April 1, 2008: The End of 'Rick-rolling'

Rick Astley was huge Tuesday. On April Fools Day, millions of YouTubers were duped into watching his video when they clicked on the featured videos at the top of the page. They all got Rick-rolled.

I case it hasn't happenned to you, you've been Rick-rolled when somebody sends you a juicy link (like "Brittney Busted for Prostitution!"), and after you click it you're immediately directed to an 80s Astely video on YouTube.

But now everybody's hip to it. The element of surprise is gone. If somebody rolled me today, I'd just groan.

So what's next?

Well, we need to wait awhile (tragedy + time = comedy) and then try to find another bogus link to something as perfect as a Rick Astley video. It won't be easy to find. David Hasselhoff? Nah. Too exposed (literally, way too exposed).

How about mall rocker Debbie Gibson! Maybe.

Meatloaf? Nah, that's just mean.

I thought Astley was pretty cool about the whole thing in his comments to the Los Angeles Times:

"I am aware of it, obviously. It's kind of weird, really ... because I don't really perform much anymore. I'm not out there every week to do something with my former career. It makes me laugh. I'm sure it annoys a lot of other people."

At least the dude knew when to just let his old career die. Few things are sadder than a has-been celebrity who still lusts for fame.

Reviving the Astley legacy might mean a few dates in shopping malls and old folks homes as he fights like hell for an opening slot at the Sands.

I actually ran into Astley on a flight coming into LAX one time. I said, "Dude, you were on MTV! You sang that 'Never Gonna Give You Up' song!" But, alas, he only smiled and said, "Would you care for another beverage before we land sir?"

We wish you the best, Rick. Thanks for the laugh, and now the spotlight moves off you once more. We're gonna miss those dance moves.

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