JRE #215 – Andrew Dice Clay, Max Silverstein

This podcast brings together two iconic figures from the world of entertainment: Andrew Dice Clay, the controversial comedian known for his raunchy humor, and Max Silverstein, his son who is carving out his own path in the comedy world. The conversation is a rollercoaster ride, touching on a range of topics from the evolution of Dice Clay’s act and the impact of his controversial material to the power of self-belief, the realities of fame, and the changing landscape of comedy.

Here are some of the major topics explored:

1. Dice Clay’s Origins and Early Career:
   1. His early act featured impressions of John Travolta and a transformative “potion” that turned him into a macho character.
   2. He made his comedic debut in a Brooklyn club, facing a hostile audience.
   3. He discovered his signature “Dice” persona after performing his Travolta impression for Don Kirschner’s rock concert.
   4. He moved to Los Angeles and honed his craft at the Comedy Store, developing a unique and rebellious comedic style.
2. The Rise to Fame and Controversy:
   1. Dice Clay’s act was characterized by its aggressive and sexually charged humor, pushing boundaries and challenging social norms.
   2. He gained massive popularity, selling out arenas and becoming a cultural phenomenon in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
   3. His material sparked considerable controversy, with critics denouncing his act as misogynistic and offensive.
   4. His success, despite the backlash, highlighted the power of raw, authentic expression and the appetite for boundary-pushing comedy.
3. Dealing with Backlash and Maintaining Authenticity:
   1. Dice Clay faced significant pressure to clean up his act, especially when he landed a sitcom on CBS.
   2. He refused to compromise his comedic voice, ultimately leading to the cancellation of the sitcom.
   3. He returned to his roots, embracing his controversial persona and continuing to push boundaries.
   4. He learned to harness the power of negative press and criticism, using it as fuel to propel his career forward.
4. The Power of Self-Belief and Resilience:
   1. Dice Clay emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself, no matter the obstacles.
   2. He credits his success to his unwavering confidence and his refusal to let criticism derail his ambitions.
   3. He encourages young comics to embrace their own unique voices and not be afraid to challenge the status quo.
   4. He believes that true success comes from staying true to oneself and refusing to compromise artistic vision for mainstream approval.
5. The Impact of Dice Clay’s Legacy:
   1. He influenced a generation of comedians, including Dane Cook, who acknowledge his impact on their careers.
   2. His act paved the way for a new breed of comics who were not afraid to tackle taboo subjects and use humor to challenge societal norms.
   3. His career demonstrates that offensive comedy can be successful, but it also comes with a price.
   4. He remains a controversial figure, inspiring both admiration and condemnation, but his legacy is undeniable.
6. The Changing Landscape of Comedy:
   1. Dice Clay discusses the rise of the internet and social media, and their impact on the comedy world.
   2. He acknowledges the changing attitudes towards humor, with audiences becoming increasingly sensitive to potentially offensive material.
   3. He reflects on the power of social media to amplify voices and create opportunities for new comics.
   4. He believes that comedy is constantly evolving, and that those who can adapt and continue to push boundaries will find success.
7. The Importance of Physical and Mental Training:
   1. Dice Clay highlights the importance of physical and mental training in comedy, comparing it to an athlete preparing for a fight.
   2. He emphasizes the need for discipline, dedication, and self-improvement, both on and off stage.
   3. He believes that by pushing himself physically and mentally, he can deliver a more powerful and engaging performance.
   4. He advocates for a holistic approach to comedy, acknowledging that physical and mental well-being are crucial for success.
8. The Importance of Family and Legacy:
   1. Dice Clay discusses the importance of his family and his role as a father, emphasizing his commitment to raising his sons.
   2. He shares his pride in Max’s comedic endeavors and his efforts to teach his sons the value of hard work, authenticity, and self-belief.
   3. He recognizes the complexities of his legacy and the influence it has on his sons, encouraging them to forge their own paths in comedy.
   4. He reflects on the importance of leaving a positive impact on his children and ensuring that they understand the real man behind the controversial persona.
9. The Relationship Between Father and Son:
   1. Dice Clay and Max Silverstein share a close bond, evident in their banter and their mutual respect.
   2. They share a passion for comedy, and Dice Clay provides guidance and support for Max’s burgeoning career.
   3. Max is learning from his father’s experience, embracing the challenges and rewards of the comedy world.
   4. Their dynamic reflects the intricate and often humorous relationship between a father and his son.
10. The Power of Music:
    1. Dice Clay’s conversation reveals his lifelong passion for music, showcasing his love for classic rock and his admiration for artists like Elvis Presley.
    2. He shares insights into his son Dylan’s musical talents and the band they formed together, highlighting the creative bond they share.
    3. He emphasizes the importance of music as a form of self-expression and its ability to evoke powerful emotions.
    4. The podcast features a performance of one of Dylan’s songs, showcasing his raw talent and passion for music.
11. The Evolution of Humor and the Power of Authenticity:
    1. The conversation delves into the evolving nature of humor, acknowledging the shift in audience sensibilities and the increasing sensitivity towards potentially offensive content.
    2. Dice Clay emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and not compromising one’s comedic voice, even in the face of criticism.
    3. He acknowledges that the world is a “dirty” place and that humor should reflect the realities of life, even if it pushes boundaries.
    4. The podcast serves as a reminder that humor can be a powerful tool for social commentary, challenging norms and provoking thought, even when it’s controversial.
12. The Role of Technology and the Changing World:
    1. Dice Clay shares his views on the impact of technology and the internet on society, particularly its influence on dating and social interaction.
    2. He expresses his apprehension towards the relentless pace of technological advancement, finding it overwhelming and intrusive.
    3. He reflects on the changing dynamics of relationships and the impact of the internet on how people communicate and connect.
    4. He acknowledges the power of technology to shape culture and influence how people perceive the world.
13. The Importance of Living Life to the Fullest:
    1. Dice Clay emphasizes the importance of living life to the fullest, embracing experiences and pushing boundaries, both on and off stage.
    2. He encourages listeners to be fearless in their pursuit of their passions and not let fear or criticism hold them back.
    3. He highlights the importance of self-discovery and the journey of finding one’s true self, even if it means confronting challenges and making mistakes.
    4. He believes that life is meant to be a celebration and that we should embrace its complexities and contradictions.

Here are five memorable quotes from the podcast:

1. “I’m gonna give them something once again where they think they can’t be shocked anymore where they think it’s all been done and it’s not.”
2. “I just need to rehearse what I’m gonna do. Because I know when I’d be in front of the cameras how nerve racking it is, and I didn’t wanna have to think about material. I just wanted to think about perform for the country.”
3. “Give them that. I’m from Brooklyn. Give them that because producers will buy that for films. And that’s how, like, the acting stuff started.”
4. “If I’m gonna do this, I wanna give people something they never saw with a comedian. And growing up, Like I said, I didn’t really study comics. I studied big personalities. Whether it be Elvis, whether it was Muhammad Ali, in movies. It was everybody from Stallone to Trafalta to when I was a kid, James Dean and Brando, And I said, give them that.”
5. “It’s not just a going to see a regular comedy show. Like, the this Tostron in the room must be pretty intense.”