Independent confirmation has reached me from a variety of sources that Alex de Silva is indeed Sacha Gervasi. And it seems I was wrong about Naomi Campbell; the supermodel in question is apparently Veronica Webb, who appeared in The Big Tease.

Siobhan says:
Veronica Webb did date Robert DeNiro so that makes sense.
posted by Siobhan on 17 June, 2003
 

Smudger says:
posted already in original story! I am coming to the end of the book and coming to the end of my tether with boredom at work so I decided to investigate Alex De Silva. I, too had a sense of familiarity with the fictitious name of Sacha. But that comes from the feeling that another character, one Anthony Haden-Guest, belongs to a family who are close friends of mine. On some personal investigation i discovered he is exactly as described in the book - socialite, alcoholic embarassment to many! On returning to the character of Alex, i too had the suspicion of Naomi Campbell being the model in question. My suspicion about the RHCP was the woman who had Mick Jagger's child - Lucia Morad??? i don't know, she is more than likely not even from the right country! and i certainly don't know about the implants though! The book is fascinating in its awfullness.when i started it and realised that he and Julie Burchill had a huge falling out i felt like he must be slightly likeable. i was sadly mistaken - i had ommitted from my mind that they were ever friends in the first place!!! I can't not finish a book so I can't wait to get to the end so I can throw it away!!
posted by Smudger on 23 July, 2003
 

Rimple says:
But what were his band? They used to be the The Diceheads, right? But they're now famous - anyone have any guesses? Blur?
posted by Rimple on 27 August, 2003
 

Maggie says:
It does add up that 'Alex' in the book was Toby's friend Sacha Gervasi; which explains why he's named his baby Sacha.
posted by Maggie on 18 February, 2004
 

Phil says:
I also wondered about the reference to Alex de Silva's band. If "Alex de Silva" is indeed based on Toby Young's friend Sacha Gervasi, then the band in question would seem to be Bush. See: http://thebigtease.warnerbros.com/the_film/filmmakers.html
posted by Phil on 23 February, 2004
 

Rimple says:
The IMDB websites says Gervasi is the ex-drummer of band Oasis http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0315065/bio
posted by Rimple on 15 April, 2004
 

Pam says:
Veronica was lying when she said Sacha 'Alex Di Silva' was better than Robert De Niro. I have been with Sacha and he has the smallest penis of anyman I know. Besides that he doesn't have much stamina. And that's the truth!
posted by Pam on 5 May, 2004
 

Victor says:
Yes, Sacha is indeed Alex Di Silva. He was the drummer in Bush before they became famous. He was kicked out of the band after he overdoseD and passed out during onE of Bush's concerts. He attempted to file a law suit against the bookS author 'How to Lose Friends' , because he thought his character was too recognizable. He is trying to make it in Hollywood and doesn't want anyone there to know what a snake he is. BEWARE!!!!!
posted by Victor on 1 July, 2004
 

Veroncia says:
I slapped him and he deserved it!!!!
posted by Veroncia on 1 July, 2004
 

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