Ricky Gervais’ former career as an aspiring pop star has resurfaced online, leaving fans both shocked and awestruck by his previous image.
The Office creator, 62, Ricky began his attempt at a singing career in 1983, during his final year as a student at University College London, Gervais and university friend Bill Macrae formed the new wave pop duo Seona Dancing.
They were signed by London Records, which released two of their singles; More to lose and bitter heart. The songs did not reach the UK Singles Chart.
Ricky has always been outspoken about his love of music – previously calling himself “a frustrated, failed musician” – and while he didn’t break the charts, he left fans swooning when an ’80s performance resurfaced on Thursday.
Tickled fans wrote: ‘Look at those cheekbones. What a fashion plate!… Jesus, what? Omg, I thought he always looked like a 50 year old… Yo wtf?! I never knew this until now!… Whoa!… Hello Fok! This is REAL… He’s got a bit of Bowie swagger.”
Ricky Gervais’ former career as an aspiring pop star has resurfaced online, leaving fans both shocked and awed by his previous image
The Office creator, 62, Ricky began his attempt at a singing career in 1983, during his final year as a student at University College London, Gervais and university friend Bill Macrae formed the new wave pop duo Seona Dancing.
Ricky has always been outspoken about his love of music – previously calling himself “a frustrated, failed musician” – and while he didn’t break the charts, he left fans swooning when an ’80s performance resurfaced on Thursday.
While super fans of Ricky will be all too aware of his early career path, a large number of Instagram users were surprised by the funny man’s earlier career.
Tickled fans wrote: ‘Look at those cheekbones. What a fashion plate!… Jesus, what? Omg, I thought he always looked like a 50 year old… Yo wtf?! I never knew this until now!… Whoa!… Hello Fok! This is REAL… He’s got some Bowie swagger’
While super fans of Ricky will be all too aware of his early career path, a large number of Instagram users were surprised by the funny man’s earlier career.
Despite his limited success in music, he achieved greater fame the following year with his BBC spoof documentary series, The Office in 2001.
Ricky sheds light on the fact that music is seeping into his TV work as he uses every channel to showcase his work as a “frustrated, failed musician.”
His most iconic creation – The Office’s David Brent – is also a failed musician, with Ricky releasing a mockumentary film in 2016 following the fictional boss’s failed attempts to break the charts.
Additionally, David Bowie’s cameo on the second season of his hit show Extras in 2006 saw the esteemed artist break out in song – composed by Ricky.
In 2016, during a performance with Graham Norton, he said: ‘I sneak a song into everything I do. I wrote a song for The Simpsons, I wrote a song with David Bowie for Extras. I’m a frustrated, failed musician.’
Graham then showed a promo shot from his Seona Dancing days – and insisted he appeared shy because of his current appearance.
He said, “It’s called Seona Dancing, let’s move on. I’m not ashamed of (the throwback photo), I’m ashamed of (my current appearance). Everyone’s like, ‘What the hell happened?’ I’ll tell you what happened: Pizza happened’.
His most iconic creation – The Office’s David Brent – is also a failed musician, with Ricky releasing a mockumentary film in 2016 following the fictional boss’s failed attempts to break the charts.
While his music career was failing, the superstar recently made history with his latest accolade, winning the first Golden Globe in the new category of Best Performance in Television Stand-Up Comedy.
The British comedian previously insisted he had no chance of winning, but triumphed over Trevor Noah (Where Was I); Chris Rock (selective outrage); Amy Schumer (emergency contact); Sarah Silverman (Someone You Love) and Wanda Sykes (I’m an Entertainer).
He was not present at the ceremony in Beverly Hills on Sunday evening, where comedian Jim Gaffigan accepted the award on his behalf for Ricky’s Netflix special Armageddon.
While Ricky is no stranger to a Hollywood award, having previously won three Golden Globes for his work on The Office and Extras, his latest win has undoubtedly raised eyebrows among his fellow celebrities.
Not only has the comic angered several stars by labeling Hollywood as “disgusting, pill-popping, sexually deviant scum,” but he has also come under fire for his Armageddon special, in which he makes fun of terminally ill children.
Additionally, David Bowie’s cameo on the second season of his hit show Extras in 2006 saw him break out into song – composed by Ricky
Before the ceremony, Ricky told his followers on X, formerly Twitter: ‘I’ve been nominated for another Golden Globe tonight. This time for my Netflix special Armageddon. I won’t win, but it’s nice to still be in the mix and keep the flag flying.”
After his shock win, he shared a selfie with his cat at home in London, explaining his absence from the US awards ceremony.
He wrote, “Thank you so much for all your sweet comments and kind words about my Golden Globe win. Best fans in the world. I’m playing a 200 seater in King’s Cross tonight doing new material. The glamour. Have a nice day!’
Although he was congratulated by many followers, he was also not without criticism.
Among those who have taken to the comic for its jokes is British disability charity Scope.
During the Netflix special, Ricky pokes fun at Make-A-Wish requests, saying, “I always say yes (to their requests). And I always start the video the same way. I say, “Why didn’t you want to get better? What, are you fucking retarded too?”