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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@Dreadtothink]

I could listen to him for hours.

[@shinitaru]

he could read canned soup ingredients and I would be enthralled

[@Broken-Silencer]

About time you did something with your life, then.

[@sallygoyette5997]

oh yes, that voice luv

[@Broken-Silencer]

sally goyette it's a good voice, innit?

[@bowiegirl4740]

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

[@SteveBenway]

He really knew what he was talking about.

[@york-houngan7193]

Fuck the agenda

[@sylvijeffery9752]

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

[@gpeddino]

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

[@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❤🙏🏼🎆

[@MrAlbieWan]

@cushy glen 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 😁

[@andyjm7122]

He was real, and he slept with 13 year old girls.

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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,

[@Jez1963UK]

+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!

[@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...

[@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.*

[@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.

[@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. 😆

[@MrComradeDave]

Bowie was definitely a very intelligent man. I think he got all his predictions right about the internet being the new rock and roll.

[@Ickie71]

+MrComradeDave Very interesting in hearing what he had to say about the Internet!.Thats the same time i came across it,and wouldnt have thought that at fiirst!:).Yeah he had a sixth sense alright

[@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

[@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.

[@francistomalik]

8:43 David's downloads from the universe are so intense it affected the camera for a second there

[@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

[@michaelhope8899]

My respect for Bowie has gone up 10-fold

[@sylvijeffery9752]

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

[@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.

[@ninacooper4040]

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

[@sylvijeffery9752]

Nina Cooper Yes, extra intelligent!!

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@MarjorainMD]

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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@Arun-nv8zi]

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

[@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.....

[@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.

[@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

[@PaulOuzounov]

Bowie you bloody genius.

[@sylvijeffery9752]

Paul Ozz Yes and some!!

[@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!!!

[@WolfeTone66]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@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" 😁

[@Dreama40]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 💖

[@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

[@alecjohnson5269]

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

[@westparade4366]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@Peter-k2j]

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

[@colinluckens9591]

😅😅😅

[@jenniforia]

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

[@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.

[@YesItsMeGuys68]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@vacantplanet]

what an intelligent and wonderful human being

[@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

[@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....

[@brendanagy6205]

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

[@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'.

[@AbbyGrace001]

The man was visionary. Always was. Spot on Mr. Bowie. RIP

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@GaynorPaynter01]

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

[@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.

[@juliireed7119]

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

[@aaronsmyth7943]

Mind-blowing insight, 21 years ago. Amazing.

[@nigelleslie3896]

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

[@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.

[@sullivan2339]

This interview really struck me- Thanks BBC Newsnight.

[@mulroasted]

Brilliant interview .... this man was comfortable with who he was and not afraid to show it No messing no shenanigans ........ just David Bowie Thanks BBC and Jeremy Paxman

[@BBCNewsnightonline]

+mulroasted Thanks for watching!

[@ImHisMrs77]

Over and over, our man proved what a legend he is (yes, IS, his spirit remains!). What an amazing man!

[@ellenmcintyre1247]

This has to be the best interview I've seen w/him.... The expression & eloquence of his mind/ideas- what a visionary!

[@uffelarsen508]

Förmodligen den mest intressanta intervjun förra milleniet.

[@anthonydear4708]

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

[@hello55125]

Brilliant interview. Amazing that someone who can create a character like Ziggy Stardust can remain so down to earth.

[@ppier77]

I could have listened to Bowie all day long, so insightful and articulate. So sad his voice is now silenced forever. Which in itself is a message to all of us. While your alive make your voice and talent known and let the world enjoy your output. RIP Starman

[@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.🌹

[@malcolmhales8181]

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

[@priyanta194969]

What a brilliant interview! I grew up listening to Bowie in the 70's and his changing style through the years. Also - having worked in technology for more years than I care to admit - I am amazed at how David Bowie in 1999 describes the internet and where here thought it was going (which incidentally, is exactly where it went)! So apart from being a true musical genius - he was also a true visionary! We need more people in the world like this!

[@raygallagher8191]

Amazing interview. Damn he was one insightful and articulate bastard.

[@caxzrockz]

I just want to cry

[@adams115]

Push it out, push it allllll out.

[@clarenceeugene9692]

David Bowie was a very intuitive and insightful man. He was spot on about the internet's impact.

[@klara7247]

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

[@nigelleslie3896]

The best David Bowie interview. Bowie is sober, insightful, funny, eloquent + shows his aptitude for being ahead of the curve (re. the internet).

[@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.

[@Jez1963UK]

The more I listen and watch this man, the more I feel inspired by him. For example, listening to him about investing in other projects, not being into cars or houses, but into ploughing money into new ideas, new creations etc. That is how we should live our lives. As The Verve say in one of their songs "this is a fix, fuck you", talking about society, how we're put into a position of debt and fear, working our nuts off in a dead end job, just to have a roof over our heads, enough (processed) food to eat, and then we chase material possessions as though they are the real Gods to admire, the car, the phone, the bling, the girl, our egos getting bigger all the time. You can slag me off all you like, but to me, he shows us how to live a God-ly way. Being Creators, children of The Creator, it is what we are here to do, create, create, create. The driver ? Follow your passion and excitement. Thank you David for showing me HOW to live - I will do my VERY best to stay in line with my intentions and purpose for being here.

[@fabmd8]

+Jez2008UK You nailed it. I'm also trying to learn from him.

[@nocreativename]

I totally get what you mean and agree. The status quo is so damaging. We really don’t know ourselves. We perform and then we die. And chase money and compare ourselves to people instead of learning ourselves. It’s sick and I want no part of this.

[@amiraxx7306]

Oh my God David lived a muslim way of life: living a life of service and good character (sufism). That's why he fell in love with Iman and married her. May he rest in peace. ❤

[@werquantum]

What a joy to watch that. Thanks for posting.

[@yvonneboaten8289]

Very insightful interview. Mr. Bowie is very reflective and deep. Maturity is a beautiful experience.