Bill Burr has been called a comedian’s comedian, a relatable performer who works hard and stays humble. He brings this attitude and reputation to not only stand-up, but his acting and voice-over work too.
But… “I’ll always enjoy stand-up,” Bill admits. “I still love it. If you maintain your comedy following you’re never unemployed. That’s something you can’t say in show business – it’s a brutal.
“With each tour I do I try to expand where I [visit]. I get to see the world and meet all these different people, get a different perspective… It adds layers, hopefully, to my act. I’m learning how to curse better through my travels, too!”
Bill is topical, honest about his personal oddities, and opinionated – a mix that makes for fantastic comedy. To his audience, however, he is no doubt loved for being brave enough to be himself. He has a swagger on stage and leans on his mike like a tradie at a job site chatting with to mates.
Off stage, however, he’s a down-to-earth man and a thankful spectator of the world. He’s also unashamed about his Akka Dakka obsession (though he sheepishly admits he does practice riffs in his sweat pants). What’s not to love about the guy?
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But his upcoming Australia tour isn’t to cover an AC/DC pilgrimage. It comes off the back of a vinyl album release, a new special, ‘I’m Sorry You Feel That Way’, the announcement of an upcoming movie, ‘Black And White’ and an animated series, ‘F Is For Family’. All good news for us voracious Australians!
It’s good to know Bill is just as obsessed with the newest series out there, ‘The Killing’, Silicon Valley, and plenty of sports too! But a conversation about Bill Burr and popular shows inevitably leads to comparisons with another amazing show. One that was often all we could talk about whilst it aired… “I was totally engrossed in ‘Breaking Bad’ before I was even on it!” exclaims Bill.
”When I finally got a part in it, it was unbelievable – to be that emotionally invested in a show and be following all these characters and their storylines and then all of a sudden you get a part in the show? It was surreal.”
As a multifaceted talent, Bill is conscious that entrance into the larger arenas of the pop culture domain doesn’t mean it’ll be a Hollywood dream. Social media allows fans a greater opportunity to observe and discuss their favourite fandoms, but it also means artists are being watched. All the time. Nothing you say or do escapes critique or ridicule. Does it bother Bill? “I gotta be honest, I don’t take it all too serious. I try to have a good time. I try to improve. But as a comedian, when comedy fans talk about your specials to debate which one is their favourite, that’s all you can ask for.”
And those that aren’t comedy fans? Those that are, in fact, hostile – especially in today’s climate of real news vs social justice warrior drama? “I don’t think about it too much,” he calmly starts.
But then he opens up. “Some deliberately take things out of context… they’ll take what you say and try and redefine it. Like, they’ll take a recording from a comedy club, the comic tells a joke and you hear the crowd laugh, but because one person didn’t like it they’ll play it on the news and speak over the laughter. ‘Controversy erupts down at the comedy club!’ They say there was controversy… yet people laughed! The joke’s worked! It’s disgusting.”
The spirit Bill brings is infectious. He can be talking over the phone or slouched on the couch with Conan and it’s great. So if he brings the same level of personality, professional intensity and his genuine happiness and hunger to perform, his Australia tour shows will be an experience to remember!
Bill Burr Tour Dates
Tue 27 Jan - Riverside Theatre (Perth)Thu 29 Jan - Hamer Hall (Melbourne - 7 & 8.30pm shows)
Sat 31 Jan - Brisbane City Hall
Sun 1 Feb - Sydney Opera House (7 & 8.30pm shows)
