JRE #304 – Andrew Dice Clay

This podcast features a conversation between Joe Rogan and comedian Andrew Dice Clay. It delves into Dice Clay’s career, his controversial style, his personal life, and his views on comedy and the world. The conversation is packed with humor, insights into the comedy industry, and provocative opinions, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience.

Major Topics:

1. Dice Clay’s New Comedy Special:
   1. Dice Clay discusses his new comedy special, which he describes as a “rock and roll” stand-up show, filled with energy and humor, and decidedly not politically correct.
   2. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and passion in stand-up, criticizing comedians who become “mummies” under the pressure of cameras.
   3. He touches on the current climate of political correctness and his decision to push boundaries with his humor, believing audiences need to laugh and that jokes should not be taken literally.
   4. He shares his intention to use the special to make people laugh hard, especially in light of recent tragedies like Hurricane Sandy.
2. Comedy and Performance:
   1. Dice Clay talks about the importance of performance art in comedy, going beyond simply telling jokes to creating a complete experience.
   2. He highlights the pressure of performing under the camera and how it can affect a comedian’s natural energy and delivery.
   3. He discusses his approach to stand-up, emphasizing his commitment to creating a visceral and engaging show for his audience.
   4. He reflects on the evolution of comedy and how audiences have become more accepting of edgy and offensive humor.
3. Women and Relationships:
   1. Dice Clay shares his perspective on how women have changed, becoming more aggressive and less predictable in their behavior.
   2. He discusses the importance of honesty in relationships and how it can prevent later conflict and heartache.
   3. He reflects on his own experiences in relationships, emphasizing the need to find compatibility and understanding with a partner.
   4. He discusses the challenges of navigating relationships in a modern world where people often grow in different directions.
4. The Comedy Store and the World of Stand-Up:
   1. Dice Clay shares anecdotes about his experiences at the Comedy Store, a legendary venue known for its rough-and-tumble atmosphere and notorious hecklers.
   2. He discusses the importance of working out material in front of tough crowds and developing a thick skin.
   3. He talks about the history of the Comedy Store, highlighting its significance as a launching pad for many successful comedians.
   4. He reflects on the changing landscape of stand-up, expressing concern about a lack of originality and a focus on safety over humor.
5. Heckling and Audience Interaction:
   1. Dice Clay discusses his approach to hecklers, emphasizing his desire to mentally “crush” them with his words.
   2. He shares a humorous story about throwing a drunk heckler out of his show in Vegas, highlighting the chaos that can erupt during a stand-up performance.
   3. He talks about his “asshole face” insult, explaining how it can have a long-lasting effect on the target of the joke.
   4. He stresses the importance of audience engagement and the energy that comes from connecting with the crowd.
6. The Role of Persona in Comedy:
   1. Dice Clay discusses the importance of creating a strong persona in stand-up, arguing that it can make a comedian more memorable and entertaining.
   2. He reflects on his own persona and how it has evolved over time, adapting to changing audiences and societal norms.
   3. He compares his persona to other successful comedians, emphasizing the importance of originality and authenticity.
   4. He criticizes comedians who fail to develop a distinct persona, arguing that it weakens their impact and makes them forgettable.
7. The Importance of Hard Work in Comedy:
   1. Dice Clay emphasizes the importance of hard work and preparation in stand-up, criticizing comedians who rely on improvisation and lack of dedication.
   2. He shares his own process of developing material, including writing and performing it extensively.
   3. He discusses the pressure of performing for a camera and how it requires a level of precision and focus.
   4. He believes that the current focus on “superstars” in comedy has led to a decline in work ethic among comedians.
8. The Influence of Sam Kinison:
   1. Dice Clay discusses the influence of Sam Kinison on his own comedic style, acknowledging Kinison’s impact on his use of energy and aggression.
   2. He shares stories about their encounters at the Comedy Store and how he was initially captivated by Kinison’s intensity.
   3. He reflects on Kinison’s legacy and the unique place he held in the comedy world.
   4. He discusses how he sees elements of both Kinison and himself reflected in the comedic style of Joe Rogan.
9. The Role of Controversy and Censorship:
   1. Dice Clay discusses the controversy surrounding his career, particularly the backlash he received for his edgy and offensive humor.
   2. He reflects on the double standards he faced compared to other comedians who were more successful and less controversial.
   3. He touches on the growing trend of “cancel culture” and the pressure on comedians to be politically correct.
   4. He expresses his frustration with being judged for his words while other forms of expression are deemed acceptable.
10. The Impact of Technology on Comedy:
    1. Dice Clay discusses the impact of technology on comedy, acknowledging how it has changed the way comedians write, perform, and interact with audiences.
    2. He reflects on how the rise of social media has made it easier for comedians to connect with fans but also created new challenges regarding censorship and backlash.
    3. He predicts future advancements in technology, like Google Glass, and their potential impact on stand-up and other forms of entertainment.
    4. He shares his own views on technology, expressing a preference for traditional methods of communication and a resistance to certain technological advancements.
11. The Importance of Originality and Authenticity:
    1. Dice Clay discusses the importance of originality and authenticity in comedy, arguing that comedians should be true to themselves and not try to imitate others.
    2. He criticizes comedians who rely heavily on writers and collaborators, arguing that it can stifle creativity and make their work less genuine.
    3. He reflects on his own career and how he has always strived to be original and break boundaries with his humor.
    4. He believes that the best comedy comes from a place of personal experience and a genuine connection to the material.
12. The Role of Personal Experience in Comedy:
    1. Dice Clay discusses the role of personal experience in his comedy, acknowledging how his own life experiences have shaped his material.
    2. He talks about how he draws inspiration from everyday life and his observations of human behavior.
    3. He shares his belief that the most effective comedy comes from a place of honesty and vulnerability.
    4. He argues that personal experiences can give comedy a depth and resonance that transcends mere jokes.
13. The Importance of “Balls-Out” Comedy:
    1. Dice Clay champions a style of comedy that is “balls-out” and unapologetically bold, arguing that audiences crave this type of energy and excitement.
    2. He criticizes the trend of “safe” comedy, believing it lacks the power and authenticity that makes stand-up so compelling.
    3. He discusses the importance of pushing boundaries and challenging social norms through humor.
    4. He believes that “balls-out” comedy is more than just being edgy; it’s about having the courage to be yourself and to connect with audiences on a deeper level.
14. The Future of Dice Clay’s Career:
    1. Dice Clay discusses his future plans for his career, including a new comedy special, a residency at the Hard Rock in Vegas, and a major tour.
    2. He shares his passion for stand-up and his desire to reconnect with his fans, delivering the type of show they have come to expect.
    3. He talks about his commitment to hard work and his dedication to producing a high-quality comedy special.
    4. He expresses his excitement about the future of his career and his confidence in his ability to continue to entertain audiences.
15. The Importance of Camaraderie in Comedy:
    1. Dice Clay discusses the importance of camaraderie among comedians, emphasizing the need for mutual support and respect.
    2. He shares his appreciation for fellow comedians who recognize and value his style of humor.
    3. He criticizes the competitive nature of the comedy world and the tendency for comedians to undermine each other.
    4. He believes that camaraderie strengthens the art form of stand-up and creates a more supportive environment for comedians to thrive.
16. The Impact of Social Media on Society:
    1. Dice Clay discusses the impact of social media on society, expressing concerns about how it encourages people to disconnect from real-world interactions.
    2. He criticizes the way social media can be used to bully and silence dissenting voices.
    3. He reflects on the importance of face-to-face communication and the decline of social skills in the digital age.
    4. He emphasizes the need for people to connect with each other on a deeper level, beyond the superficial interactions facilitated by social media.
17. The Importance of Laughter:
    1. Dice Clay discusses the importance of laughter and its role in coping with the challenges of life.
    2. He believes that laughter can bring people together and provide a much-needed escape from the stresses of everyday life.
    3. He emphasizes the power of humor to challenge societal norms and provide a fresh perspective on the world.
    4. He argues that laughter is essential for maintaining a sense of balance and joy, especially in a world that often feels dark and divisive.
18. The Power of Observation:
    1. Dice Clay discusses the power of observation in comedy, explaining how his ability to see the world through a unique lens helps him create humorous material.
    2. He shares his belief that humor is often born from the absurdity of everyday life and the quirks of human nature.
    3. He emphasizes the importance of being present and attentive to the world around him, allowing him to gather material and develop his comedic voice.
    4. He argues that the best comedians are those who can turn everyday observations into insightful and hilarious jokes.
19. The Importance of Staying True to Yourself:
    1. Dice Clay emphasizes the importance of staying true to yourself in comedy, arguing that success comes from embracing your unique voice and style.
    2. He encourages comedians to be unafraid to push boundaries and challenge conventional norms.
    3. He believes that authenticity is the key to connecting with audiences on a meaningful level.
    4. He reminds comedians that the best way to stand out in a crowded field is to be your most genuine self.

Memorable Quotes:

1. “I really wanted to give a real edgy rock and roll special. And, you know, as you’ve met before, my sons LA Rocks opens the show. Eleanor Kerrigan, you know, who opens my my shows, is in the special, which you never even see an opening act in a 1 hour special. And it’s just from the the second it starts to the and it ends, it’s just exciting and it’s fucking funny. You know? And that’s that’s what I wanted to deliver. I wanted to give people some something that, you know, especially, you know, the way the world is today, the whole political correctness fucking shit. You know?”
2. “And, you know, with what I do in that hotel, it really fits. Yeah. And, you know, Vegas is somewhere I like to be a lot. So on the road, you know what it is. You go into a couple thousand seats. It’s one time a year. But Vegas, I like doing, like, 20 weeks, 24 weeks a year. And, you know, me and my wife just go nuts there. We have a great time. And, you know, it’s like a home away from home. Right.”
3. “And I’m going, how the fuck did I know he’s blonde? You know what I mean? The guy, you know, I’ve had guys come to my show wearing the glasses and the fingerless gloves. How am I gonna know the guy’s blind? You know, when they’re dragging him out of the room, he was starting to fight them on the way out of the room, you know, which is entertaining to me. you know, this way I get to laugh a little. You know what I mean? You know, why should the audience always be the one to have a good laugh? It’s gonna make me fucking laugh. You know?”
4. “And I’ll never forget. I walked from the Regency Hotel. You know, I just wanted to feel New York, and I was in my outfit for the rod, and I’m wearing a belt buckle you know, this fucking big, you know, the song that and I come looking into the club, I get the glasses on, and Rodney goes, how do you he’s like, How do you feel, man? You know, how Rodney might be like, there you go. Tonight they pay. Tonight they pay. Tonight they get discipline. and Rodney. Tonight, they pay. Okay. Man, you’re ready. Okay. Tonight, they’re gonna get disciplined. Did you hear that? And he just got such a kick out of it. You know?”
5. “You know? And, you know, I spoke to Showtime. They were into it. You know? It’s but first, I gotta do this. Yeah. You know? And, really, I think people are just gonna be fucking thrilled with this. You know, I was thrilled with the unresolved LA rocks just rocks the room, which was a little scary to me because when I saw the audience, you know, you know, my boy just like like comics. Now you got I think we used 18 cameras. you know, for the shoot. So, you know, you you know what I’m talking about, just the pressure of, you know, with producer, director, all the people involved in the special. And, you know, my kids came out, you know, Eleanor introduced them, and they just rocked the room in the crowd went nuts because I’m worried that they’re not gonna let them get started. You know what I mean? And they just rock that. I’m so proud of them, and they’re actually gonna be at the whiskey on January 12th. So people that wanna see a a a great ban that’s breaking. LA rocks could go to the whiskey on 12th January.”