S2 E90 - Rick Astley

Drum Channel Podcast

Hello, my Drum Channel family! Billy Amendola here in my “Bubble” with, our special guest, superstar Rick Astley.

Before exploding on the pop charts in the 1980s, Astley was playing drums in bands and singing from behind the kit. Once he stepped out front, a new calling began. He was labeled one of the best singers to come out of the U.K. and take America by storm with his powerhouse vocal style with his two number-one hits, “Never Gonna Give You Up” and “Together Forever.”

Working for songwriters/producers Stock, Aitken, and Waterman, the most successful songwriting and producing teams of the 80s, scoring more than 100 UK top 40 hits and selling over 40 million records, Rick became an international star.

In 1993, Rick took a six-year hiatus to take a break from stardom to raise a family. He was itching to return after seeing how much he was missed and respected in the industry by writing, recording, and playing all the instruments in his home studio as a present to himself, turning 50 years old.

He has since released new music, played huge shows, and found out Dave Grohl and one of his favorite bands, the Foo Fighters, were huge fans.

Rick talks about his insight into the songwriting and recording process, as well as his continued passion for playing drums.

Listen to this one with your family and friends. Enjoy the words & music.