Chris Isaac gave an emotional eulogy on Friday David Lynchone day after the legendary director died at the age of 78.
“I knew he was sick. But I hoped he would make a comeback,” wrote Isaac on X. “I am happy about the time I was able to spend with him. He was unique. He was so smart, so creative. And he had a way of being very honest and direct that reminded me of how children say things. Innocent, with no false floors or bumpers.”
Chris Issak on David Lynch:
Isaak has long been associated with Lynch, as several of his songs can be heard in his films. Below Blue Velvet and Wild at Heart. While the better-known music video for Isaak’s “Wicked Game” was directed by Herb Ritts and starred supermodel Helena Christensen, Lynch recorded the song Wild at Heart and directed the song’s first video, which was commissioned for the film’s VHS release.
“I didn’t have the money to make a video. And David stepped in and directed it. And got the ball rolling,” Isaak wrote. “He was a friend when I needed one.”
“Wicked Game”
After Lee Chesnut, a fan of Lynch’s films and music director of an Atlanta radio station, recorded the song Wild at Heart had heard, he started playing the song. Which led to the surprise hit catapulting to number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1991.
“Visionary filmmaker David Lynch and Atlanta radio music director Lee Chesnut are an unlikely pair. But they have one thing in common,” she wrote Los Angeles Times 1991when ‘Wicked Game’ became a hit. “Last fall they were probably the only two people in America who thought Chris Isaak’s moody ‘Wicked Game’ was a hit.”
Isaak himself also landed a role as Chester Desmond in Lynch’s in 1992 Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me. The singer ended his tribute on Friday with a story about him thanking Lynch after filming was completed Fire Walk With Me gave a paintball gun.
“He took a few test shots. And someone bet him that he couldn’t hit a wall clock at the other end of the set. He suddenly became very serious. Concentrated and BAM! Direct hit,” wrote Isaak. “I always have this image of him in my mind. How he concentrates and hits the mark. He was an incredible guy. I really liked him. I think I’ll miss him forever. There’s no one like him.”
Isaak is one of many celebrities who Lynch Paying tribute after his death included Steven Spielberg, Nicholas Cage and Naomi Watts.