Date: 10 February 1988
Originally published in: Daily Mirror (UK)
Written by: Gill Pringle
Superstar Rick Astley finally picked up his top music award yesterday and spoke out about his bitter humiliation at being snubbed on TV.
“I was made to look really stupid”, said Rick, whose Never Gonna Give You Up was 1987’s Best British Single. “It was my 22nd birthday on Saturday, and when I found out I’d won the award it was like a double birthday present. I was so chuffed. But this couldn’t have been further from my dreams. I was bitterly hurt.”
Rick was shattered when his award was announced and then hastily collected by British Record Industry chairman Rob Dickins. The audience at London’s Albert Hall watched in embarrassment as proud Rick bounced down the stairs to receive the statuette only to turn on hs heel and rush back when Mr. Dickins stepped in.
Disgust
Rick’s presentation was cut after the show began to run late and he had to wait until yesterday to receive his award from Radio One DJ Gary Davies. Fans will be able to see him on tomorrow’s Top Of The Pops.
One of Rick’s team of producers, Pete Waterman, said: “The way they treated him was disgusting.”
