Why Does Bill Burr Do This?

By April MacIntyre Aug 18, 2008, 21:47 GMT

The obvious answer is he’s very good at “it.” 

“It” being a polished stand-up comedy routine that presents Burr in his stock bemused, neurotically acerbic take on everyday life. 

The Massachusetts native continues the state's track record for cranking out the funniest bastards on the planet. Burr cut his teeth at Nick's Comedy Stop in Boston, and has been performing for the last 15 years.

Burr, Photo Credit - Brian Friedman

Burr has fortune on his side currently, as Comedy Central has recognized the raconteur’s mad skills and has tipped a project that would feature a weekly rant from him on topical issues a la Bill O'Reilly, but way cooler.

The show will examine a topic inside out through Burr's opinionated point of view using stand-up, sketch and digital shorts.  The show will be executive produced by Bill Burr, Jeff Cesario and David Becky.

Burr’s next TV appearance will be seen on Comedy Central, his one-hour special, "Why Do I Do This?" premieres Sunday, August 31 at 11:00 p.m.

Street logic and wide-eyed honest commentary from Burr addresses perceived homophobia, pedophilia and male-female relationships that whittle each conundrum down to a laughable common denominator.   Burr’s segment on "How to Catch a Predator" is stand out.

"Why Do I Do This?" is out on CD on August 5 and the DVD will be released on September 16.

Along with his TV endeavors, Burr hosts the monthly radio show, "Uninformed," on XM Satellite Radio and starred in his own HBO "One Night Stand".

His previous CD, "Emotionally Unavailable: Expanded Edition," was released by What Are Records and he has performed on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien," "Showtime at the Apollo," BET's "Comic View" and Jamie Foxx's "Laffapalooza." www.BillBurr.com.

Monsters and Critics spoke to Bill Burr about his comedy roots and the upcoming Comedy Central special.

What is it about Massachusetts being such a fertile ground for so many comics?

BB: Boston is just a great place to start out as a comedian. The original guys who started the scene set the bar really high and everyone who has come after has had to measure up to that standard.

Who was your biggest influence as a stand up comedian?

BB: When I was a kid I listened to Pryor and Carlin albums. Then in high school I watched Eddie Murphy, Sam Kinison, Seinfeld, Dice Clay. And when I started out as a comedian in Boston I learned a lot from watching guys like Tony V, Kevin Knox, and Frank Santorelli.

What made you return to New York from Los Angeles?

BB: I returned to New York because I wanted to become a good comedian and there is a ton of stage time in NYC.

I recently moved back to LA because I wanted to focus more on auditioning and developing show ideas.

Burr, Photo Credit - Brian Friedman

Would you prefer to write for a series, or be in from of the camera?

BB: As a comedian you learn to do both. And I would ultimately like to be on a show where I could perform and write a part of it.

To be honest I’d do either. I would really love to have health insurance again.

What tragedy in your life made you so funny?

BB: It wasn’t any one event. It was more like the entire decades of the 70’s and 80’s. Hating yourself usually leads to a lot of comedy.

Who would you pay money to see live (comedians)?

BB: Don Rickles and Bill Cosby.

Burr, Photo Credit - Brian Friedman

Does your humor travel well to England, Ireland and Scotland?  Have you toured there?

BB: I’m going to be doing a European tour in the early part of 2009. I’ve been to Ireland and had a great time over there, so hopefully that means I’ll do well in the other countries too.

I really hope it doesn’t suck. I keep picturing the crowds over there being like that scene in “Trainspotting” where that Scottish dude throws the mug of beer over his head and it lands on some poor bastard’s head.

What other ventures have you got cooking, (voice-over work, acting)?

BB: I sold a show idea to Comedy Central, so I’m getting ready to shoot a pilot for them. I also wrote a whole new hour of stand-up since the beginning of this year, and will be going on a tour this fall, to hype my new special and my XM radio show “Uninformed.”

What was your favorite bit from your DVD "Why Do I Do This?" and why so?

BB: ‘Punching Muffins’ was my favorite bit. I love that bit because I learned that I’m not the only one who has anger issues.

What really surprised me was the amount of women who came up to me after shows to tell me about some violent thought they had while at work or at home with their family.

It’s always nice to learn that you aren’t the only psycho.

 BUY-CD