Ricky Gervais Pens David Bowie Tribute

In the latest issue of ShortList magazine, comedian/former Seona Dancing singer Ricky Gervais penned a short article on how David Bowie has been his biggest role model ever since growing up in Reading, England. While the 400-word piece is too brief for Gervais to elaborate much on his insight into the living legend, the parts about meeting his hero — which later led to a collaboration on a song for his show Extras — are a fun read, particularly this excellent bit at the end:

A few years later I emailed David on his 57th birthday. It read: “57???? Isn’t it about time you got a proper job? Ricky Gervais, 42, Comedian.” He replied: “I do have a proper job. David Bowie, 57, Rock God.”

Check out the full article here, Gervais’ 2003 interview with Bowie here, and their musical scene in Extras below:

(Photo Credit: Ray Burmiston)