24-May-23
This podcast features a captivating conversation between Joe Rogan and the legendary comedian, Andrew Dice Clay. The episode delves into Dice Clay’s unique brand of comedy, his controversial rise to fame, and his reflections on the entertainment industry. Provocative topics emerge, including Dice Clay’s infamous MTV ban, his experiences with hecklers, and his perspective on the changing landscape of comedy. Underlying themes explore the nature of success, the price of fame, and the importance of authenticity.
1. **Dice Clay’s Origin Story:**
* Dice Clay’s comedic journey began in Brooklyn, where he was heavily influenced by his mother’s vibrant personality and his own fascination with music and drumming.
* He embraced a performance style that differed from the prevalent comedic approach of the time, opting for a more energetic and confrontational style.
* Early inspiration came from his idol, Elvis Presley, as he aimed to emulate Presley’s charisma and larger-than-life persona.
* Dice Clay’s comedic voice emerged from a combination of his Brooklyn roots, his love for music, and his unwavering self-belief.
2. **The Comedy Store and its Influence:**
* The Comedy Store served as a crucial proving ground for Dice Clay, offering him the opportunity to hone his craft and develop his signature style.
* It was a haven for comics, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie, a stark contrast to the cutthroat environment of the larger entertainment industry.
* Dice Clay’s decision to regularly perform at The Comedy Store, even during his early success, highlights his dedication to stand-up and his belief in the importance of consistent practice.
* The Store’s influence on Dice Clay’s career is undeniable, providing him with invaluable experience and connections.
3. **The Rise to Arena Comedy:**
* Dice Clay’s success propelled him from club stages to sold-out arenas, a testament to his unique brand of comedy and his ability to connect with audiences.
* He pioneered arena comedy, pushing the boundaries of stand-up and creating a spectacle that combined comedy, music, and live performance.
* This era was marked by his immense popularity and his ability to captivate audiences with his controversial yet undeniably entertaining routines.
* Dice Clay’s arena performances highlight the power of an artist to create a shared experience, transcending the limitations of traditional stand-up comedy.
4. **The Backlash and its Impact:**
* Dice Clay’s controversial material and brash persona sparked widespread backlash, leading to a public condemnation that encompassed everything from his jokes to his personal life.
* This era saw him face criticism and censure from media outlets, organizations, and even fellow comedians.
* The backlash served as a defining period for Dice Clay, shaping his perception of the entertainment industry and his approach to his career.
* Dice Clay’s ability to weather the backlash and maintain his artistic integrity speaks to his strength of character and his unwavering commitment to his creative vision.
5. **The Role of Authenticity:**
* Dice Clay emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself, highlighting the dangers of conforming to industry expectations or trying to please everyone.
* He believes that true success comes from staying authentic and embracing one’s unique identity, even if it means facing criticism or rejection.
* This perspective underscores the importance of staying true to one’s artistic vision and refusing to compromise for the sake of popularity.
* Dice Clay’s career serves as a testament to the power of authenticity, showing that even in the face of adversity, embracing one’s true self can lead to lasting success.
6. **The MTV Ban and its Aftermath:**
* Dice Clay’s performance at the MTV Music Awards in 1990 resulted in his infamous ban from the network, a pivotal moment in his career.
* The ban, prompted by his controversial material, sparked a national conversation about free speech, artistic expression, and the boundaries of acceptable comedy.
* Dice Clay’s response to the ban, refusing to back down from his artistic vision, cemented his image as a defiant and unapologetic performer.
* This experience underscores the power of comedy to provoke and challenge, as well as its ability to spark important cultural dialogues.
7. **The Art of the Heckle:**
* Dice Clay’s encounters with hecklers reveal a key element of his comedic persona: his ability to engage with and even confront audience members who try to disrupt his performance.
* His approach to heckling, often turning confrontations into comedic opportunities, showcases his improvisational skills and his ability to command a crowd.
* Dice Clay’s experiences with hecklers highlight the unpredictable nature of live performance and the skill required to navigate the unexpected.
* The art of the heckle is a cornerstone of stand-up, and Dice Clay’s mastery of it demonstrates his deep understanding of comedic timing and audience dynamics.
8. **The Power of Belief:**
* Dice Clay’s success story is a testament to the power of unwavering belief in oneself and one’s abilities.
* He credits his ability to achieve his goals to his unwavering belief in his talent and his determination to overcome obstacles.
* This emphasis on belief underscores the importance of positive self-talk and the role it plays in shaping our reality.
* Dice Clay’s journey inspires listeners to embrace their own dreams and to never give up on their goals, no matter how challenging the path may be.
9. **The Evolution of Comedy:**
* Dice Clay’s reflections on the changing landscape of comedy highlight the significant shifts that have occurred in the industry over the past few decades.
* He acknowledges the growing emphasis on self-deprecation and the changing dynamics between comics and their audiences.
* This evolution underscores the dynamic nature of comedy and its ability to adapt to changing societal norms and expectations.
* Dice Clay’s observations provide a valuable perspective on the history of comedy and its trajectory into the future.
10. **The Importance of Friendships in the Industry:**
* Dice Clay highlights the importance of genuine friendships within the often-competitive world of entertainment.
* He describes his relationships with other comics as a source of support and inspiration, emphasizing the value of a strong network in the industry.
* This perspective emphasizes the importance of community and collaboration in achieving success, particularly in the arts.
* Dice Clay’s stories about his friendships with other comedians showcase the power of human connection and the importance of mutual respect and support in the face of adversity.
11. **The Price of Fame:**
* Dice Clay shares his experiences with the complexities of fame, acknowledging the challenges of balancing personal life with public scrutiny.
* He reflects on the intrusive nature of the media and the impact it can have on relationships and personal well-being.
* This perspective underscores the importance of maintaining a healthy boundary between personal and public life, particularly in the age of social media.
* Dice Clay’s candidness about the price of fame encourages listeners to be mindful of the impact of their choices and to prioritize their personal well-being.
12. **The Value of Hard Work:**
* Dice Clay emphasizes the importance of hard work and dedication in achieving success, particularly in the entertainment industry.
* He describes his unwavering commitment to honing his craft and his tireless efforts to break into the industry, highlighting the importance of perseverance.
* This perspective encourages listeners to value hard work and to embrace the challenges that come with pursuing their passions.
* Dice Clay’s career serves as a testament to the power of hard work, showing that with dedication and determination, even the most challenging goals can be achieved.
13. **The Power of the Gut:**
* Dice Clay shares his experiences with a strong gut instinct, describing moments where he made seemingly risky decisions based on a deep inner feeling.
* He attributes his ability to make successful career choices, as well as his victories at the blackjack table, to his trust in his gut.
* This perspective underscores the importance of listening to one’s intuition and trusting one’s inner voice.
* Dice Clay’s stories encourage listeners to develop and trust their own gut feelings, as it can often lead to unexpected opportunities and success.
14. **The Importance of Self-Deprecation:**
* Dice Clay acknowledges the evolution of his comedic approach, recognizing the growing importance of self-deprecation in contemporary stand-up.
* He reflects on how his comedic voice has evolved over time, incorporating more self-awareness and self-criticism.
* This transition reflects the evolving nature of comedy, as well as the growing awareness of societal expectations and sensitivities.
* Dice Clay’s willingness to embrace self-deprecation demonstrates his ability to adapt to changing times and his commitment to continuing to grow as an artist.
15. **The Impact of Controversial Comedy:**
* Dice Clay’s experience with controversy highlights the enduring debate surrounding the role of comedy in society and the boundaries of acceptable humor.
* He acknowledges the power of comedy to provoke and challenge, while also highlighting the potential for backlash and censure.
* This conversation underscores the importance of free speech and the right to artistic expression, even when it is controversial or unpopular.
* Dice Clay’s career serves as a reminder of the enduring power of comedy to spark critical thinking, challenge norms, and provoke important cultural dialogues.
16. **The Changing Dynamics of the Industry:**
* Dice Clay’s reflections on the changing dynamics within the entertainment industry highlight the evolving nature of the business and the impact of new technologies.
* He compares the more competitive and cutthroat environment of his early career to the present-day emphasis on collaboration and mutual support.
* This evolution reflects the influence of social media, the rise of independent platforms, and the changing relationship between artists and their audiences.
* Dice Clay’s insights provide a valuable perspective on the history and evolution of the entertainment industry.
17. **The Power of “The Show” **
* Dice Clay’s early ventures into filming his daily life at The Comedy Store foreshadowed the rise of reality television.
* He embraced the opportunity to capture his authentic experiences, even in the absence of formal production or editing, showcasing his inherent desire to share his story.
* His creative vision, which predated the formalization of reality TV, highlights his unique perspective and his ability to anticipate trends in the entertainment industry.
* This aspect of his story emphasizes the importance of capturing the raw and genuine moments in life, and how it can become a source of entertainment and connection.
18. **The Importance of Personal Connection:**
* Dice Clay’s perspective on the entertainment industry emphasizes the significance of personal connection and the power of building genuine relationships.
* He shares stories of his interactions with other comedians, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, support, and a shared understanding of the challenges and joys of the craft.
* This perspective underscores the human element of the industry, even as it is increasingly driven by technology and commercial interests.
* Dice Clay’s stories serve as a reminder that success in the entertainment industry, as in life, is often built on genuine connection and a shared commitment to creating something meaningful.
19. **The Unexpected Appeal of “The Day the Laughter Died” **
* Dice Clay’s deliberate decision to release an album of his worst set, “The Day the Laughter Died,” highlights his unique comedic perspective.
* He embraced the challenge of showcasing his failures, revealing his willingness to be vulnerable and to challenge audience expectations.
* This approach to comedy, which embraces failure as a learning experience and a source of humor, reflects a growing trend in the industry.
* The album’s unexpected success underscores the power of authenticity and the appeal of witnessing an artist’s unfiltered journey, even in its imperfections.
20. **The Importance of “Being The First”**
* Dice Clay’s enduring fascination with being “the first” underscores his competitive spirit and his drive to push boundaries.
* He actively sought to create new trends and to break through conventional norms, leaving an indelible mark on the comedic landscape.
* This ambition, which fueled his pursuit of arena comedy, his controversial material, and his artistic choices, reflects his desire to make a lasting impact.
* His career serves as a reminder that innovation and a willingness to challenge the status quo can lead to groundbreaking success.
**5 Memorable Quotes:**
* “Nobody fucks with dice. Dice does the fucking, in the past, the present, the future, and a day. Dice ultimately in the multiverse does the fucking. That’s it in the multiverse.” – Dice Clay’s signature bravado and self-assurance shine through in this memorable quote, showcasing his unapologetic persona.
* “You don’t come out on the MTV Awards at the Universal Amphitheater and talk about the Hatch Sinatra War.” – This quote highlights the audacity of Dice Clay’s performance at the MTV Awards, where he dared to push boundaries with his controversial humor.
* “I don’t even know how I did the set, but I went into the poems… This is not HBO or Showtime. This is MTV… I go into the poems and what was the poem? Oh, that got me banned. I go, Georgie Porgie pudding and pie, Jerked off in his girlfriend’s eye.” – This excerpt captures the essence of Dice Clay’s comedic style, revealing his willingness to use edgy and provocative material to shock and entertain.
* “You’re not my boss.” – This quote embodies Dice Clay’s defiant attitude towards authority, showcasing his unwillingness to conform to industry expectations or to be silenced by criticism.
* “I know you just did it because you wanted to be first, but it’s just what you’re doing is so crazy. So different.” – This quote expresses Joe Rogan’s admiration for Dice Clay’s unique approach to comedy and his relentless pursuit of being a pioneer in the industry.