House Every Weekend DJ David Zowie pays tribute to Bowie-mad dad Roy Batt after suicide
Published: 00:01, 14 May 2019
Updated: 09:24, 14 May 2019
A beloved family man who took his own life after a two-decade battle with depression was such a big David Bowie fan he gave his son 11 middle names in tribute to his idol.
David Ziggy Zowie Aladdin Sane Thin White Duke Twig The Wonder Kid Batt's name was later shortened by deed poll by his mum but dad Roy Batt's passion for music rubbed off in other ways.
Now performing as David Zowie the 37-year-old is a world famous dance DJ who produced 2015 smash hit House Every Weekend which has been viewed 105 million times on YouTube.
He paid tribute to his father following his inquest, which found the "devoted" grandfather stabbed himself in the chest after a two-decade battle with depression.
He said: “My dad was my absolute hero, I loved him to bits.
“Sure, he was grumpy occasionally but what old man isn’t?
“'Grumpy old man’ is just a thing people say but often there’s more behind it.
“He was so clever and the only guy who could beat me at anagrams.
“I’m still coming to terms with what happened.”
Recalling her dad's love for Ziggy Stardust daughter Janine said he was covered in Bowie tattoos and used to dress like the fashion icon.
And his links to the star don't end there.
When he suffered a horrendous crash in Germany in 1994, his family wrote to the superstar.
In return, the Life on Mars singer sent them a tape of him urging Mr Batt to wake up.
Janine said: “I was only seven at the time but I remember we played it every day for several weeks while he was in his coma.”
In the wake of Mr Batt's suicide his family are calling for doctors to review anti-depressant medication more frequently.
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Ed McConnell