Sebastian Horsley - A tribute to my friend

Last month I was at work, doing my thing when a friend emailed me saying "Have you heard the news?"  My answer was no, but a few minutes later, I knew exactly what she was talking about.  My friend, the artist and self-confessed dandy Sebastian Horsley had died, from what I understand was an accidental overdose.  I was and still am, devastated.  I wont go into how we met, but Ive put below, a comment, albeit a rather long one, that I wrote on the website of one of Britain's broadsheets.

I am so upset after hearing the news. I was lucky enough to know Sebastian for the last two years and told him on a number of occasions how proud and happy I was to have a character such as himself in my life.

He made such a difference to how I saw things and the world itself; seeing it in his often amusingly distorted way (which often contained much truth I believe) He was so kind, witty, funny and of course had a fabulous sense of style. I love the fact that I turned him onto Barry M nail varnish; it was so funny seeing him wearing the red glittery stuff on This Morning!

I remember when he had a chat with my mum on the phone after she'd read his book and wanted to say hello to him. He was so sweet and sincere to her and even that phonecall which lasted a matter of minutes gave her such a buzz.

I have just been looking through my emails from Sebastian and Im glad that Ive kept every one of them.

I cant believe you have gone Sebastian. I will never forget you and Im so proud to have had you in my life xxx

If you haven't heard of him, check out the below:

His book - Dandy In The Underworld

His occasional blog (Ive posted the link to my favourite entry) - http://sebastianhorsley.typepad.com/sebastian_horsley/2008/09/fuck-the-aged.html