Sometimes, life drops a little jewel in your lap when you least expect it. Nick Cave posted on his Red Hand Diaries page a few days ago that Living in Oblivion is his favorite comedy.

It made me remember a drawing he’d sent me 27 years ago. It had arrived one night by fax with no advance warning—which was typical of Nick. Apparently, neither of us had email then.

After 4 days of ransacking my house, I finally found his drawing. Seeing it again, I was impressed that it was made with a Sharpie, all in one pass--no crossing out or starting over. I don’t know which came first, the text or the drawing, but the fact that it all ended up fitting together on the same page is an act of supremely understated confidence.

The drawing shows that Nick likes to watch movies in his underwear. And that he feels he has very hairy legs. It was really moving to read his words again. Working with him on Johnny Suede was an incredible experience. It was Nick’s idea to play Freak Storm as an albino Elvis, but it was mine to have his hair in a pompadour to rival Johnny’s. Hopefully, he has forgiven me for it.

Thanks, Nick. I’d work with you again in a heartbeat.