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Last Word - Dave Gorman

Source: The List (Issue 601)
Date: 24 April 2008 (updated 13 August 2008)

He’s the award-winning comedian and author who successfully negotiated his way around non-corporate America. But Dave Gorman has never forgotten his roots – particularly that piece of advice about always turning up on time and carrying a pencil

First record you ever bought

‘Baggy Trousers’ by Madness.

Last time you were chatted up

Two days ago, via e-mail. I appeared on Loose Women recently and they asked a question about me splitting up with someone . . . which happened years ago. Someone watching assumed it was more recent and chanced their arm.

First film you saw that really moved you

Watership Down.

Last lie you told

‘Baggy Trousers’, Madness (it was really a Wombles album).

First movie you ever went on a date to

Flashdance.

Last time you cried

It happens all the time. I’m a soppy get.

First thing you do when you’ve got time off work

A crossword.

Last extravagant purchase you made

A Bang and Olufsen stereo.

First crush

I’m not sure of the timeline . . . either Annie Lennox, Servalan in Blake’s 7 or Catherine Bach as Daisy Duke.

Last book you read

Stories of a No Name Actor by Marco Perella.

First great piece of advice you were given

Turn up on time and always carry a pencil.

Last time you were starstruck

I don’t remember being starstruck. Stars are either nice and put you at ease or unpleasant in a way that renders you unstruck.

First thing you’d do if you ran the country

Resign.

Last time you made an impulse buy and regretted it.

No regrets.

First time you realised you were famous

Fame is about perspective. To some people I am but from my perspective, I’m not famous.

Last time you exploited your position to get something

I don’t have a position that could be exploited.

Last great meal you cooked

It would have to be butternut squash risotto.

First three words your friends would use to describe you

David. James. Gorman.

Last time someone criticised your work

Daily. I’m sure.

First concert you ever attended.

Apart from friends’ bands when I was at school it would be the Inspiral Carpets.

Last time you bought someone flowers

My mum’s birthday.

First song you’ll sing at karaoke

‘Song 2’ by Blur (it has a ‘whooo-hooo’ bit that the crowd always joins in with so nobody realises how bad you are).

Last meal on earth – what would it be

Butternut squash risotto.

First thing you think of when you wake up in the morning

Am I late?

Last thing you think of before you go to sleep

Have I set the alarm?

America Unchained: A Freewheeling Roadtrip in Search of Non-Corporate USA by Dave Gorman is out now on Ebury Press. Gorman is talking about the book at the Pleasance, Edinburgh, Wed 30 Apr; Borders, Glasgow, Thu 1 May; Mono, Dundee, Fri 2 May. For full tour details see www.davegorman.com