Classic Rock Stars Offer Tributes to Filmmaker David Lynch

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David Lynch, in an uncredited photo via his Facebook page.

David Lynch, the avant garde director of such films as Blue Velvet, 1984’s Dune, Eraserhead, The Elephant Man, Mulholland Drive, and co-creator of the mystery-horror TV series Twin Peaks, died today (January 16, 2025). His death, at age 78, followed the revelation in 2024 that he had been diagnosed with emphysema. His family announced his passing on his Facebook page, noting, “There’s a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us. But, as he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the donut and not on the hole.’ It’s a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way.”

Lynch’s death evoked tributes from many classic rock legends who had collaborated with him on his various projects over the years. Lynch was a roommate of future J. Geils Band frontman, Peter Wolf, in college. He wrote, “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.”

Sting wrote, “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, David Lynch.”

God bless David Lynch, peace and love to all his family peace and love Ringo. pic.twitter.com/AsSeb3sMsU

— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) January 16, 2025

From Toto: “We are absolutely gutted by the loss of David Lynch. He was a dear friend of ours. It was an honor to work with him on Dune and remained friends ever since. He’s a talent that will be remembered forever. We love you David.”

David Bowie’s Facebook account posted a tribute: “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. The Star Man appeared as FBI Special Agent Phillip Jeffries, who was 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 a statement, Steven Spielberg said, “I loved David’s films. Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive and Elephant Man defined him as a singular, visionary dreamer who directed films that felt handmade. I got to know David when he played John Ford in The Fabelmans. Here was one of my heroes — David Lynch playing one of my heroes. It was surreal and seemed like a scene out of one of David’s own movies. The world is going to miss such an original and unique voice. His films have already stood the test of time and they always will.”

Actor Kyle MacLachlan, who appeared in Dune, Blue Velvet and then starred in Twin Peaks, wrote a lengthy tribute that includes, “Forty-two years ago, for reasons beyond my comprehension, David Lynch plucked me out of obscurity to star in his first and last big-budget movie. He clearly saw something in me that even I didn’t recognize. I owe my entire career, and life really, to his vision. What I saw in him was an enigmatic and intuitive man with a creative ocean bursting forth inside of him.”