David Spade recently shared a story about the time he turned down a request from the legendary David Bowie. During a recent episode of the Fly on the Wall podcast, which Spade co-hosts with Dana Carvey, Spade recalled a sketch he had written for a November 1991 episode of Saturday Night Live. The episode was hosted by Macaulay Culkin, with Bowie and Tin Machine as the musical guest.
In the sketch, Spade envisioned himself playing a receptionist who thinks he’s better than everyone else. He had originally written the role with Bowie in mind for a cameo appearance as himself. However, Bowie wasn’t present at the pitch meeting, so Spade was surprised when he received a message asking him to call Bowie at his hotel.
Spade nervously called Bowie and was shocked when the legendary singer answered the phone. Bowie loved the sketch and thought it perfectly captured his own experiences with certain people. But then he suggested a tweak: he wanted to play the receptionist instead of himself, believing it to be the funnier role.
However, Spade turned down Bowie’s request because he had hoped the receptionist character would become a recurring one. He couldn’t believe he had the courage to shut down Bowie, who was known as a music and style icon. Bowie persisted, asking Spade what would happen if the sketch never made it onto the show. Spade realized Bowie knew the show so well and started questioning his decision. However, he stayed firm, believing that playing himself wasn’t that fun for Bowie.
Related Post
Unfortunately, the sketch never made it onto the show, and Spade didn’t appear in any other sketches for that episode. He remembered feeling disappointed and thinking, “Fuck.” But there was no bad blood between Spade and Bowie. During the goodnights at the end of the episode, Bowie approached Spade and apologized for being a bit chilly about the situation. He understood and respected Spade’s decision.
Spade’s time on Saturday Night Live was from 1990 to 1996, during which he served as a writer and cast member. His collaboration with Bowie may not have worked out as planned, but it’s a memorable story from his time on the show.
David Bowie, who sadly passed away in 2016, will always be remembered as a legendary artist. With his unique sound and iconic style, he left a lasting impact on the music industry. His willingness to embrace different roles and take risks extended beyond music, as seen in his interest in appearing in a Saturday Night Live sketch.
The story of Spade and Bowie’s interaction highlights the respect and admiration artists have for each other’s work. Bowie, a musical genius, recognized the comedic talent in Spade’s sketch and wanted to be a part of it, even if it meant playing a different role. Meanwhile, Spade, an up-and-coming comedian, had the confidence to turn down the request and stick to his artistic vision.
It’s not uncommon for sketches or ideas to not make it onto a show like Saturday Night Live. The creative process involves constant collaboration, revisions, and ultimately making tough decisions about what makes the final cut. Spade’s sketch may not have been chosen, but his story with Bowie adds another layer to the history of the show.
The Fly on the Wall podcast allows fans and listeners to get a behind-the-scenes look at the entertainment industry. Hearing Spade recount this particular interaction with Bowie gives a glimpse into the dynamics of working on a popular sketch comedy show like Saturday Night Live. It shows that even legendary figures like Bowie were open to taking risks and trying something new.
In conclusion, David Spade’s encounter with David Bowie on the set of Saturday Night Live is a fascinating story that highlights the creative process and the mutual respect between artists. Despite not making it onto the show, the interaction between Spade and Bowie is a memorable moment in their respective careers. It serves as a reminder that successful artists are always looking for new ways to challenge themselves and collaborate with others.
