went from the ultimate 80s heartthrob to looking like the cool uncle at a family BBQ - and you know what? He's still got it. #AgingLikeAFineWine #NeverGonnaGiveYouUp

Tags:
11

Rick Astley gets 'Rickrolled' by Asim Chaudhry - BBC

BBC
2024-12-02
Rick Astley gets 'Rickrolled' by Asim Chaudhry - BBC by BBC
Click to load video

Our Commentary

Rick Astley getting 'Rickrolled' by Asim Chaudhry is the chaotic energy I never knew I needed in my life. The look on Rick's face says it all - a mix of confusion, amusement, and maybe just a hint of regret.

Tags:
12

I Am Steve and I'll Never Gonna Give You Up

BrunShel
2024-09-27
I Am Steve and I'll Never Gonna Give You Up by BrunShel
Click to load video

Our Commentary

So, Steve is not just Rickrolling us, he's also color-rolling us? I can't decide if this is absurdly hilarious or just plain confusing. Either way, I can't look away.

Tags:

Final Thoughts

"**Final Thoughts** After journeying through the world of Rickrolling, it's evident that the phenomenon goes far beyond just a catchy '80s hit. Each video in this collection peeled back layers of history and impact, showing how a simple prank could evolve into a global sensation. As we watched Rick Astley perform on various instruments and saw YouTubers fall victim to the prank, it became clear that Rickrolling is a cultural force with staying power. The key takeaway from this rabbit hole is the power of music to connect people across time and space, reminding us that a playful prank can spark moments of shared joy and nostalgia in unexpected ways."