In a monumental achievement for ‘80s pop culture, Rick Astley’s iconic 1987 single “Never Gonna Give You Up” has officially surpassed 1 billion streams on Spotify, earning its spot in the platform’s elite Billions Club. Announced on June 2, 2025, this milestone underscores the enduring appeal of the synth-pop anthem, fueled by both nostalgia and the viral “Rickrolling” meme that introduced the track to new generations. As streaming continues to redefine music consumption, Astley’s classic hit proves its staying power nearly four decades after its release.

From ‘80s Chart-Topper to Internet Sensation
Originally released as the lead single from Astley’s debut album Whenever You Need Somebody, “Never Gonna Give You Up” dominated charts worldwide, hitting No. 1 in over 20 countries, including the U.S. and U.K. Written by the legendary production trio Stock Aitken Waterman, the song’s upbeat melody and Astley’s soulful vocals made it a defining track of the late 1980s. It spent two weeks at No. 1 in the U.S. and has since been certified double platinum in the U.K. and five times platinum in the U.S. within the past five years, reflecting its lasting popularity.
The song’s resurgence began in 2007 with the “Rickrolling” prank—a bait-and-switch meme where users are tricked into watching the song’s music video via disguised links. This internet phenomenon not only revived the track but also cemented its place in digital culture, with the video racking up 1.6 billion views on YouTube and mentions in contexts as varied as sporting events and a White House X post during the Obama era. Now, Spotify streams have pushed the song into the Billions Club, a feat achieved by fewer than 1,000 tracks on the platform, joining the likes of Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” and Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean.”
Astley’s Reaction: Gratitude and Amazement
Rick Astley, now 59, expressed his disbelief and gratitude in a heartfelt Instagram video. “So who would’ve believed after all these years ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ has had a billion streams on Spotify. That’s a billion streams. How amazing,” he said, adding, “Thank you for listening, and lots of love.” In a separate statement, Astley reflected on the song’s journey: “I never could have imagined back in 1987 that ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ would still be going strong decades later. Thanks to streaming platforms, a whole new generation has been able to discover music like mine.”
Astley’s humility shines through as he prepares to join New Kids on the Block on The Mixtape Tour, a fitting celebration for a song that continues to resonate. While often pegged as a one-hit wonder, Astley’s career includes other successes, but none have matched the cultural impact of this track, which has transcended its era to become a global phenomenon.
The Power of Streaming and Nostalgia
The 1 billion Spotify streams milestone highlights the transformative role of streaming in music longevity. Released two decades before Spotify’s 2008 launch, “Never Gonna Give You Up” has found a new audience through playlists, viral trends, and algorithmic recommendations. The song’s inclusion in Spotify’s Billions Club playlist ensures its continued visibility, alongside other billion-stream hits. Beyond the meme, the track’s optimism and catchy rhythm have kept listeners coming back, proving its appeal isn’t just a joke—it’s a genuine classic.
This isn’t the first billion-view milestone for the song. In 2021, the music video hit 1 billion views on YouTube, a rare feat for a pre-internet era video, joining ‘80s hits like Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child o’ Mine” and A-ha’s “Take on Me.” To mark that achievement, Astley released 2,500 limited-edition 7-inch blue vinyl copies, all signed, which sold out quickly. The song’s YouTube views have since climbed to 1.6 billion, further showcasing its digital dominance.
Why “Never Gonna Give You Up” Endures
The song’s success lies in its universal appeal. Its upbeat tempo and heartfelt lyrics evoke a sense of joy and nostalgia, while the Rickrolling meme has kept it relevant in a digital landscape. From Gen Xers who danced to it in the ‘80s to Gen Z discovering it through memes, the track bridges generational gaps. Its use in pop culture—spanning TV shows, movies, and even live performances—has only amplified its reach. Astley’s daughter once noted that the meme kept him relevant beyond the ‘80s, a sentiment that rings true as the song continues to rack up streams.
What’s Next for Rick Astley?
As “Never Gonna Give You Up” joins Spotify’s Billions Club, Astley remains active in the music scene. His upcoming tour with New Kids on the Block will bring his hits to fans old and new, while his TikTok presence (1.9 million followers) keeps him connected with younger audiences. The song’s milestone is a testament to its timelessness, and as streaming platforms continue to shape how we experience music, “Never Gonna Give You Up” shows no signs of slowing down. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a recent Rickroll victim, this ‘80s gem is here to stay—never giving up on its place in music history.
Sources: Information compiled from recent reports on Rick Astley’s milestone, including The Hollywood Reporter, Digital Music News, and Yahoo News.