Gigwise

  • News
  • Photos
  • Features
  • Videos
  • Reviews
  • festivals
  • Win
  • Tickets
Search Gigwise

Ricky Gervais opens up about friendship with David Bowie

Actor speaks of 'buzz' of speaking to Bowie

 

  • Theo Hutchinson (Hurts): Image isn't everything, but it also isn't nothing and the Hurts frontman's ability to pull of a suit and buttoned up shirt in any weather is something to behold.
  • Theo Hutchinson (Hurts): Image isn't everything, but it also isn't nothing and the Hurts frontman's ability to pull of a suit and buttoned up shirt in any weather is something to behold.

Next

Previous

Friday 31st May 2013 by Andrew Trendell | Photos by WENN.com

Tags: David Bowie

Comedian and writer Ricky Gervais has opened up to talk about his friendship with David Bowie. 

The office star has been friends with Bowie for a number of years, with the 'Starman' even appearing in an episode of Extras - see a video clip below. 

In an interview with the American GQ, Gervais said he first came into contact with 'The Next Day' superstar after he sent him an email to declare his love of hit comedy The Office.

Responding to what the pair talk about, Gervais responded: "Music and comedy. I think I might have said what a huge fan I was. And I think he liked my stuff. I got him to do a little thing in Extras. I remember we went round his flat, and it's exactly as you'd expect it to be - just beautiful and tasteful and modern, and there's this wonderful statue. And I went, 'Oh, that's amazing'."

Watch David Bowie's cameo in Extras performing the song 'Little Fat Man' below:

Gervais continued: "I love people like that, because they're sort of aware of who they are. The first time he buzzed me in, the concierge called up [to his flat] and said, 'Mr. Jones?' Of course he's Mr. Jones! He's not fucking David Bowie! I met David Jones."

Talking about Bowie's song 'Little Fat Man' for his guest cameo in Extras, Gervais said that he thought it might have been the star's last ever song. 

He added: "I can't deny that there are some things that give me a buzz. He's been a musical hero of mine for 30 years. When I called him up and I'd written 'Little Fat Man' , I said, 'Have you got the lyrics?' and he went, 'Yeah.' I said, 'Can you do something quite retro, like ‘Life on Mars'?' And he went [deadpan], "Oh, of course, yeah, sure. I'll knock off a quick ‘Life on Mars,' shall I?"

 Photos - The coolest men in music: Pharrell, Bowie and more

Comments
More photos

Meek Mill given deadline to complete etiquette classes by judge

Rapper needs to improve behaviour in and out of court

Mumford and Sons 'fearful' ahead of Glastonbury set

Banjo player Winston Marshall promises fans special treats including unrevealed guest appearance

Kanye West to release 'Black Skinhead' as first single from Yeezus

Track due for release on July 4 with music video

Keith Richards says The Rolling Stones have another ten years left

Band don't want to stop after Glasto set

More photos

Related Stories

The V and A to host nationwide David Bowie cinema screening

Film event will mark the end of London exhibition

'No David Bowie world tour in 2013' says guitarist Earl Slick

Slick denies live return of Thin White Duke

David Bowie world tour confirmed (well, for his costume exhibition)

Exhibition from London's V&A for worldwide display

Daft Punk? QOTSA? Muse? Who might play a secret set at Glastonbury 2013

Acts that may show up at Worthy Farm

Artist A-Z #  A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z 

Gigwise TV
Play
This week's must-see music videos

Who are Glastonbury fans most excited to see?

Behind the scenes at Kitsune's London album launch

Alex Turner's best bits: alcohol, awards and Arctic Monkeys

Most Popular on Gigwise
  • News
  • Features
  • Videos

News

Will.i.am to sue Pharrell Williams for using the words 'I Am'

Glastonbury weather: don't panic, the weekend is set to be dry

The Killers honour Muse and apologise to Green Day in 'new song'

Chase & Status (not Daft Punk) for secret set at Glastonbury, Saturday

Daft Punk rumoured for 2am Friday morning slot at Glastonbury

Daft Punk reveal ten-minute remix of their No.1 hit, 'Get Lucky'

Features

Deap Vally: 'We love skinny-dipping and crochet'

Videos

Alex Turner's best bits: alcohol, awards and Arctic Monkeys

Who are Glastonbury fans most excited to see?

Behind the scenes at Kitsune's London album launch

Toro Y Moi: 'I'm ready to try something else now'

This week's must-see music videos

Hot Tickets
Latest Competition
Wow!
Win! Limited San Cisco 'Fred Astaire' vinyl
Gigwise

And something else

  • Rolling Stones tickets
  • Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake tickets
  • Beyonce tickets
  • Robbie Williams Tickets
  • Michael Buble tickets
  • O2 arena Tickets

The boring stuff

  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Job vacancies
  • Sitemap
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us

Our Network

  • Entertainmentwise

Gigwise stuff

  • Gigwise Facebook
  • Gigwise Twitter
  • Gigwise YouTube
  • Music News RSS
  • Album Reviews RSS
  • Features RSS
  • Live Reviews RSS
  • Ticket News RSS