David Bowie speaks to Jeremy Paxman on BBC Newsnight (1999)

In this BBC Newsnight interview from 1999 David Bowie talks to Jeremy Paxman about going to meet Tony Blair in stilettos, his alter egos - and makes some incredibly accurate predictions about the potential of the internet.
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[@PVflying]

Bowie understood the Internet in a way Paxman couldn't begin to conceive. What a genius

[@tonyzaddo]

+MrCurry I am just blown away by Bowie's understanding of how the internet will change the world. "The grey bit in the middle" perfectly describes how the internet is still changing the world, i.e. Blogs, KZbin chanels, Early Access Software. Agree with SmugPuss, what a visionary!!

[@RobLate]

+MrCurry I think Paxman's responses were tuned to purposely inflame passionate responses from Bowie, it's a common interview tactic as if you agree and praise an interviewee via body language it makes them a bit bored. The idea is to put them on edge a bit to get a firey response out of them.. another way to look at it perhaps!

[@valentine1980]

+Rob Earley Agreed, Rob!

[@DayOldMeat]

+Rob Earley The view he voices is a real one, though. I can remember up until 2005-6, people saying "the internet is just a tool, just a fad, it won't be around forever". They've been proven very wrong, and Bowie was really one of the few people that got the applications for it, and the cultural impact it would have. Only the people who had used it before it went commercial (mainly engineers, scientists and other assorted nerds) could see that.

[@DayOldMeat]

Bowie is actually from east London. Very different... And Paxman is from a working-class family in Leeds, not some smug 'English' family, whatever that means. Besides, abrasive as it is, Jeremy Paxman's slightly smug devil's advocate style of grilling works on a great many people, because I for one don't want to see people give the same answers to the same questions all the time. You can see it here, he coaxes out all sorts of things from just beneath the surface with very well-placed questions and comments.

[@jillybe1873]

In 1979 Bowie was a guest DJ and made a joke about the Berlin Wall. He said "I read Kierkegaard on a wall. He speaks highly of me as well." I went to the library and asked who Kierkegaard is and got studying philosophy. As a result I gave up drugs and went to uni. David Bowie saved my life. He's a real hero to me.

[@user-pg7rn6vb2y]

That’s mad. Good for you tho 👍

[@MoistMoments]

You saved your life.

[@Im_no_rockstar]

David really is a superhero❤

[@monicap7941]

'I went to a library and asked...' What a privilege to be born in a time and place where that was possible for almost every individual in that society.

[@andycordy5190]

To hear him talk candidly about his addictive personality, declare himself an alcoholic without hesitation, a powerful moment.

[@rmp7400]

And very inspiring: he witnesses that anyone can choose to be responsible... And in being responsible one discovers true peace with loved ones and freedom within🏆

[@emilyelvish7454]

I’m a Media student, and Bowie is literally describing the theory of ‘Produsage’ a decade before the theory was first published. He knew how the role of 21st century media would break down the barriers between creator and audience, well before the internet fully immersed our everyday life - he’s a genius!

[@ricklanders]

It came way before that from Marshall McCluhan in the 70s, with his famous declaration that "the medium is the message. And then after that we have the work of numerous post structuralists examining hypertext. Bowie isn't saying anything particularly new.

[@pushthetempo2]

He's definitely expressing it in a new and original way, but as Bowie says its goes back to Marcel Duchamp and the modern art world and he mentions the 90s rave scene, where people go for the crowd as much as to see a live dj and hear music. Its amazing the connections he makes between these things, so perceptive.

[@DougieBarclay]

He is an absolute savant. Not his music, his philosophy.

[@H_A_L_7]

@@pushthetempo2 He’s a genius, 2016 took 2 great artists for me personally…… him & Prince. 3 days before he died, I don’t know maybe I heard news of him being ill or not. I was playing his songs non stop. By 3rd day I was on changes…replacing the word to my cat’s name….after I heard the news, I went quiet.

[@TheKitchenerLeslie]

Except Bowie didn't know DARPA's actual intentions when they created the internet. There's a reason Google and Facebook were funded by the CIA.

[@agunsux]

Can you predict how the internet will change the world in 1999? Bowie did. And he predicted right.

[@xarmy5669]

+agun wiriadisasra It internet was not invented in 1999, he didn't predict anything that wasn't already happening. - Internet user since the 80's

[@tbayley6]

+luca j But as you can tell from Paxman's scepticism it was nothing like it is today - which is what Bowie foresaw.

[@peterfarkas9857]

+agun wiriadisasra Terence McKenna did. better look it up. Basically they both are on the same page about it.

[@alistairproductions]

+agun wiriadisasra A lot of people did and Bowie was likely in trendy cutting edge circles so it doesn't seem surprising!

[@DayOldMeat]

He predicted it in 1994 and before, if I recall rightly. He set up webcasts, a sort of prototype MySpace/Facebook and all sorts. That's even more impressive, since the internet had barely been opened up to domestic use.

[@EatMyClickTop10s]

Do you think David Bowie ever thought over 300,000 people would watch him talk about the internet's future on the internet?

[@israelmolina9361]

You bet he did

[@artproject3169]

I would hope he might, but I think at the point of this interview, he really didn't care about things like that. He talks about how he loves his family.

[@scorpionsdogG64]

Question is would he have accepted the circumstances positively considering the negative feedback that curses this endless void of information

[@rohitranjan78]

...and that's really prophetic what he says about it...!

[@michaelbryan3900]

Yes without a doubt.

[@leonardovaleri3488]

He makes anyone interviewing him look dumb. Not intentionally, even just for a moment. What a genius.

[@ritahorvath8207]

I wish there would be more appreciation on the interviewers face for his wit and genius.

[@kevinmunday5782]

Not at all, there was a real chemistry between Bowie and paxman , Two highly intelligent Human beings .

[@deantyler7479]

@@kevinmunday5782 I agree with you,, I feel like a lot of this interview is like a shared thought experiment.

[@thetruthchannel349]

*I would say he was just very aware.*

[@michaelg6641]

@@ritahorvath8207 Yeah, his face at first, is unbearable to watch, but Im sure DB knew the guy, and I noticed the British press deem to like to sort of bash him maybe that's what they do, while he just goes on like a complete intellectual really, beyond them, describing any entire context, where he also just happens to be in it in the most significant manner.

[@VampiraVonGhoulscout]

I'm not entire sure that David Bowie was even a real person. He's just too magical to be human, to exist.

[@damian-795]

😁😁 Great and true

[@supercal333]

No, listen to 7:35 and think about your perception if him.

[@rmp7400]

Like he admits: art is work...and he worked hard to make his art happen. David Jones was a gifted man...and with Iman, he also became a happy man❤🙏🏼🎆

[@cushyglen4264]

Didn’t even know how to pronounce his stage name Bowie.

[@MrAlbieWan]

@@cushyglen4264 I guess he eventually left that to the "audience interaction" grey area that he talks about in the interview... It is whichever you make it to be 😁

[@shrimpflea]

Paxman: The internet is just a tool. Bowie: No, it's an alien life form!

[@samdylan9350]

Bloody marvelous isn't it!?

[@alysiamerdavid-wasser9165]

He was SUCH a visionary. He had that Aquarius (inventive) Ascendant (soul) with the Capricorn Sun (working class) personality. i always wondered why he charged so much for his music & now i see: he was charging for his COLLECTIONS, to pay for his GREAT Grandkids tuitions AND his philanthropy. He really did "use money as oil" and i SO love that about him. (BTW: David frequently talked abt being a Capricorn, his dob, & had his chart done. As an astrologer, i'm making an observation for others like me, not proselytizing to anyone to Anyone ELSE.) Rest in Peace, David.✌💗

[@riorio5052]

@@alysiamerdavid-wasser9165 very wize indeed

[@marshmelows]

And he was complete sober when he said that

[@dazpatreg]

Also shows what an obnoxious dullard paxman is

[@DanHunterSportsWriter]

Jeremy Paxman Interviewed a thousand or more politicians, but did he ever interview anyone as sharp, intellectual, intelligent, far-sighted and riveting as David Bowie?

[@ivankaramasov]

+Dan Hunter It is interesting that almost everyone who now remembers their encounters with Bowie emphasizes how incredibly intelligent he was. Being a long time fan I knew that already, but it is nice people start to realize it. He was no typical rock'n roll star. I think he could have made it big in almost anything. A renaissance man in the truest meaning of the term.

[@DanHunterSportsWriter]

I've been a huge Bowie fan since seeing him sing Starman on TOTPs in 1972, so I hope that qualifies me as "long-time" also!

[@ivankaramasov]

***** Yep, you have 8 years lead on me:) In my defense I must say that I have been a fan from the first time I became aware of him through watching the video for Ashes to Ashes at 15. It was like nothing I had seen or heard before .

[@BrianSmith-vl7xu]

I remember hearing about an interview with Bowie in the 70's where he was asked if all music artists are stupid. His response was "oh yes I'm incredibly stupid" Such a great answer, :)

[@PaulMappud]

Hitchens is in another league to Bowie, I need to keep a dictionary handy...

[@gpeddino]

This interview is almost scary. He was really ahead of the curve.

[@WormholeJim]

"So now I have absolutely no knowledge of who I am but I'm extremely happy." As fine an epitaph as any anyone else could ever have come up with. Rest in peace, you little wonder you.

[@pushthetempo2]

Having no 'self' is a main principle of Buddhism, which Bowie was into in his 20s and most likely still influenced him in later life, which may be why he said this.

[@fionalynas405]

David Bowie is so honest in this interview. He makes it cool to admit to being alcoholic and is so relaxed about it. One of his best interviews, he comes over as such a nice person and so intelligent. Rest in Peace David,

[@Jez2008UK]

+Fiona Lynas Why be dishonest ? He isn't making it cool, he is being honest with everybody and most of all, with himself.

[@Terrordanger]

+Jez2008UK Meaning it's not shameful to confess to having alcoholic tendencies.

[@susansherlock7474]

He speaks in the way that a lot of musicians that went through the sixties and seventies did. He isn't pretentious or an inane celebrity of today's world, unaffected in every way...

[@sophiejameson4064]

It IS cool to tell the world that you're a sober alcoholic. I was 31 years sober this year. It's very cool.

[@goesjem]

@@sophiejameson4064 Well done to you. It can't be easy, but really well done!

[@SteveBenway]

He really knew what he was talking about.

[@york-houngan7193]

Fuck the agenda

[@sylvijeffery9752]

Steve Benway He really does, about any subject. Amazing...

[@Peter-733]

Paxman: The internet is just tool. The internet: Paxman is just a tool.

[@colinluckens9591]

😅😅😅

[@ivankaramasov]

This shows Bowie as a true system thinker, being able to take information and knowledge from many areas and synthesise it to form new and interesting insights. He was extraordinarily well read, extremely intelligent, and psychologically flexible, that is able to never cling to a particular viewpoint, but adjust as you get to know more. This was what made him an incredibly interesting conversationalist, and a creative genius. It is so interesting to hear him speak about almost any subject.

[@braydencp5334]

Incredibly well said

[@rivolinho]

Bowie was before my time so I never gave the man or his music much thought until his death. But after watching a few documentaries, listening to some tracks and seeing various interviews, most tellingly this one, it's plain to see the man was an utter genius and visionary. Incredible to think that people of this caliber called themselves pop singers and topped the charts once upon a time.

[@sallymunro6464]

+rivolinho That is exactly how I feel

[@brendanw45]

+rivolinho True, and the paradox is that today many become famous having no talent, off the back of a reality show - though none of them will have the mans longevity.

[@MissNovemberTuesday]

+rivolinho You truly MUST educate yourself on his music. All of it. From his early work in the 60s to the groundbreaking styles of the 70s to his reinvention with Nile Rodgers' help in the early 80s and so forth. I can guarantee any artist you are listening to now was either directly inspired by Bowie or has benefited from the barriers he broke down. You will not be sorry for listening to more Bowie.

[@johndarksidder1693]

+rivolinho spot on

[@shahn78]

+Fortuneteller Yea show your respect by buying a t-shirt and showing a stranger how you feel. Oh and gimme your money, fool!

[@rich1701]

I could listen to him for hours.

[@shinitaru]

he could read canned soup ingredients and I would be enthralled

[@brokensilence6790]

About time you did something with your life, then.

[@sallygoyette5997]

oh yes, that voice luv

[@brokensilence6790]

sally goyette it's a good voice, innit?

[@bowiegirl4740]

Me too, we was an absolute genius! Brilliant man!

[@SemenTheSailor]

Bowie was so incredibly self aware. He seems to have such a deep understanding of himself. Maybe that’s how he was able to have such a deep understanding of reality itself. It’s so easy to be distracted by ego, wants and desires. With Bowie it’s like he has a higher perspective, liberated from the insecurities that we constantly face.

[@smkxodnwbwkdns8369]

its called an education and reading, you drooling ignorant peasant

[@brrriii3702]

I agree but I’d say he was more secure with insecurity than being liberated from it. I think his willingness to be vulnerable makes him appear liberated.

[@Remrett]

This guy is so down to earth. Would get on easy with him over a pint. He has brought joy to millions. RIP David we miss you!

[@frankG335]

Well, HE wouldn't have the pint, you would, tbf. 😆

[@hdholl]

What an intelligent man, what a rich vocabulary, what nuanced phrasing of his thoughts, what predictive insight into the wonder *and* curse of the internet. Amazing. (for the record: I refer to David Bowie).

[@sylvijeffery9752]

hdholl David was so knowledgable, on so many different subjects. He was an amazing person, apart from his music.

[@dickreckard5026]

Someone who truly absorbed the philosophy of the "science fiction" of the 60's.

[@thetruthchannel349]

Ya and what the internet is going to become compared to what it is now is still an infant. The internet is still in its infancy. It will one day connect people in a way that no one could even conceive and the waking dream will become a waking nightmare. The stage is only being set.

[@AlejandroRodriguez-cy8ee]

@@thetruthchannel349 what are you talking about? the stage has already begun. we are in endgame now folks. we are in the cusp of seeing the internet evolve into something truly unspeakable.

[@thetruthchannel349]

@@AlejandroRodriguez-cy8ee *You have no idea where this thing you call the 'internet' is going. It is nothing compared to what it will be. The world will stand in unholy awe at what they see in them and around them when they look back to this little sketch of a thing called 'the internet.' It will one day come alive, think, react, and the world will no longer worry about terrorists with sling-shots and home-made rockets. The terrors awaiting the world are UNSPEAKABLE.*

[@Arun-nv8zi]

I love how Bowie is totally unaffected by Paxman's world weary cynicism. Awesome

[@CalibusRTW]

I don’t feel people really grasp how talented this ARTIST really was...to be relevant as a painter, musician, an actor as long as he did is the stuff of ICONS

[@mattevans7884]

I watched Bowie as I grew up in the 70's. He scared me back then. What I realise now is that he was visionary, intelligent, articulate, hugely artistic and inventive and yet as down to earth as he could have been. This man truly was a one off.

[@caithurley5589]

I remember being so excited by this interview, at the turn of the century. I had become involved in the internet in 1996, and here was this sparklingly smart, brilliant human being who sounded like us! We could see what it was and so could David Bowie! Amazing! Oh my goodness I miss him so much already. He was a brilliant, brilliant, exciting, explosive artist, who also happened to be an incredible pop star.

[@caithurley5589]

...and watching it again, I'm thinking hold on, the editing suggests you had a lot more that dropped off camera. Newsnight folk - where's the extra footage?

[@BBCNewsnightonline]

We may be able to dig that out... Will keep you posted if so!

[@jamessm6493]

+BBC Newsnight Yes! More of this interview would be great!

[@Schnackerl69]

+BBC Newsnight there should be a musical about him - like "David Bowie - Angels and Aliens" . He deserves this.

[@desireebarfield9069]

what a true visionary

[@ninacooper4040]

The fact that David Bowie could prodicted all this in 1999 just shows how intelligent he was

[@sylvijeffery9752]

Nina Cooper Yes, extra intelligent!!

[@amadd5641]

I've looked a lot at Bowie and his amazing art many many times, but what he talked here about in not creating conflict and just observing it, not defining yourself etc. was another "Whoa" moment for me even long after his death. He got better looking as he got older and articulated himself most beautifully. I wish that he could have lived 'til 200 because he just continued growing as a human being.

[@NSHM122]

Better looking? No. He was a very attractive younger man. Look at him from 77-80. Gorgeous. Even in his early 20’s when he was doing space oddity, he was nice looking. I wish he still had his original teeth.

[@frankG335]

I agree. He got better looking as he got older! He had more character in his face so his beauty wasn't as ephemeral and freshly formed, but instead it showed who he was as a mature, wiser person.

[@mo1912]

I think he became more physically attractive . He lost the pretty boy look and got a bit more rugged and cool . What a loss he is to us all

[@ronaldsimmons9517]

Bowie knew the power of the internet because he knew humanity really well, especially those elements within himself that seemed to crave more. I'll never forget his movies, especially Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence. RIP Mr. Bowie. P.S. It's no surprise Blair didn't notice your stilettoes. He didn't even notice an entire war in Iraq wasn't needed.

[@michaelhope8899]

My respect for Bowie has gone up 10-fold

[@sylvijeffery9752]

Michael Hope My respect for him has always been total!!

[@Spright91]

man this guy was not from this earth .He has to have been sent from space

[@wovokanarchy]

And from your arse. Keep it real.

[@safiyyasuhaimi3733]

+wovokanarchy you are so closed minded. Exactly what Bowie avoided. Spright's right.

[@wovokanarchy]

Fan worship is the definition of closed mindedness.

[@ocelot-sensei4384]

+wovokanarchy guess being a douchebag is your way of living a reality?

[@jomontanee]

+wovokanarchy Uncalled sarcasm is a sign of "inner insecurity" too.

[@nt7863]

The most beautiful man. Miss him terribly

[@HerbertDuckshort]

People forget what a smart, intelligent guy he was.

[@dexterdog717]

I love Bowie's honesty especially concerning his past drug addiction and alcoholism. He's a great example of overcoming those things and still being successful. Glad he kicked it and kept creating.

[@annwhite2346]

I think this is one of David Bowie's best interviews. I love the way he said he was an alcoholic, so calm and down to earth about it. An inspiration.

[@DonziSmash]

It brings me great comfort that even David didn't know how his name way pronounced.

[@ThinWhiteAxe]

"I have absolutely no knowledge of who I am, but I'm extremely happy" 😁

[@christophebonhoefferofbelg9846]

The more I see of Bowie, the more I realise what a great sense of humour he had.

[@QueerAndUnplugged]

What struck me most about this interview is how grounded David Bowie was in his life, how self aware he was. The knowledge that drugs and drink would destroy his relationships is a VERY powerful message. I'm also impressed with how gentle and real he was. He will be sorely missed...and damn, I'm crying now. RIP, old friend. RIP.

[@wizlon6757]

I rarely believe the term "Legend" has ever been more deserved. Wonderfully intelligent and humorous man. Lived a life that few could even imagine and came out on top! Paxman looked enthralled.

[@sylvijeffery9752]

Wizlon67 Yes, on top, forever.....

[@Scottieguru]

Amazing to see a television journalist get nervous, concerned and uncomfortable over David Bowie's enthusiasm of the internet. How prophetic of Bowie. May God exalt his soul.

[@anthonydear4708]

I never realised how articulate and knowledgeable Bowie he was. He could be described as an intellectual dressed up in pop clothing

[@Munkenba]

It's erie that we're watching David Bowie's prediction be condescended by Paxman from within the realisation of that very prediction, it's like looking back in time, the world was about to change enormously and very few people could see it.

[@oliviacarton5100]

When I was younger I never listened to David Bowie apart from my mum and dad playing one or two songs and the other day the day before he died I saw an ad for his new album and my first thought was " oh that seems interesting and strange " and I was drawn to it and when I heard he died before school the next morning I was curious as to who he was and what type of person he was so after listening to a good lot of his songs and watching a few documentaries and interviews I can say I only regret that I hadn't listened to him sooner. I realised what a witty and kind man he truly was and it only makes me wish I was born in that era of 70's 80's and 90's music because without any doubt u would have loved listening to his music and feeling the excitement of him announcing a new tour or album or song that I feel about some of the singers and bands I love today. RIP David Bowie , I think I finally understand the worlds loss of such an extraordinary kind hearted and much loved person. Thank you

[@oliviacarton5100]

I*

[@noumine]

You have to watch Labyrinth. I love him in it. :)

[@ShadyPinesMa79]

+noumine I was just going to suggest this too... you must watch!

[@rockchicknyc6728]

What a wonderful, vastly underrated performance. And those tights!

[@AFMMarcelD]

And don't forget him on that film with Catherine Denuve and Susan Sarandon where he plays a fast aging vampire, film's called The Hunger, it seems he certainly could do it all.

[@zyrrhos]

For those old enough to remember, the first time you sent an interoffice email in the early-90s and got a reply, you knew in that instant the world had changed forever.

[@johnodee100]

To me he is a quintessential Englisman: smart, confident, very good humoured and honest. Surely he was a genius too. God rest his soul.

[@jiros00]

Paxman was voicing the popular scepticism/derision towards the internet in 1999. People used to joke about it being the "internerd". Bowie's opinion was far from mainstream even if 100% right.

[@sylvijeffery9752]

jiros00 David was never mainstream, that's what made him even more special...

[@coolexio]

Any evidence for what you are saying?

[@Healden1]

I remember an interviewer at the time questioning the importance he placed in the internet, which didn’t have mass appeal. He was seen to be wasting his time on geeky teenagers.

[@dropit7694]

It's funny how the older generations derided the internet and its subcultures and now they use it to peddle and reinforce their monotone view of the world through social media echo chambers that they create for themselves.

[@AshAlmond1]

Bowie never realised that he was a genius. Rip David Jones Bowie!

[@sylvijeffery9752]

Ash Almond He was, is that and more. Never will we see the likes again, in our lifetime....

[@cherylbommarito5569]

What genius knows his/ her effect? History tells us if it’s known personally it’s not publicly for years maybe generations.

[@traceyraybould7863]

Not many people did. But he was. Pure built in TALENT beyond amazing 💖

[@lilycarter94]

as i approach 58 years old, i have yet to meet anyone with such intellect, vision and creativity.....He literally came from another planet..RIP..what a man

[@wayneb550]

Watching in 2020 and still marvel at this guys amazing vision. My hero.

[@sylvijeffery9752]

Wayne B Amazing man. The Best...

[@imustbeames3727]

Sometimes you need to be blessed with the gift of Sound + Vision, and other times you just need to pay careful attention to the things happening around you

[@sgobeille]

Many thanks to Jeremy Paxman for bringing out David Bowie's insightful, compelling and articulate best. This is an absolute gem by which to remember him.

[@BBCNewsnightonline]

Thanks Scott

[@ylvsladuchesse2242]

+Scott Gobeille Totally agree. *mourns*

[@TheFreeAdviceMan]

+BBC Newsnight THE BEST EVER INTERVIEW with The Man Who Fell To Earth and Rose To The Heavens as a SUPER-Star! Saw him at a party in the early 1980s in NYC. Best to Jeremy, JP Fenyo TFAM

[@TheFreeAdviceMan]

+Scott Gobeille Yes.... And so insightful too!

[@nicholasdickens2801]

It will hopefully show the world just how deeply David felt and how thoughtful he was.

[@justlookalittledeeper9953]

"Can't you have just a glass of wine?" "But the internet is just a tool." Paxman sounds like a tool throughout, with his squinting and raising his eyebrows, almost mockingly. Bowie was such a visionary and so gracious. Sad day.

[@clarecostello5236]

+justlookalittledeeper k Paxman seems to be baiting him & David graciously and intelligentlyresponds and it's beautiful!!!

[@LoriCiani]

+justlookalittledeeper k Sorry, but I've heard worse questioning of Bowie. This interview drew out the real Bowie without making him feel uncomfortable or defensive, 1) Some alcoholics can have just one drink on good days. 2) Never heard of the term Devils advocate? The general opinion of the internet at that time was that it was just a tool, a method of gaining information. If Paxmans eyebrow waggling had annoyed Bowie he would have said something. But no, it was a good natured, comfortable conversation. Sad day? No, any day learning a bit more about someone who is usually so private is a good day, wouldn't you say?

[@AzureDrag0n1]

+justlookalittledeeper k He is being a host. In some ways he is the mouthpiece of the audience.

[@opencurtin]

+justlookalittledeeper k Thats Paxman style he does that with everyone squinting raising his Eye brows , I dont think he would even dare mock him , if you want to see him mock someone look at the interview he did with the british politician Michael Howard , I would say that he is one of Paxmans heroes and if you asked him he would say that it was one of his favorite interviews.

[@georgfritzl8453]

+justlookalittledeeper k I disagree its clear to me that Paxo is very respectful of Bowie and hence why we get such a good interview. Of course a good interview demands that the interviewer challenges and that is all he is doing.

[@westparade4366]

He was absolutely spot on about the internet and how the audience themselves have become the focus. Very smart man.

[@xereeto]

I've never seen anyone hit the nail on the head like this. Absolutely incredible foresight and I'm glad he lived long enough after this to see himself proven correct.

[@PaulOuzounov]

Bowie you bloody genius.

[@sylvijeffery9752]

Paul Ozz Yes and some!!

[@mustangcutie8962]

I love articulate he's always been while being interviewed over the years. He's always said important and insightful things instead of putting on the famous facade of celebrity. Such an intelligent artist and fantastic human being.

[@alecjohnson5269]

Bowie years ahead of his time no one goes near this irreplaceable genius

[@jenniforia]

Such a visionary, through and through... Miss him...

[@mrjaffar]

You don't know what you got till it's gone...

[@annmarie214can]

+mrjaffar You are so right so many now becoming obsessed

[@sylvijeffery9752]

mrjunker Brilliant man, apart from his music. Our quintessential Englishman. Star man to fans, but he was much, much more!!

[@amytahoe]

This interview just confirms what a unique artist and visionary Bowie was and how few of those exist today in the same realm of music and performance. Ironically from a man who doesn't consider himself a born performer. Thank goodness he found a way to express himself that so many of us could relate to and enjoy. I miss him every day that I wake up and don't see that fading any time soon. Great interview.

[@andreaw.3010]

+Amy G Same!!!

[@klf697]

Absolutely wonderful. His honesty, from alcoholism to the “grey area” of the creative process, right down to how his name is pronounced. It’s just so refreshing. I miss him so much, yet am sort of glad he’s missing this particularly shitty chapter of “human” existence. RIP, David, thank you for your generosity.

[@rozalinenelhams2105]

I could listen to David Bowie forever. He was such a wonderful human being and intelligent man. Miss you lots Bowie and love you. RIP xxxx

[@garytebbenham6843]

I don’t really buy cars, I don’t buy planes but I buy art. He was so unique.

[@mybiz2167]

I always knew I liked David Bowie the person. Some of his music I love and some I don't. But I kick myself for not "discovering" just HOW amazing this man was until now... He was hilarious. What a man to have walked this Earth. May his legacy never die.

[@martinstent5339]

“The internet is not going to be big, it’s going to be everything”. This quote was printed way back in the 90s in WIRED Magazine. Bowie realised that straight away. Loved him!

[@tlr5457]

I love this guy. He is so down to earth and genuine for someone as brilliant as he is.

[@Dreama40]

I can't believe i never really got Bowie! but now omg, what an absolute legend!

[@detlingyes]

Thanks newsnight for posting what a fantastic interview

[@BBCNewsnightonline]

Thanks for watching!

[@Jack-Wall]

+detlingyes I second this .... much appreciated Newsnight.

[@sweetswing1]

Great interview but so many ads. Overboard.

[@detlingyes]

use adblocker then

[@sweetswing1]

detlingyes I do. You don't have the 4 ads to click on the vid that don't fade away?

[@GUYFAIRCLOGH88]

What I loved about Bowie is that he wasn't sycophantic , he was true to himself as an artist, he didn't reinvent himself just for the sake of it, it was art, and an urgency to create and to be different , but not because he wanted everyone to speak about it, but because he couldn't stand still.

[@juliireed7119]

David Bowie... What a beautiful soul and artist!

[@Brendonmakesmesmile]

...And here we are on the internet discussing Bowie discussing the internet

[@fabmd8]

+Brendonmakesmesmile omg, yes. I will bet anything that he wished, while making Blackstar, that he could read all of our comments after he died.

[@DavidFerry08]

This man had his finger right on the pulse of how the 21st century was going to evolve and his insights through interviews are extraordinary to hear in retrospect. A great man - sadly missed

[@pharoahegypt]

Like many people, I've learnt far more about Bowie since his death. Fascinating man, with such wisdom & knowledge of how things really work. The internet has changed the music business beyond recognition.

[@akdlg9sjjslk8]

David Bowie was so honest, introspective, intelligent, and articulate. This man is a fountain of wisdom and knowledge. That bit about predicting the power of the internet, the power of the audience over the artist, it couldn’t be any more true today! He has such great insight (and humor too).Man, I admire him so much.

[@gailspencer4451]

This is terrific.A snippet of it went out on the 11th...better by far to see it in full.

[@BBCNewsnightonline]

+Gail Spencer Great! Thanks for watching.

[@noviceprepper53]

for someone who seemingly claims not to know himself, in my opinion, he knows himself quite well. I miss him already. I wish I had paid more attention to him when he was alive. I always liked him, but he was just another superstar, you know. an artists/entertainers I admired of the maybe two dozen or so artists I also admire. now he's gone, I'm just so saddened he's no longer here. RIP. my condolences to his family and loved ones.

[@DiscordantVice]

From 11 minutes on he’s got it, absolutely nailed it. Paxman can’t see it because he’s a bit of a dinosaur but David Jones can see it clearly. Amazingly talented person, very bright and constantly searching and observing. Weirdly the weekend before his death (was announced on the Monday I think) I stayed in bed on the Saturday and listened to Bowie, then some more and before I knew it, it was Sunday afternoon and I’d spent the whole weekend in bed listening to albums and interviews. I remember discovering tracks I’d never heard before and just appreciating the variety and his intellect/views on the world. Then he was dead, genuinely shocking. One of life’s coincidences that I should spend a weekend in bed rediscovering all of his backlog just as he died! Genius is banded about a little flippantly these days but David Jones was most definitely a genius, one of the most influential artists the world will ever see. In fact we’ll possibly not ever see his like again but i think he’d disagree with that view and I’ve become the dinosaur!

[@Revelian1982]

*bandied

[@nigelleslie3896]

I've seen a lot of Bowie interviews. This is by far the best.

[@callumyoung84]

What a genius

[@klara7247]

oh that ending, seeing the smile on the face of the interviewer makes me so happy

[@RobVespa]

One of a kind. Such a lovely, brilliant and funny person.

[@MrManosv]

he sounds like Jeremy Irons... but smoother... his voice is calming... he was an awesome person ...RIP

[@user-ju5is5bt2n]

His opinons on the internet and music the audience were genius and ahead their time. He was so right concerning a new demystification process of artists

[@rmp7400]

...and insightful about the huge power, easily abusable, of the internet....

[@LawrenceBray]

What a wonderful interview. Love how Jeremy lets him speak. Love David’s vocabulary, articulation and etiquette in the interview. Very intelligent man

[@localreviewking134]

well said sir

[@lovepeaceabundance5625]

he was wayyyy ahead of everyone, when talking about the internet was dumb strucked when I checked the date, the other guys face shows the common thought back then. beautiful soul

[@brendanagy6205]

Paxman's eyes are sparkling! He's in love with David, as we all were / are. He's absolutely captivating, isn't he?

[@srvsgal]

Fantastic interview.

[@BBCNewsnightonline]

Thanks!

[@spiderbabyMG]

+BBC Newsnight paxman is a piece of shit

[@spiderbabyMG]

+BBC Newsnight paxman is a piece of shit

[@baldcat59]

+geddes Why? I thought he was polite and professional. He wasn't starstruck and undertook the interview well.

[@swarthoogt]

+geddes How nice, erudite and civilised this reaction.

[@dryadmusic]

What a visionary! Gives me the shivers to think that he was so spot on with his prediction. He truly was the 'real deal'.

[@dianarichardson3316]

His voice, his hair, his music!! ❤️❤️

[@sylvijeffery9752]

Could listen to this conversation forever, First time Jeremy has looked starstruck, he was kind of in awe of Bowie, obviously an admirer!! As he should be. David is the best. Our Star man!! I find it sad that he wanted to come back to England, he always said he loved the place. I guess life took over, a baby arrived and so on, then he had health problems. He probably thought he would, eventually, come home....

[@newportmeister]

This interview just shows what an intelligent, cultured, funny, prescient and intensely driven person he was. Sorely missed.

[@YesItsMeGuys68]

He was very well spoken .... smart as a tack ...

[@YTPEXPERT]

"I wasn't a natural performer". Quite the opposite, an unnatural performer of insurmountable proportion. Such a true and humble man.

[@GaynorPaynter01]

I like listening to him talk. He makes me think creatively myself.

[@vacantplanet]

what an intelligent and wonderful human being

[@MrGlewYouTubeChangedMyHandle]

David Bowie comes across as an all round good egg. Never seen an interview with him where he wasn't utterly charming.

[@aaronsmyth7943]

Mind-blowing insight, 21 years ago. Amazing.

[@malcolmhales8181]

Watching this again in 2019, he truly was a visionary.

[@caxzrockz]

I just want to cry

[@adams115]

Push it out, push it allllll out.

[@martycrow]

I was not big on Bowie, though admired of his varied work. So, I don't write this as a grief stricken fan, but share a sense of loss. (And his going out in a creative flourish. Wow!) This 16min interview, though, is one of the most insightful, self-reflective, intellectually and emotionally honest interviews I have ever seen of an undoubted creative genius. There were at least 25 snippets that reach beyond the profound, and touch the sublime. And what a wide range of topics! Image, invention, ambition, limitations, change, agency, self awareness, addiction, family and relationships...go'on watch it again and take it in. [PS I think Paxman was doing his job and did it well. Bowie born 1947 and Paxo 1950. Bowie is as articulate and focussed as Paxo. I don't find the questions befuddled or self serving. They needed to be asked to give Bowie the space to talk about ... Life on Mars!]

[@dguyiop8]

To not rate Bowie as an artist is to not rate one of the most influential and greatest songwriters of all time.

[@sylvijeffery9752]

martycrow Yes, I have watched a few times, its as amazing as he himself. An amazing being. Jeremy was kind of in awe of him, he's obviously an admirer. David could talk on any subject, in great depth. The best....

[@SkillBuilder]

The thumbs down for this video are some proof of what Bowie is saying about the internet, it doesn't matter that the ratio of likes to dislikes is one way or another.

[@MrPnew1]

Yes the rational human to idiot ratio is a constant

[@rmp7400]

David himself warns us to remain true to what we are obligated to communicate from within - and not be distracted by trying to please those we do not know...and do NOT even know what concerns them, anyway. Not one's task.... One is responsible for one's inner truth and expressing that well.🌹

[@briansteenson3036]

Wow the prescience! A truly wonderful musician and artist and we are so lucky to have his legacy.