Ricky Gervais unrecognisable with spiky hair and earrings as footage of star’s forgotten singing career goes

TOP comedian Ricky Gervais, 62, is used to having people laughing with him. But now they are laughing at him, as photos of the funnyman as a teenage pop wannabe have surfaced online.

During his time as a student at University College London, Gervais attempted to launch a new wave singing career back in 1983.

Teaming up with his friend Bill Macrae, the band was called Seona Dancing and they were initially signed by London Records, releasing two singles.

But sadly for them the songs didn’t make much impact and failed to register on the UK Singles Chart.

Ricky often talks about this love of music in his stand up routines, branding himself “a frustrated, failed musician.”

But although he didn’t smash the chats, the image of the young Ricky still left fans swooning.

One wrote:” Look at those cheekbones, What a fashion plate.”

Meanwhile another wrote: “This is real. He has some Bowie swagger.”

Gervais’s most famous comic creation, The Office’s David Brent is also a failed musician and the 2016 mockumentary movie followed the fictional boss's failed attempt to break into the chats.

But while his pop career floundered, his comedy talents have taken him to stratospheric heights, with a slew of hit shows including Extras, Life’s too Short and Afterlife.

He recently won a Golden Globe for a new category, Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television for his Netflix show Armageddon.

After his shock victory, he shared a selfie at home with his cat in London, as he explained his absence from the American awards show.

He said: "Thank you so much for all your lovely comments & kind words about my Golden Globe win. Best fans in the world. I’m playing a 200 seater tonight in King’s Cross doing new material. The glamour. Have a great day!"