Bill Burr has been called a ‘comedian’s comedian’, a relatable performer who works hard and stays humble. He brings this attitude and reputation into not only stand-up, but his acting and voiceover work too. But he remains conscious of his roots. “I’ll always enjoy stand-up,” he says. “I still love it. If you maintain your comedy following you’re never unemployed. That’s something you can’t [often] say in show business – it’s brutal.
“With each hour I do I try to expand where I tour. 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!”
In conversation, Burr is topical, honest about his personal oddities, and opinionated – a mix that makes for fantastic comedy. To audiences, however, he is popular for just being brave enough to be himself. He has a swagger onstage and leans on his mic like a tradie at a job site chatting with his mates. Offstage, he’s a down-to-earth character and a thankful spectator of the world. He’s also unashamed about his ‘Acca Dacca’ obsession – though he sheepishly admits he does practise riffs in his sweatpants. What’s not to love about the guy?
But Burr’s upcoming Australian debut tour isn’t to cover an AC/DC pilgrimage. It comes off the back of a vinyl album release, a new special called I’m Sorry You Feel That Way, as well as the announcement of an upcoming movie role (Black Or White) and an animated series, F Is For Family.
Alongside his own work, Burr is just as obsessed with the newest series out there – The Killing and Silicon Valley. But a personal highlight was his appearance on one of television’s biggest recent hits.
“I was totally engrossed in Breaking Bad before I was even on it,” he says. “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, Burr is aware that stepping into the larger arenas of the pop culture domain doesn’t mean it’ll be a Hollywood dream. Social media gives fans a greater opportunity to observe and talk about their favourite obsessions, but it also means artists are being watched – all the time. Nothing you say or do escapes critique or ridicule. Does it bother Burr? The answer is yes and no.
“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 who aren’t such fans? “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 jokes worked. It’s disgusting.”
The spirit Burr 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 us the same level of personality, professional intensity and genuine happiness and hunger to perform, his Australian tour will be an experience to remember.
Catch him at Concert Hall, Sydney Opera HouseonSunday February 1, tickets online.
