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In the U.K. the divorce reform act is passed
Age:4
<a
href='http://www.rsrevision.com/GCSE/christian_perspectives/relationships/divorce/law.htm' >The act, and further legeslation</a> This may just be a coincidence, but after this is passed divorces rise to over 100,000 for the first time in Brittian -
Ricks parents are divorced
Age: 5
After Rick's parents are divorced he is raised by his Father, but shares his mothers love for music. -
RIck begins to sing in his church choir
Age: 7
This is the first time he gets to express his love of music, without this he may never have gotten into the buseness at all. -
The prevention of terrorism act is passed
Age: 8
<a
href='http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prevention_of_Terrorism_Act_(Northern_Ireland)' >more on the prevention of terrorism act</a>
Through the year there had been many bombings all through the country, and to a kid of 9 this would have been terrifying. This may have provided some comfort that the government was doing something. -
The U.S. Bicentennial
Age: 10
This marks two hundred years since the American Revolution. The American Revolution was a huge event, it started the downfall of not just British colonialism, but colonialism in general. This may easily have had some effect on Rick. -
John Lennon is shot dead in New York
Age: 14
to the John Lennon website
Lennon may have been an inspiriation to Astley, he most likely enjoyed his music for many years. -
Queen's "Greatest Hits" released
Age: 15
This would go on to become the greatest selling album of all time, and could poossible have inspired Rick as he always had a love of music. -
The Falklands war begins
Age: 16
More on the falklands war
War has a way of shaping peoples lives, I don't remember a time where we have not had troops deployed somewhere. This could have contributed to a sense of patriotism, or national pride. -
The Compact Disk goes on sale in the U.K.
Age: 17
This would be the medium for the majority of Ricks music until his early retirement. It allowed fo the much more convenient storage of music than cassette tapes. -
Rick begins playing Drums in a local band
Age: 18
This was the first time he was able to gain any recognition in the music business, the band was known locally, and won a few local competitions. (I believe he is the second from the left) -
"Never Gonna Give You Up" is released
Age: 21
The music video for "Never Gonna Give You Up" The song was his first solo single, hit the top of the charts in 24 countries world wide, and stayed there for over five weeks.
