YouTube Accidently Pulls 'Rickroll' Video?

May we never be "Rickrolled" again? It looks like we will, for now at least. It isn't exactly April fools day yet, but this morning YouTube users stumbled across a horrible find. It was earlier reported across the Internet that YouTube was caught in a "terms of violation" net over the Rick Astley music video "Never Gonna Give You Up." Several Internet sources reported the video as being removed due to a copyright violation, and clicking the link for verification ultimately led to a "video has been removed" page proving the story to be true.

Updates that immediately followed the original claim state that YouTube had commented, and had accidentally removed the video that started the "Rickroll" sensation a few years ago while maintaining the site. The video has been reappeared on the site and is currently available for viewing. It hasn't been determined if other videos referencing footage from the 80's pop hit by Rick Astley have been or will be removed as well, although this popular Twilight "Rickroll" has gone missing.

What does being "Rickrolled" even mean? Described by the Wikipedia entry as an Internet meme that is setup as a harmless bait and switch, users essentially click on a video that seems interesting, only to have the alternate and unexpected footage appear straight out, or at the most climactic point. That unexpected footage has been none other than the "cheesy" Rick Astley music video "Never Gonna Give You Up." Although there are stories of the trick appearing at an earlier time, the prank entered the Internet limelight via YouTube. On April Fool's day 2008, YouTube users were treated to the legendary "Rickroll" when numerous hyperlinks on the site all deviously pointed to Astley's 1987 music video. Since then, finding popularity in "unreleased" movie trailers, and other "special" movie clips has been the "Rickroll" primary means of attack. There are currently numerous uncountable copycat "Rickrolls" on YouTube, and it has yet to be heard whether the alleged violation stands, and if those videos will be removed as well.

The song was originally released on Astley's album "Whenever You Need Somebody" on the RCA label, which is currently part of Sony Music Entertainment. The popular cult video on YouTube currently has over 30 million hits.

Sources/Resources:

Tom Warren, YouTube removes Original "Rickroll" video due to terms of use violation, Neowin.net
Caroline McCarthy, YouTube gives up on original "Rickroll', CNET
Rickroll wikipedia entry