David Lynch's Greatest Gift

[@otisgibbs]

I like to speak freely and off the top of my head in these videos. I think it adds some intangible truth to these little dispatches. The downside is, I often forget to say things that I find important. This is one of those things. Back in the 90s, I spent a lot of time meeting people in bars. While making small talk and getting to know each other, we'd sometimes talk about TV. Especially with women. Most women would say they liked watching Friends. Fair enough, we all dig what we dig, but I've never had any interest in Friends and I've never watched a second of it. Every now and then a woman would mention that she loved Twin Peaks. It was like a breath of fresh air and it's probably no coincidence that I'd become lifelong friends with a lot of these women. I think this is one of the many great gifts of art. It helps us find our community through shared experience. David Lynch's work is a great example of this.

[@julesotis13]

as usual brother Otis is correct

[@userprime01]

When I saw what today's topic was, my first thought went to "The Straight Story". I love that movie. Another interesting fact about that film is when it was released, it was rated "G". Not "PG" or PG-13". It was rated "G". AND it was distributed Disney's Buena Vista Pictures. A Disney distributed, rated "G" movie from David Lunch is a testament to David's respect of the story above all else.

[@Heavy_Horse]

A fine eulogy, Otis. What a body of work that David Lynch produced. I also loved “The Straight Story”, the great Richard Farnsworth’s final film. It was in reading about Lynch’s passing that I learned of the death of Peter Yarrow - can’t believe I missed that - so it was bit of a double-whammy for me. Sad to see that generation passing away. Be well, brother.

[@BobDennison]

@@otisgibbs nice

[@eldrifte]

We gotta keep making more art!!

[@spirit1965]

Good one Otis. I was one of those odd folk singing acoustic guitar playing kids that didn't fit in. I could have written this episode word for word. Rocky Horror, Varsity Theater, St. Louis Missouri. First actual concert I went to was a bluegrass show in a barn. I never could get into all the mainline music of the day, the stuff all my friends were listening to. Sometimes odd is better. Thank you sir.

[@msparksmusic]

It's wild that Amy mentioned the connection to R.E.M. I got into R.E.M. and David Lynch right around the same time so I always think of the other whenever I think of one. I'm definitely going to check out The Straight Story because I don't recall hearing about that one. Anyway, thanks for turning me on to another cool thing I didn't know about. You do that pretty often here.

[@dannymacphee4444]

R.I.P. David Lynch. Otis, you really hot the nail on the head for me here. Not so much on David Lynch per say but how you feel like, "Why am I so different then everyone around me" This pertains to music for me.. When I was growing up everyone around me listened to rap and metal music along with the mainstream stuff on the radio while I was listening to John Prine, Guy Clark, Gordon Lughtfoot and old traditional stuff from where I'm from, (Cape Breton Nova Scotia) and when it came to take the guitars out at a party I would be the odd kid out and never really had a sense of fitting in with the crowd. Often times I'd make my way to the kitchen where the older folks were and would sing song for them. Even the songs I write today sound like they're from another time..I'm glad I found youtube to be able to share some of my tunes though the views are few, it's still nice to know thete may be someone out there in the world who may stumble upon them and enjoy them. Love and appreciate all your videos Otis. Keep them coming, my friend. ❤

[@BobDennison]

nice tribute friend . blessings all

[@ohms497]

David Lynch is an American icon. R.I.P. 🧘‍♂️ Transcendental Meditation

[@neiltrotter5933]

Ding ding ding! That's the sound of Otis ringing bells for me. Lynch, Waits, Slim Harpo? Have you been following me around for the past 3 or 4 decades? Enjoyed the thoughts, and will make a point to watch Straight Story at last.

[@WinnifredJune]

Well said

[@spooley]

It's a perfect film, you nailed it. The late great Norm MacDonald often spoke about how much he loved it. He and Farnsworth were alike, both suffered with cancer but didn't allow others to know because they wanted to be treated normally. Hope Mr Lynch has joined their conversation somewhere in the cosmos.

[@roberttaylor505]

RIP for a unique talent. He made the surreal mainstream friendly with Twin Peaks. Once in a generation genius. Lovely tribute Otis 🙏☮

[@feeble1]

Thanks for opening my eyes.

[@willisjefferson5886]

This was perfect Otis, David left us with so much, So many sign posts to new space. My son is an artist and I told him follow his own Muse. Life is a short deal and live it. He is a David Lynch fan, This is the lesson David taught us all

[@earring1]

RIP David, probably my favorite American director. Twin Peaks got me hooked. No one else like him. Got my Laura Palmer shirt on in tribute. Favorite Lynch film is Blue Velvet. Might have a Pabst Blue Ribbon today in his honor as well. Safe travels, Otis.

[@kelseyland]

God Bless us artists one and all! Lynch understood and practiced what he preached. R.I.P.

[@markthompson5310]

I admire him for his efforts to promote meditation

[@vincedugar4840]

Thanks for this tribute to David Lynch, and for the great tip on what film to watch next!

[@artemisXsidecross]

“The Revolution will not be televised’, a satirical poem and Black Liberation song by Gil Scott-Heron was another signpost to be found. In my time Jack Kerouac, Alan Ginsberg, and William Burrows were my compass. A more recent quote to appreciate is by Terence McKenna: “If you don't have a plan, you become part of somebody else's plan.” This coming year, 2025, we will all need our own plan.

[@zendixie]

Amen to that last bit of advice. We all need our own plan but that’s been true for most of my life.

[@aidanmaxwell1019]

“The revolution will not go better with Coke!”

[@okpainter9700]

Stab it and steer Peanut . Wild at Heart dialog is in my everyday vocabulary. The hubby and I throw them out all the time . Lynch was a genius . R.I.P.

[@doughill8475]

Great story and eulogy, thank you. God bless the artists who speak to the weird.

[@LeShepMusic]

What a beautiful tribute. Le Sheppard

[@The58stupot]

Hi Otis. Very saddened to hear of David Lynch passing away. A true genius of the movie world. My absolute favourite movie of his is like yours The Straight Story, a truly beautiful piece of work. Why, it was only last night that I watched it for the umpteenth time after buying the dvd when it first came out all those years ago. It still brings me to tears when he calls out to Lyle at the end and Lyle calls his name in reply. Damn. Beautiful story. Love your channel Otis. Good man yourself.

[@scottkidwell3601]

Fair winds and following seas, David Lynch. Thank you 🙏🏻🤍 You are missed.

[@billgarnher5567]

thanks for your humanity Otis...much needed

[@robertkerber919]

The straight story was a wonderful heartfelt movie. My family is from that part of country. And it really struck home to me.

[@romancitohousemedia5688]

So beautiful when you did find it. For true.

[@drwindupbird]

It's not exactly an obscure band that made me feel community, and I'm not American or from a small town, but when I was 14/15 and completely isolated at school, I used to think "It's okay, it doesn't matter that I don't relate to anyone here, Bob Dylan exists. That's all I need."

[@HippoOnABicycle]

I love Mulholland Drive, Lost Highway and Blue Velvet, but those are the only 3 films of his I've seen. A local private cinema club is going to be screening all his movies over the next few weeks, so I'll take the opportunity to watch the films of his I haven't seen. They only charge 10 bucks for 2 months of membership and then all the screenings are free.

[@ish474]

College radio at the tiny local college the next town over was a Godsend for opening up the underground music styles of my youth

[@michaelblack3379]

David Lynch and REM sit side by side in my mind; artists who coalesced an audience through the sheer force of authenticity. I discovered both around the same time in the very early 80's. Michael Stipe of REM once said that Carnival of Sorts is written about the side show scene in the film The Elephant Man.

[@RobertMunro-wb6jb]

I grew up in the rural north of England and I can remember like it was yesterday watching twin peaks with my mother on a Tuesday night on bbc2 back in 1990 ! It was my 46 th birthday on Thursday and I actually found a copy of mulholland drive 2 disc special edition dvd at a charity shop for 50p ! David your art touched my soul for decade may you rest in peace and dream eternally!!!🕉️

[@RobertMunro-wb6jb]

*decades

[@joekellysux]

I love The Straight Story. It is like a Tom T. Hall song come to life.

[@mebeasensei]

We are a dying breed..the people who grew up without the Internet..Too young for hippie 60s, too old for tech. We knew what boredom was. We had nothing else but the limited options we had. And there was a difference, to be celebrated. Perhaps partly because Hollywood and Disney didn’t go there, because the news didn’t go there.

[@julesotis13]

write an epic poem about this gorgeous Cherry pie have two slices and a damn fine cup of coffee

[@uhclem1655]

Growing up I was drawn to the guitar, the sound of the guitar. I was given a Sears guitar so I learned a few chords and started strumming away. After a while I got a bit bored of it. There has to be more than just strumming chords. There has to be another way to play guitar. Then I heard John Fahey. It was probably the first time I heard solo finger picking and slide. It changed my life.

[@defshrimp]

I still like Lynch's Dune from 1984. It still blows my mind how the studio thought it was going to be the next big thing but I am glad they green lit it anyway. RIP

[@jimmarshall3066]

agreed, sooo much better than Smithees version. Lynch understood the scope of Herbert's universe ❤

[@GaryStockton]

My favorite one was “Blue Velvet”, Dennis Hopper was terrifying.

[@tomedmonson501]

Thanks Otis. Great thoughts on David Lynch as a cultural life raft. Twin Peaks pulled me down the rabbit hole big time. The first time they showed the Black Lodge, I remember stepping through my VHS tape one frame at a time, trying to unpack it all.

[@lionvillelion]

Otis, nice tribute to David Lynch. He also was responsible for giving exposure to a lot of musicians who otherwise people would have never heard. He was all about showing the uncomfortable side of the American psyche and how people deal with it.

[@user-mad7max11dystopia]

I remember that. Sometimes the story is so strong all you have to do is not get in the way of it.

[@allonesame6467]

Saw Erasure Head in an art house in Milwaukee when it came out. Thank you, Otis for this lovely tribute to a phenomenal story teller that David Lynch was. Respect & Love.

[@ardenevox]

I love Straight Story too.

[@randaloopy]

Thanks Otis. My family & I watched the Straight Story last night. 😀

[@eldrifte]

Man, you said a mouth full! The way you said this brought me back and made me remember those young years, first discovering the other side. Those were the most exciting times of my life! Rambling around the country, going to shows, playing music, raising hell, peering over the edge, and looking through to the other side if the mirror. Like you said, I didn't always love it but I did love that it was different. I remember first discovering R.E.M. too, back in their pre-fame days. X, Camper Van Beethoven, and Run Westy Run too, in those early years. It transformed me and steered me in a direction I've going my whole life since! Great words, Otis, you really brought me back to something!

[@robroemer]

thank you brother.

[@rantoolio]

I was 17 in 1967. Frank Zappa & the Mothers were my eye opener. David's latest "David Lynch presents: Interview Project" on youtube is a winner. ❤

[@Whysicist]

Jai Guru Dev… David was special to all life forms… he wore his skin well. Thanks for this post. Lots of Light and Love to you and your family, Jyotir/Prem…

[@aidanmaxwell1019]

Eraserhead blew my mind when I first watched it!

[@willsullivan3]

Thank you, Otis.

[@ricksaint2000]

Thank you Otis

[@jackredemption8090]

Terrible when we lose creative people, Let's appreciate the contributions, See how that person has made an impact. And look around at younger creative people and encourage them to push forward.. Giving advice and direction when needed, Close the coffin, Talk to the crowd at the wake, change the subjects from loss and grief to . Moving on and creativity.. Happy Weekend. Create, Think, Create.

[@jackredemption8090]

There are dozens of young David Lynch's out there, creating, seek them out.

[@floydstowe]

I was always with the the crowd I regret it now missed a lot but I do love the old blues folks

[@wittry2]

Nice tribute. I enjoyed David Lynch’s view of the world. Was introduced to his work first with Twin Peaks.

[@willpassinault3650]

The Straight Story is one of my top 5 films of all time. Ironically it was was produced by Disney (very un-Lynchian like you said). Richard Farnsworth was an incredible actor and his scene in the bar talking about his experience as a sniper in the WW2 is unforgettable.

[@billyo54]

Yeah Otis. The Straight Story was a bit of genius. The meeting between the two brothers was so moving in its simplicity. Thank you so much for your reflections on the great DL.

[@danielpirone8028]

David’s autobiography Room to Dream is a great ebook - David reads about half of it Kristine McKenna reads the other. It is well worth the time. Thanks for all you do Otis!

[@onnyang]

Dude... I just knew you'd have the perfect retrospective!! Thank you!!!

[@brianbeattympls]

I remember gasping when Harry Dean Stanton hobbled out of that cabin. I'd loved the movie up until that moment, but after that, it became one of my favorites. My life raft bands were R.E.M., Camper Van Beethoven and Husker Du.

[@bluequirk5384]

Thank you Otis. David Lynch is an original American Hero and a Humble leader and free thinking teacher. haha , thats a shocking mouthful or try engrave that on a big trophy which would be a nice Lynch oxymoron to the art that he so loved and polished so that it says something to each one of us who listens for years to come. Thanks Otis thanks David. Three Cheers

[@samhardy2038]

Well said Otis!

[@ChrissHill]

Loved Blue Velvet and Wild at heart

[@John-cw4no]

I even love his music, Ghost of love is haunting

[@joelfildes5544]

Straight story soundtrack…awesome.

[@terriblecrayon]

I gew up in Regina, Saskatchewan. In the early 90s, Lynch became my guy. My favorite is Lost Highway. As for music, Mr. Bungle were the chameleons that showed me the way. Thanks for the video, I adore The Straight Story.

[@williamdavis8161]

Agree Otis, I love Staight Story! I used to TRY to fit in with the crowd. I finally stopped, and embraced my own opinions/feelings. Our differences are what makes us interesting!

[@mjemigh3304]

I loved "Eraserhead," but fell asleep within 20 minutes of "Dune." Twice!

[@siscoismyhomey]

Damn, the mention of The Straight Story just hit me like a ton of bricks. I was recently recalling a movie I watched as a kid, and I couldn't for the life of me remember the name of it or any of the story. It was truly bugging me as I truly hadn't thought about it in probably 20 years. After googling it just now, I realize that's the movie I was thinking of all along. Thanks Otis!

[@5thGradeHumor]

Yes I totally agree with everything you said . My daughter called yesterday to tell me the news and asked for recommendations . I said watch The Straight Story , you'll feel much better.

[@zendixie]

Thanks Otis. One of my fondest memories was going to see Eraserhead at the midnight movie in ‘77 or so and seeing the reaction of people watching . I’ll never forget during the scene where the main character is having dinner with his girlfriend’s family and the pitiful Cornish hen starts bleeding all over the table. A guy about five or six rows down stood up and shouted “ I ain’t got to take this s**t!” and stomped out of the theater . I laughed my butt off. I do love Straight Story but I think my favorite is Lost Highway and of course both incarnations of Twin Peaks. I’ve always been drawn to non commercial things whether it’s movies or music and I’m drawn to folks that like that stuff. I never got into sports that much or popular tv shows. Most of it just seems dumb to me. I saw a tribute to David Lynch this morning and learned that , according to this tribute, Eraserhead was Stanley Kubrick’s favorite movie. He had sent someone over to the studio where David was making The Elephant Man and told one of David’s assistants that Kubrick wanted to meet him. David didn’t believe it and told them he was too busy. You gotta love that.

[@sspbrazil]

The Straight Story is one of my favorite David Lynch films.

[@jamesblanshard9468]

Thanx Otis, I get it 😊

[@johnstarace6516]

Thank you Otis! Totally on the $$$ about Straight Story. Everyone should see it. But my favorite is Erasurehead because of the midnight movies then. Game changer for me is an understatement..

[@WilliamThompson-b1j]

David Lynch was a genius who inspired geniuses.

[@chrissoares23]

I was one of those teenagers in the early 80s, Ogden theater in Denver. Double feature, Eraserhead with Rocky Horror.

[@sunkenindeaf]

From afar, as non-American, I would not have known about the communal aspect of Lynch that Mr Gibbs emphasises. Cannot say that I was fond of Lynch's work, but "The Straight Story" would be my pick as well. --- Since Harry Dean Stanton is mentioned... Stanton's rendition of "Hands on the Wheel" (written by Bill Callery, famously recorded by Willie Nelson) seems to be an appropriate wave of goodbye. _"(...) I looked to the stars, tried all of the bars and I've nearly gone up in smoke. Now my hand's on the wheel. I've something that's real and I feel like I'm going home."_

[@BDTPBO]

Lynch’s work came into my life at the same time as punk and tattooing. Hard to get a job at a bank after knowing it’s possible to make Blue Velvet for a living.

[@julesotis13]

ps as Ali MacGraw used to say to me....and yes I got to meet lynch he's very generous kind caring and does talk like that...anyway ali and I would say David Lynch was like that kid born more normal who sat in the back and knew the kids to know who would grow up the most interesting weren't the sportos and popular kids but the weirdo freak goofball ..as I always say good thing David Lynch knew that and made his art inspired by and for us...thanks for your service... dream pretty dreams sir Knight if creativity

[@mikefannon6994]

How about Captain Beefheart? I'm fascinated by "Blue Velvet" - nostalgic & weird.

[@kurtsunderbruch4711]

The Straight Story for me. That film moves me.

[@LeShepMusic]

Nicely done. 68 so I don't get it ... but I feel your heart and spirit. Le

[@Tomas-ot7be]

All David Lynch movies are at least good, but mostly great. All great artists become more popular after death. I hope a new generation of people will discover the art of David Lynch now that he has passed away so that he will continue to live.

[@kendallpigg5097]

Well said. I like that movie as well. "What's the grabber for, Alvin?" "Grabbin""

[@custodialmark]

i planned to do similar, as bicycle toured most of life. so got trailer 7 in back loaded for bug out. past decade not yet used, but bought newer gear to go if able, Not. hip need fixed so stuff sits. i wud wander zig zag back to old places stayed. 4 bikes available for loan to visitors to marfa,texas, were movies made. see radio station to check out.

[@Emlizardo]

The Straight Story is a tremendous film.

[@reaganwiles_art]

Straight Story. i lived in Iowa 2006-7-'08. I am apologizing Iowa. I learned a lot in the middle of life. I learned to forgive. I learned to sing. I laugh out loud already. This is a way to say. A Stay away.

[@otisgibbs]

----- Otis Tour Dates ------- 02/27/25 -Iduna -Drachten, Netherlands 02/28/25. -De Schalm. -Westwoud, Netherlands 03/02/25. -Private Event. -Sint Willebrord, Netherlands 03/05/25 -TivoliVredenburg -Utrecht, Netherlands 03/06/25 -Cultural Centre De Zeepziederij -Bree, Belgium 03/07/25. -Popuppodium. -Almelo, Netherlands 03/08/25 -Lutherse Kerk -Groningen, Netherlands 03/09/25. -Walhalla -Rotterdam, Netherlands ------ Details at otisgibbs.com ----------

[@BobDennison]

I hear Florida is nice this time of year Otis

[@christopherfeeney1962]

I've always loved The Straight Story

[@petersheely7246]

😔

[@julesotis13]

another reason lynch is relevant to this channel is how important music was to his movies from the lady in the radiator in his art school film that yes sissy spasek and others interested in but just the financial side of filmmaking but the artistic as well or more .. that Became Eraserhead thru to esp the also not mainstream and very creative use of music in all his films

[@julesotis13]

as usual I agree with Otis... straight story is def a fave..I dont love everything lynch did but I respect the creative intentions... tho I've always said ..as everyone needs restraints from politicians to CEOs to in filmmaking class I was ta for eons ago we said filmmaking was the three c s collaboration catharsis and constraint.....so while the longer meandering nuts Lynch movies have their place much of the appeal of twin peaks original esp the shorter season one was because it was for tv they had to do things differently....straight story a rare case I'd say Disney gave us something great was like elephant man lynch at his best telling a story real or already told and with his flair touches and tone but able to get out of the way and let the story be ...lastly I think twin peaks return is one of the best things ever to be filmed esp the stuff about Atomic explosion and evil...and yes as q volunteer community disc jockey I got the kind of laughs I like not from someone being loud obnoxious or having a rubber body but from a discomfort real ominous feeling expressed with humor I love the weird DJ creature... anyhooo thanks sir Lynch brother Otis and the fam here ..be well as can be y'all...and enjoy a damn fine cup of whatever you enjoy

[@meltedwheeliebin]

Dune. Everett McGill as Stilgar is genius casting.

[@leechild4655]

I saw Eraserhead when it was a new release. I knew it was weird af from what others were telling me about it. First time you see it you think, what the heck is this supposed to be. I don`t get it. Then you see it again to try to figure it out. By the 3rd or so viewings you come to some meaning of whats it`s all about. Maybe some never come to any meaning but I think I know what David was trying to convey. My take was: There are forces seen and unseen that control us and once you figure out what those forces are, you can begin to break through the madness and free yourself from it. That was my take on it but, your mileage may vary. I was never a big follower of Lynch per se but dug him as an out-of-the-box creator. I always dug surrealist painters like Dali so, Lynch was part of that crowd. A couple of days before hearing Lynch had passed away I saw his Rabbits thing popped up in my KZbin suggestions so was checking that out. A day or so later I heard the news he died. That was kinda weird it and of itself. Anyway I will be checking out some other stuff he did I never watched before. R.I.P. David.

[@bobflick9496]

.....Inland Empire......Sonic Youth........

[@myggggeneration]

Losing David Lynch makes me really sad. The culltural landscape these days is so foreign and alienating while people like David spoke our language - and beautifully captured the significant Small details worth noticing. I most loved not one of the movies, but his TV series Twin Peaks filled with strange and beautiful characters, fantastic music and gorgeous colors, filmed in our neck of the woods. Something to look forward to every week while it lasted. Something to be shared and talked about. I watched a documentary about his art - paintings - many years ago, and was very impressed. 🕊🤍🕊💟🕊💟🕊💟🕊💟🕊💟🕊💟🕊💟🕊

[@BobDennison]

@@myggggeneration correct

[@BunnyStoner]

Dude!!! Straight Story is the best thing that's ever been done by humans 😀

[@julesotis13]

well said indeed brother Otis... I still have the what's wrong with me voices in my head sometimes obviously we deal with it but growing up it was very difficult and Lynch definitely offered a cultural life raft I love that and we didn't wanna dip our toes in they ole mainstream so we didnnnnt...tho they can send us dinner money

[@muddyyt3555]

Bonnie Prince Billy. Check out his music and videos. Very unique and different.

[@darrylgoodwin7947]

If you lived in a small town back then creem magazine was good for pointing you towards the weirdos. My Dad got mad at me and my brother for watching Blue velvet but really liked straight story. Something for the whole family.

[@dccam58]

Anyone that can make a movie like Eraser Heads is definitely remarkable! I will check out "A Straight Story". Sorry he is gone but left a great legacy. Its always disappointing when you force your friends to watch a movie like Eraser Head or listen to Tom Waits and get a negative response.

[@zoomankat]

Twin Peaks(both) Blue Velvet Elephant Man Lost Highway Eraserhead Mulholland Drive.

[@stevebeninger2044]

Seen Straight Story 👏 Check out Harry Dean Stanton in Lucky