Blur's Dave Rowntree offers apologies to Nardwuar the Human Serviette

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      As endearing as Nardwuar the Human Serviette is to most, some people just don’t gel with the local journo. Blur’s Dave Rowntree was one such dude, famously bullying the interviewer in 2003 on MuchMusic’s Going Coastal. The clip showed the drummer pushing Nardwuar around and stealing his hat, glasses, and interview notes before bailing on the chat. It was despicable. Eight years later, the British musician agrees. Citing the incident in a recent blog as a low point possibly influenced by a former drug problem, Rowntree admits that what he did was uncalled-for. Now a Labour candidate for London and Westminster, Rowntree adds that he keeps the clip on his phone to remind him to stay clean.

      “This is definitely one of the things I’m ashamed of,” he wrote. “To be clear, Nardwuar didn’t do anything to provoke me. I sent an apology to him the next day, but I didn’t hear anything back from him, so I assume he didn’t accept it.”

      Nardwuar doesn’t remember receiving an apology, but he’s thrilled to get one now. “I was honoured,” Nardwuar told the Straight. “It’s so nice of him. I also love the fact that he said that he keeps it on his cell phone. I love the fact that someone is using my interview for motivational purposes.”

      Now if only we could get Sebastian Bach to return Nardwuar’s toque.

      Comments

      7 Comments

      Nardwuar for President.

      Apr 6, 2011 at 5:14pm

      Nardwuar's such a charming guy. His acceptance of the belated apology is great. But I'm wondering why this joker held on to the incident for 8 years. Does the guy have a massive Catholic guilt complex, or is this a measure of Nardwuar's might in the world of roll and rock? It's weird to apologize for something you did 8 years ago, especially as infantile as this.

      R2

      Apr 7, 2011 at 9:08am

      Maybe he's going through the 12 step program?

      Mack

      Apr 7, 2011 at 9:53am

      He's a politician, and this is probably a preemptive strike. If he didn't bring it up, somebody else would.

      orangezinnia

      Apr 9, 2011 at 11:44am

      I don't know. I didn't read it that way. It's true, I found the whole thing amusing when I saw a clip of it a Nardwuar presentation at CiTR, a few years ago. I didn't get the impression Nardwuar presented it as "poor me!" (maybe a bit) but more as entertaining amusement. Not everyone takes to Nardwuar's 'style' in a positive fashion. Meant to be in your face and some/most roll with it, but not all. (I like his style myself and find it quite entertaining. The intelligent aspect awes me.)

      When I read this article I felt sympathy. Or maybe sympathy to myself! (kidding) As someone who recently made quite an ass out of myself at a quite important event, partly due to drinking way, way too much (maybe to assuage nerves and maybe some uncomfortable feelings) I relate to the inspiration and reminder from that to curtail these habits in the future.

      I don't know. The political angle is probably a bit true.

      poopnoodle

      Apr 17, 2011 at 4:12pm

      wow even Nardwar could beat up that wanker

      wooo-hoooo

      Pez

      Apr 27, 2011 at 10:38am

      doot-doo-da-loot-doo...

      Coops

      Jul 23, 2015 at 2:02am

      Dave Rowntree did not apologise the next day after his bullying of Narduwar. The internet just caught up with him and as he was running for parliament he needed to say he apologised the day after. Looks better than apologising 8 years later because he was forced to.