Photo: Screenshot
The Starman himself, David Bowie, has slapped his seal of approval on a new song by hapless Ricky Gervais character David Brent. ‘Slough’, inspired by the ‘Life On Mars’ singer, will feature on an upcoming movie spin-off of the cult TV sitcom, The Office.
Life On The Road hits UK cinemas next summer and follows Brent 12 years after the events of the original programme. The former paper company boss remains in Slough but dreams of life on the road, so he decides to self-finance a tour of the nation with his band, Foregone Conclusion.
While featuring songs from the comedy show, like ‘Free Love Freeway’ and ‘Spaceman Came Down’, the feature-length release will also include new material co-written by Gervais and We Are Scientists drummer Andy Burrows. Tunes premiered on David Brent and Foregone Conclusion's 2013 UK tour also feature in the film.
Talking to NME about the ode to Brent’s hometown, ‘Slough’, Gervais said: "Usually I write these songs with someone in mind that Brent's ripping off. So 'Free Love Freeway' was meant to be like a Springsteen song, and 'Slough' was meant to be like a Bowie or Radiohead song.”
Gervais then contemplated the possibility of getting other artists to cover some of Brent’s trademark hits, including David Bowie. It might be good to wipe my vocal and get someone to do them to do it for charity - like Bowie singing 'Slough'," he said. "I sent it to him and he said, 'It's great. I'd like a see a whole album of you singing about towns of Great Britain.'”
Filming is underway for the upcoming Gervais movie and, earlier this week, the actor/writer/director shared an on set photograph of Brent and his new receptionist.
Great to be back in the office. A new dawn pic.twitter.com/JWivoeogBR
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) December 8, 2015
The film’s cast will include Peter Andre, comedian Kevin Bishop and Ben Bailey Smith (aka Doc Brown), who appeared alongside David Brent on the 2013 Comic Relief song ‘Equality Street’.
Life On The Road is released in UK cinemas on 19 August 2016.
