In 2001 David Brent strummed out the acoustic power-rock classic ‘Freelove Freeway’ on the training day episode of The Office. Suddenly he wasn’t the only one to believe his rightful place on this earth was at the peak of the music world, rather than heading up a regional branch of a paper merchant. We also learned that Ricky Gervais’ greatest creation (beyond Karl Pilkington) used to play in a band, Foregone Conclusion. Sadly, though, we never got to hear them in full flow and decide whether they deserved to have achieved more than playing on the ‘same bill as Texas once’.
But all this could change. Gervais has revealed that he has been made “ridiculous offers” to realise Brent’s dream and release a full album, in character. It has to be done. Here are ten reasons why.
Brent’s recent YouTube guitar tuition videos have highlighted that although he may harbour delusions of musical grandeur, his basic abilities are pretty solid. He holds his guitar with a natural ease, like a proud father supporting a baby, or perhaps the head part of an enormous fancy dress bird costume on Red Nose Day. Gervais, meanwhile, is good enough to have been in a proper, signed-to-a-label-and-everything band, Seona Dancing, in the ‘80s. Although they never got to play with Texas.
Name one song out this year that’s as stone-cold singable as this. Lyrics-wise, it’s probably the kind of brilliant overdose of earnestness Johnny Borrell strived for, but fell short of, on his new solo album. I’m not one of the 594 people who bought that so I can’t confirm, mind.
One of the aspects that makes Brent such a rounded, believable person is his fierce love of music, adding depth to the character. As such, when he gets to perform delicate compositions such as ‘Goodnight My Sweet Princess’, his ode to Princess Diana, the funniest moments are born. Of course, having office Team Leader Gareth Keenan close his eyes and let his mind drift away, lost in the beauty of the moment, helps.
