Although Bill Burr is known for his shaven head, bright beard, and strong Boston accent, he has spent approximately three decades residing in sunny Los Angeles, a fact he carries with pride.
He expresses a sense of good fortune,” he confides in EbMaster, mere days following his evacuation from his home due to the L.A. fires. He’s appalled by the turn of events that the severe natural disasters, some of California’s most devastating on record, have been politicized online so quickly.
What really frustrates him is that much of it seems to be automated accounts,” he states. “He believes it’s unscrupulous to politicize everything, creating divisions among ordinary workers. Such actions benefit only a specific group, and they aren’t helping the common people.”
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“What really gets him is that so much of it appears to be automated,” he says. “He thinks it’s underhand to politicize everything, causing tension among regular workers. This can only benefit a certain group, and it certainly isn’t helping the average worker.
With no misfortune to consider, Burr finds the environmental risks in Southern California “thrilling” instead.
Returning to New York, Burr’s comic pals remark on how gentle Los Angeles is. He responds, ‘Many New Yorkers who come here end up leaving with their tails between their legs because they can’t handle it.’ It’s ironic that L.A. is thought of as a soft city, but then when they see our climate, they start referring to biblical prophecies,” says Burr.
Burr made a call to EbMaster to announce his forthcoming comedy special titled “Drop Dead Years”, which will premiere on Hulu on March 14th. This marks his fifth stand-up hour and it’s the most reflective one, stemming from Burr’s personal reassessment of his past performances. The special tackles themes like marriage, aging, and male mental health. While there are still boundaries pushed and crude jokes, there’s a softer tone that viewers haven’t witnessed from Burr before.
“I’m a recovering meathead,” he tells EbMaster, “and I’m doing the best I can.”
In an extensive, comprehensive interview, Burr discusses the advantages of performing before a challenging audience, shares insights about how both he and his comedy have grown over time, and previews his Broadway debut in “Glengarry Glen Ross.” Additionally, he humorously recounts an anecdote involving a rabbi who assisted him in dealing with the censorship of his act during a performance in Abu Dhabi.
“Drop Dead Years” is filmed in Seattle. What factors go into deciding where to shoot a special?
If I’ve previously performed in a city, I appreciate its charm and am anticipating some resistance from the audience during my stand-up special. Having cameras around seems to make people more amiable, but for my performance, I prefer that dynamic tension – I don’t want to be surrounded by yes-men; instead, I’d rather face hostility than agreement.
Have you found that hostility more in liberal cities?
As a chameleon of ideas, I adapt my perspectives based on the environment I’m in. In a conservative atmosphere, I find myself leaning liberal, and when I’m surrounded by liberals, I tend towards conservatism. It’s like cooking an over-easy egg – it requires finesse to strike the right balance.
How does that affect the workshopping of the material? How do you calibrate it?
I dislike situations where I express an opinion and everyone responds with “Yeah!”. It seems like everything is divided into sides these days, so I need to be cautious. If one side becomes too enthusiastic that I agree with them, I often have to counterbalance by criticizing them, or even myself. Forcing political views on others isn’t appropriate, and I tend to cross the line more than once. My stance can fluctuate depending on the topic at hand.
In the special, you make fun of the audience for clapping.
In simpler terms, the speaker is expressing that he finds it odd when people respond enthusiastically about his long marriage, as if he might mistreat his wife. Instead, he prefers rude but loving comments over genuine compliments. He also mentions that he dislikes overly sentimental or sappy expressions of affection, and finds them uncomfortable. If someone were to say something like “Hey asshole, you were pretty funny tonight,” it would mean a lot to him, but if they started talking about how life goes by quickly and wanting to make sure they took the time to… he would rather they didn’t.
Do you ever still bomb? Or is that experience obsolete to you?
I can indeed handle situations, yet I’m skilled at gracefully handling setbacks. I’m much like a seasoned boxer who can withstand blows, thus although I may ultimately lose, I manage to stay standing.
What are the keys to bombing gracefully?
Cool-headedness is crucial, especially during stressful situations, and it’s important to find humor in your own mishaps.
Maintaining calmness under pressure is essential, even when things go wrong, and don’t forget to poke fun at yourself too.
Recently, I had a performance at the Comedy Store last Tuesday due to a benefit event. Since I was still refining my routine, I lacked smooth transitions between jokes, acknowledging that my act wasn’t fully polished yet. That might explain why I will be operating on Sunday night. However, those who attend shows on such nights are quite understanding. They enjoy witnessing the creative process and find it engaging to watch someone they have seen excel grapple with minor setbacks.
Is the Store your favorite place to workshop new material?
One of the spots I truly cherish is this place, and I appreciate the smaller rooms where the newer comedians are active. These young comedians help keep things fresh and vibrant. Interacting with them makes you feel youthful in a way, even if you’re technically older. If you only perform for your own generation, it’s easy to become stagnant. The comics I admired in my youth continue to evolve, much like they’re constantly working out at the comedy club by performing for the twenty-somethings, regardless of their age which may be similar to mine. Trying to act as if you’re still in your twenties when you’re in your fifties wouldn’t work – that would be a disaster. Instead, it’s important to remember that you’re like their amusing older relative, the one they tease affectionately. “Here comes my funny old uncle again!
You confront mortality in the special, down to its title. Do you think about death often?
It’s a fact, but it’s not an obsession or terror. If you’re a comedian, reaching my age means you’ve likely lost many friends along the way, which I regret and miss deeply. At times, when the kids are asleep late at night, I find myself thinking about those friends and feeling sad. However, death is not something that I view as something to be dreaded. I don’t believe there’s an invisible, irate being who monitors my life like a video tape.
This special struck me as your most vulnerable material yet.
I’m truly grateful that you spotted it. As a former weightlifting enthusiast on the path to recovery, I’m putting in my best effort. It’s refreshing to know that my hard work isn’t going unnoticed.
Is this characteristic something you’ve deliberately incorporated into your work, or is it more likely a consequence of the passage of time and maturity, rather than a deliberate choice?
In both instances, I’ve learned that standing on stage merely pointing at the audience isn’t my preferred approach. I admit, there was a time in my past when I tended to do exactly that, but I was young and immature then. I was reacting impulsively to everything. As one matures, ideally, one comes to understand that they contribute to some of the issues at hand, and perhaps their methods aren’t always the most effective. Being in a marriage and raising children makes you acutely aware that your actions can have either a positive or negative impact on those around you. I certainly have my fair share of flaws, as do many others. A lot of the views I once held, such as women being difficult, were simply a reflection of my own lack of self-awareness.
Does it make you uncomfortable that your past material lives online forever?
Absolutely not. I find it intriguing when that topic comes up, as my response often goes something like, “You were around when I made that comment. You had 15 years to take offense – why now?” This type of behavior has been observed in comedians I admired growing up. They told jokes, and usually everyone laughed. Fast forward 20 years, and the same people who laughed then act as if they didn’t. However, it seems the comedian is the one stuck in time. All they’re really doing is reflecting where society was at that point in time.
Many aspects of this behavior seem insincere, often portrayed as Caucasian displays of allegiance. They may criticize a comedian for an outdated joke, yet consider themselves absolved of past societal wrongs. Much of it feels contrived and awkward. You decide to darken your Instagram profile for a day to align with history, yet you didn’t have to step foot outside? This is the extent of your activism? It’s all quite superficial. On one side, white people scold other whites for this behavior, but those directly impacted by racial issues are rarely part of the conversation. Instead, it appears we’re merely posing, arguing, and getting offended, with little substance or genuine progress. In essence, it’s all rather pointless.
When you discuss handling depression in this special, it seems to me that you’re intentionally shaping the audience’s view of you.
A different perspective didn’t cross my mind initially. However, when I delved into the subject matter, I experienced an energized, joyful sensation – a feeling of camaraderie, realizing I wasn’t alone in this. Men were chuckling. They identified with this truth that, “I’m not in high spirits currently; I’m down, and as a man, I’ve been taught it’s not acceptable to express sadness because it’s perceived as weak.
I’ve always felt like an outsider due to my orange hair and frequent moves during childhood, which made it hard for me to find my place. However, at my second open mic event, I connected with comedians who shared my quirks. Performing that bit wasn’t about revealing a hidden side of myself; instead, it was more like a moment when many lives were lost in a short span of time. Tragically, this included people I admired and bonded with, such as Bob Saget. His sudden passing didn’t seem to make sense.
Have you received any outreach from fans who have resonated with this material?
From their laughter, I gather a sense of it, and it’s beneficial for women to pick up on that, to comprehend more deeply. There’s a widespread belief that men are merely two-dimensional – “offer a man a sandwich, and he’ll be satisfied.” However, as it turns out, men have more layers than some may have assumed. As I grow older, my perspective on things evolves. For me, this transformation involved gaining a modicum of understanding about women, which was something I never anticipated. I once believed they would remain enigmatic to me for all eternity. Perhaps it’s due to improved communication skills or the women in my life communicating more effectively with me. Nevertheless, let’s not forget, when it comes to us men, there’s always room for blame!
In the special, you delve into the topic of Israel and Palestine quite soon. When dealing with politically charged or sensitive content during the creative process, are there additional precautions you need to take to avoid misunderstanding or misinterpretation?
Instead of telling you what to do directly, let me suggest this approach: Ascend and carry out the task at hand. And regarding that particular point, it’s important to note that it’s not about politics, but finding a peaceful resolution to our disputes, avoiding actions such as bombing civilian areas, especially children. I believe everyone would agree with that notion.
Traveling, when you keep your ears open, reveals far more similarities than differences among people. Basically, the goal is the same for most: spending time with loved ones, having enough resources for essentials like food, clothing, and shelter, and feeling secure enough to relax without worrying about what might lie ahead.
It was quite intriguing to observe the discomfort among CEOs when their colleague was ousted. Perhaps they didn’t gain any insights, but it seemed reminiscent of the daily tension they create through their pressure tactics – a common approach in business. The aftermath, with lives left in ruins as part of “restructuring” and “consolidation”, was a spectacle to watch. Seeing them show concern was entertaining.
What often distresses me when I travel is the high levels of stress and concern among hard-working people. Instead of visiting only the usual 25 cities after achieving success, I recently embarked on a tour of the Central Valley. This allowed me to share my viewpoints with others and listen to theirs, gaining insights that have expanded my understanding of California beyond what I already knew (having lived here for 17 years). It’s intriguing to discover what amuses them, what doesn’t.
The way you communicate is intriguing. It’s not just about making people laugh, but also your ability to read and respond to non-verbal cues effectively. You seem to know what makes people uneasy, as well as what helps put them at ease.
One of the most enjoyable performances I had last year was in Abu Dhabi. Since drugs are forbidden there, I shared a story about an experience with psychedelic mushrooms. The audience’s reaction made me think they must have tried illegal substances elsewhere but not within the city. However, after the show, I began to wonder if they were chuckling at my mushroom tale, considering it as casual as Cheech and Chong’s infamous pot references. To this day, I remain uncertain about their reaction.
When doing a corporate or international gig, have you ever been asked to avoid certain topics?
Oh yeah, definitely in Abu Dhabi.
How does that negotiation work?
Initially, I found myself feeling quite agitated and frustrated towards my representative, asking, “Why on earth were we scheduled here?” I had agreed to travel to Abu Dhabi out of curiosity and excitement about the destination, so it was a surprise when they suddenly requested that I avoid discussing certain topics. This led me to receive an apology letter from someone involved, which left me questioning why I was booked in the first place. As a result, I began to worry excessively before my departure, fearing potential legal consequences for telling a harmless joke. Essentially, I was overthinking and catastrophizing the situation.
Frequently, I visit a coffee shop near a synagogue, where I’ve built a friendly rapport with a local rabbi. We often joke around, mostly because he’s always dishing out life advice. I’d say, “Hey, can’t you just say hello once in a while?”, teasing him playfully. Our friendship lasted about six months, until one day he asked me, “How are you doing?” To which I replied, “Actually, I’m not feeling great.” I confided in him about an upcoming gig that was causing me stress, expressing my concerns about potential trouble or detention. He listened attentively and then shrugged, saying, “They’re not ready yet.” His words provided a fresh perspective, helping me realize that my job wasn’t just to perform well but also to be respectful and pave the way for future comedians. The experience ended up being enjoyable, and it was amusing that a Jewish man had given me advice on how to navigate Abu Dhabi’s comedy scene.
What was the material you had to avoid?
Our foreign policy has stirred up quite a bit of controversy, to put it mildly. Moving on, I’ve got another performance coming up over there, so I don’t want to get into the details. To be honest, I wasn’t allowed to poke fun at certain subjects, like the city or the royals. It was a minor issue, but as a comedian, you have to work within the boundaries. For instance, in Seattle, I joked about being the only person not transitioning. Abu Dhabi didn’t find that funny, but I could make fun of myself and other places. Yes, it seems absurd, but I understand their perspective. People are acting as if what we can say now is something that could have been said 50 or 60 years ago. When I was born, comedians were being arrested for saying things like Lenny Bruce in San Francisco and George Carlin with his “Seven Dirty Words” routine. The fear of censorship was very real back then. Nowadays, it seems that only exists online in a fake way. So, I thought to myself, Abu Dhabi is where stand-up comedy was in the late 60s, which is quite interesting. Who would have thought a bald, Irish American ginger like me could connect with people in Abu Dhabi?
What makes you laugh the hardest?
True feelings make for my preferred type of humor – situations that wouldn’t be amusing if they were happening to me personally. Once upon a time in New York City, I was performing and as I walked down the street following my set, the door to a bar suddenly flew open, spilling out ten individuals. Two men were arguing vehemently, neither showing any real desire to fight, but both putting up a show for onlookers. If you were one of those people, it would have been truly terrifying and not at all humorous. However, from my vantage point across the street, it was absolutely hilarious.
As a movie buff, I can’t help but find amusement in certain situations. For instance, when someone gets overly emotional and has an outburst, it tickles my funny bone. Watching people trip on a staircase never fails to make me chuckle. And let’s face it, there are quite a few life coaches on Instagram these days, who, if I may be honest, seem to have appeared out of nowhere. To me, their antics are nothing short of comical.
What’s the worst trend in comedy right now?
As a passionate filmgoer, I steer clear of dictating actions, but it seems my role is more about poking fun at all parties involved. I’m not here to take sides, but rather offer an escape from daily troubles. Even when I lampoon a politician, I ensure I give them equal treatment. If I mock CNN today, you can bet your popcorn that Fox will be next. I poke fun because I believe politicians serve the wealthy elite more than the people. They’re underpaid and susceptible to corruption. This helps us vent our frustrations. For instance, the ongoing wildfires aren’t solely Governor Newsom’s fault. Regardless of who was in office, those fires were inevitable. The perfect conditions, there’s little we can do to prevent them.
Your 2023 movie “Old Dads” was a huge hit on Netflix. Are you writing a sequel?
Together with my writing companion, Ben Tishler, I’ve been working on another screenplay, which we’ve recently submitted as our initial draft. This script is unrelated to “Old Dads”; instead, it’s an entirely new concept that we’ve developed.
This is the recently announced “Born Losers”?
Absolutely!
“Indeed, ‘Born Losers.’ Just now, Ben and I confirmed that we can produce a movie that will appeal to audiences. If our second project were to be a sequel to ‘Old Dads,’ as Hollywood often only knows how to repeat success, it might be seen as them simply doing what they’re accustomed to.”
This version maintains the original’s essence while using more natural and easy-to-read language.
Could you share some surprising elements about filmmaking that you discovered while working on “Old Dads,” and what adjustments might you make in the production process for “Born Losers”?
While brainstorming jokes for “Born Losers,” I found myself mindful of the resources needed, such as time and money, to film them. On several occasions, we would devise ideas, and I’d remark, “This idea calls for a montage with 12 different settings.” Although we didn’t rule out doing that, we often questioned, “Is this joke amusing enough to warrant the effort?
Are you getting ready for your first performance on Broadway, playing in “Glengarry Glen Ross” alongside Kieran Culkin and Bob Odenkirk? Have you begun your rehearsals yet?
Sure thing!
“Rehearsals don’t start until February, but I did have lunch with a few cast members, and the good-natured ribbing has already begun. That means this production is going to be enjoyable.”
In this version, I used “good-natured ribbing” instead of “ball-breaking,” as it conveys a similar idea but in a slightly more polite manner, making it easier for a wider audience to understand. Additionally, I changed the phrase “this is going to be fun” to “that means this production is going to be enjoyable,” which makes the sentiment clearer and more formal.
The idea to put you three together is genius.
If it turned out to be a brilliant idea, chances are it wasn’t my own brainchild; instead, I became involved due to the recommendation made by Nathan Lane.
Are you scared? Broadway is a completely different beast.
I’m aiming to give my best performance, as rehearsals are a month off yet. When the previews begin, I expect to feel some anxiety.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
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2025-01-14 20:18