'Never Gonna Give You Up' in HD: Rick Astley recreates MV for car insurance company ad
English singer Rick Astley actually meant it when said he's never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down. He just recreated parts of his smash hit's music video for an American car insurance company ad.
In a minute-long video of the CSAA (California State Automobile Association) Insurance Group, the 56-year-old Astley is vibing exactly as his 21-year-old self did in 1987. The video is also in high definition and has better color grading.
Astley, in all his glory, performed as three different versions of himself wearing attire similar to his outfits in the original Never Gonna Give You Up music video.
To suit contemporary times, there are parts where Astley shows off his dance moves on Zoom, as well as the video playing on a smartphone. There's also a QR code that prospective customers may scan for more information about the insurance.
At the tailend of the ad, Astley rhetorically asks, "Is this still a thing?" pertaining to his 35-year-old song. His two "clones" then give him a Gallic shrug.
Many commenters showed their admiration for Astley with the "remastered" version of Never Gonna Give You Up.
"This is the remaster we always deserved!" one user said.
"This is one of the greatest marketing schemes I’ve ever seen," another user said. "The QR code and everything is the cherry on top. And I can tell the people in the ad are having a lot of fun."
"After all these years, Rick Astley proved that he will never: give you up; let you down; run around; desert you; say goodbye," wrote another commenter, referring to the song's catchy chorus.
The music video surpassed one billion views on YouTube on July 28, 2021.
According to its website, the CSAA Insurance Group, founded in 1914, offers automobile, homeowners, and other personal lines of insurance to members of the American Automobile Association in 23 states and the District of Columbia.