'I took Rickrolling to next level with creative tattoo idea - everyone loves it'

04 August 2023 , 14:40

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Massimo's tattoo with the QR code (Image: Massimo Mancin / SWNS)

A man has taken the 'Rickrolling' prank to the next level - by getting a QR code for the music video tattooed on his leg.

Massimo Mancin, 32, is a big fan of Rick Astley and his song 'Never Gonna Give You Up' and he got the tattoo on his right calf "just for fun" after seeing similar QR code designs online. Now whenever anyone holds a phone over the design it takes them to the YouTube video of the 1987 hit. Rickrolling is an internet meme where people are unexpectedly directed to the music video of the song.

It involves a disguised link that leads to the music video, and when victims click on it, the music video loads and they have been 'Rickrolled'. Tattoo shop manager Massimo, from Pordenone, Italy, got the tattoo from colleague Leonardo Biason, 24.

Massimo took Rickrolling to a new level (Massimo Mancin / SWNS)

Massimo is a big fan of Rick Astley (Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)

Single Massimo, who got his first tattoo at age 18, said: "I didn’t expect it to work but luckily, it did. I kept looking over again to see if it was the right QR code." He said friends and family found the Rick Astley tattoo hilarious and he was told "it could only be you that did that."

Massimo pranks people regularly with the tattoo which he had done in August 2021, telling them to scan it with no context. He said he has no regrets - and won't be getting it inked over anytime soon.

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He added: "I am going to keep the tattoo forever even - when I’m old.” Massimo said after a video of his tattoo went viral it was shown to Rick Astley himself on The Kelly Clarkson Show.

It's not the first time he has had a tattoo inspired by an internet meme. He also has a 'Creation of Adam' parody tattoo - a meme featuring edited versions of the painting by Michelangelo. Massimo has the original tattooed next to his knee but instead of pointing, the right side hand is sticking up a middle finger.

Meanwhile, the singer, aged 57, is looking after his voice as he continues to sing. “I feel really lucky that I have the opportunity to sing again and want to look after my voice. I know some people think drinking, playing and touring are all part of rock’n’roll," he said. “However, it’s one of the worst things you can do for your voice so I try and avoid it.”

The British star also said he regularly gets asked to sing Never Gonna Give You Up at weddings, adding: “I did it last summer at someone’s wedding – I wasn’t expecting to.”

Tim Hanlon