SIGNED copy
A reflective, frank and beautiful memoir by the much-loved musician Rick Astley.
'Fame didn’t actually make me happy. I was an insecure twenty-year-old and being
famous made things worse back then. It was an era all about the way you looked
and I still don’t know how I squeezed through. I did enjoy myself for a lot of it, but,
at some point, you’re looking in the mirror and going: 'Is this it, then?' Clichéd as
this sounds, success is never going to mend something that is broken. You just
have to work that out for yourself. And something was a bit broken in me – I think it
is with almost everybody who gets on the stage.'
When 'Never Gonna Give You Up’ propelled Rick Astley into the pop stratosphere, it
irrevocably altered his life's trajectory. Nothing could have prepared the young, unassuming
Lancashire lad for what was in store for him. What followed was a whirlwind of TV
appearances, fame, worldwide tours, bestselling albums and media scrutiny. But, after only
six years in the business, having sold millions of records globally, Rick made a major life
decision to retire, choosing family over fame. Time out of the industry offered him room for
much-needed reflection and therapy – and unknowingly helped to set the stage for his
triumphant return to music.
In his powerful and revealing memoir, Rick delves into this journey. He candidly recounts his
formative years and unconventional upbringing, retraces his decision to leave the spotlight
and provides intimate insights into family life and the challenges and rewards of new
beginnings.
'What a bad-ass motherf**ker' – Dave Grohl
About The Author
Born in Lancashire in 1966, musician Rick Astley started his career as a teaboy at the music
production company Stock Aitken Waterman before being recognized for his own musical
talents. His 1987 debut album, Whenever You Need Somebody, sold 15.2 million copies
worldwide and made him a household name. Since then, he has gone to release eight studio
albums, selling over 40 million records globally and headlining multiple world tours. This is his
first memoir.