The influential American director David Lynch sadly passed away on January 16, 2025 at the age of 78. Known for his surrealistic and somber movies, he was praised for films like “The Elephant Man” (1980), “Eraserhead” (1977), “Veludo Azul” (1986), “Wild At Heart” (1990), “Lost Highway” (1997), “Mulholland Dr.” (2001) and “Inland Empire” (2006). His TV series “Twin Peaks” also became a cult-following show.
Although his death cause was not revealed, the director said last year that he was diagnosed with pulmonary emphysema due to smoking. As soon as the news of his death was shared by his family, many Rock stars paid a tribute to Lynch. Many of them had the chance to know the director and even work with him, like for example Sting who was in Lynch’s version of “Dune” and Scott Ian who shot some scenes in “Lost Highway” but ended up out of the movie.
Rock stars’ reaction to David Lynch’s death
Billy Idol
“Sad 2 of #davidLynch passing I loved a lot of his movies .. I suppose now we never get that director cut of his version of Dune!” Billy Idol said.
Ringo Starr
“God bless David Lynch, peace and love to all his family peace and love Ringo,” the drummer said.
Sting
“David was a modern giant of the avant garde. I am so proud to have worked with him on the first Dune movie. Rest in peace,” Sting said.
Scott Ian (Anthrax)
“David Lynch was a true gentleman as well as a brilliant filmmaker, writer and television visionary. I was privileged to know him and become friendly with him through my friend Jennifer Syme who worked for David. Through Jenn I got invited to cocktail parties at his house where he’d walk me through the utterly fascinating process of freezing and unfreezing ants.”
“He’d also accommodate my Twin Peaks fanboy quizzing, answering my questions in his loud Agent Gordon Cole voice. At some point David thought I looked like a death row inmate and cast me in Lost Highway. I’ve told the long version of the story before – short version, my scene didn’t make the final cut and David sent me the letter posted above. Like I said, he was a true gentleman. RIP David. ‘Keep your eye on the donut and not the hole.’ – David Lynch. PS I haven’t lived at that address since the 90s. Please don’t go bother whomever lives there now,” Scott Ian said.
Peter Wolf (J. Geils Band)
“So sorry to hear of the passing of David Lynch. I remember him fondly when we roomed together as students at The Boston Museum School of Fine Arts. My condolences to his family,” Peter Wolf said.
David Bowie
“RIP DAVID LYNCH ‘And the rain sets in, It’s the angel-man, I’m deranged…’ We’re deeply saddened by the passing of David Lynch. You’ll be aware of his work through the incredible body of films he directed.”
“Bowie himself cited Lynch’s work as an influence and who could forget seeing DB as FBI Special Agent Phillip Jeffries, first introduced to viewers in Lynch’s 1992 prequel film Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, with further appearances by the special agent in Twin Peaks: The Missing Pieces and Twin Peaks: The Return. ‘In heaven, everything is fine…’ Our lyric quotation is from I’m Deranged, two different edits of which appeared on the soundtrack of Lynch’s Lost Highway,” David Bowie’s estate said.
Nick Rhodes (Duran Duran)
“David Lynch was a creative superhero for me, from the moment I first saw his film Eraserhead as a teenager. His imagination, innovation, style and humour will remain an enormous inspiration.
“Curious about the unknown and never afraid of a dark alley, he was an uncompromising, experimental artist, with a truly unique vision. Sadly, the weather today in California is stormy and there is no lucky number. Thank you, and goodnight David. May your dreams become evermore surreal,” Nick said.
Dhani Harrison (George Harrison’s son)
“Beautiful soul transcends 2025. ” Dhani Harrison said.
