Joe Rogan Experience #1989 - Andrew Dice Clay

Episode Summary

Main Topics

This episode delves into Andrew Dice Clay's unprecedented and often controversial career, tracing his journey from an aspiring actor performing Travolta impressions at Brooklyn's Pips Comedy Club to becoming the first comedian to consistently sell out arenas. The conversation highlights his "firsts" in comedy, including his experimental album "The Day the Laughter Died," and the immense backlash he faced from media and industry figures, such as the infamous MTV ban. Dice also discusses his significant resurgence in acting, notably with roles in "Entourage" and "A Star Is Born," and shares personal insights into his resilience against health challenges, gambling escapades, and the evolving camaraderie within the comedy world.

Key Discussion Points

• The Origins of "The Diceman" Persona and Early Career: Andrew Dice Clay describes his start in 1978, performing a Jerry Lewis/John Travolta impression act at Pips Comedy Club in Brooklyn, inspired by "Grease." He recounts being booed as Jerry Lewis only to electrify the crowd as Travolta, leading to his first headlining gig for $50. Mitzi Shore, the owner of The Comedy Store, initially dismissed his tough, non-self-deprecating style as "never going to work," contrasting it with the era's prevalent self-effacing comedians like Buddy Hackett.
• The Rise to Arena Stardom and the MTV Ban: Clay's career exploded after his appearance on the 1988 Rodney Dangerfield "Young Comedians Special," quickly escalating to selling out massive arenas like the Meadowlands (21,500 seats in 40 minutes). He vividly recalls the 1990 MTV Video Music Awards where his controversial "Georgie Porgie" and "fat girl" poems led to Dick Clark attempting to tackle Arsenio Hall backstage to stop the performance, resulting in Clay's lifetime ban from MTV, which paradoxically fueled his ticket sales.
• "The Day the Laughter Died" Album and Backlash: Produced by Rick Rubin, this double album captured Clay's deliberate attempt to "bomb" on stage at Dangerfield's, performing without material to an often-silent audience. Industry giants like David Geffen and Mitzi Shore predicted the album would ruin his career. Instead, it became the biggest-selling comedy album ever, viewed by many comics as a "bible" for its innovative, performance art approach to embracing failure at the height of stardom.
• Career Resurgence and Acting Success: Clay details how his acting career reignited through roles like Doug Ellen's final season of "Entourage," which he says mirrored the impact of his Rodney Dangerfield special. This led to significant dramatic turns, including his acclaimed performance with Kate Blanchett in Woody Allen's "Blue Jasmine" and his major role as Lady Gaga's father in Bradley Cooper's "A Star Is Born," fulfilling his lifelong ambition as an actor.
• Personal Philosophy and Industry Evolution: Clay shares his unwavering belief in pushing forward, refusing to succumb to fear after a heart attack at 60 and Bell's Palsy. He contrasts the cutthroat comedy scene of his early days—where comics "stabbed each other in the back"—with the current era of camaraderie, crediting Joe Rogan and podcasts for fostering a more supportive environment. He also recounts his unique approach to personal giving, rather than formal charity.

Notable Moments

• Gambling Against a "Dice Hater" Pit Boss: Clay vividly recounts a blackjack session at the Mirage where he faced a female pit boss who was openly hostile towards him. After she refused to let the dealer turn the cards for his preferred cutting, he dramatically bet all his accumulated winnings, confidently calling the exact Ace of Spades and Queen of Spades from the deck, winning $455,000 against her perceived disdain.
• Dick Clark's Attempt to Stop His MTV Performance: During his infamous 1990 MTV Awards set, Andrew Dice Clay's explicit rhymes so enraged Dick Clark that he physically attempted to charge the stage to halt the performance. Clark was reportedly tackled by host Arsenio Hall backstage in a wild, untelevised moment, underscoring the extreme reactions and moral panic his comedy provoked.
• Instrumental Role in Guns N' Roses Reunion: Clay proudly reveals his part in reuniting Guns N' Roses, detailing a conversation with Slash in Sydney where he challenged the guitarist on the band's breakup over Axl Rose's tardiness. He then worked to facilitate reconciliation, including getting Duff McKagan to see his sons' band play, ultimately contributing to the iconic rock band's monumental comeback.

Key Takeaways

This episode provides a raw and unfiltered look into Andrew Dice Clay's singular journey, demonstrating his profound impact on comedy as a defiant "first" who carved his own path despite immense industry opposition. Listeners learn about the resilience required to navigate severe public backlash and career "cancellation," only to emerge with renewed purpose in both standup and dramatic acting. The conversation underscores the importance of unwavering self-belief and challenging conventional wisdom, ultimately showcasing how an individual's unique vision can redefine an art form and inspire future generations, even in the face of widespread condemnation.