Interview: Rarely Asked Questions – Brendon Burns

Brendan Burns

I think it’s got the stage now where we can officially call Brendon Burns a legend. Just have a read of this illuminating interview where the salty stand-up shares his views on his life, his work and me to get an idea why. Over the last two decades I’ve regularly seen him be outrageous and confessional. I've never seen him be boring though. He won the Edinburgh Comedy Award in 2007 with one of the most astonishing sets I’ve ever seen. Since then he has studiously avoided going down the shiny-floored primetime entertainer route, preferring to scream at his audience. And, of course, be funny. I always thought he liked shouting, but Burns realised recently that he was shouting because his hearing was so bad. He has had a hearing aid fitted, but I’d wager he is still prone to bouts of bellowing. Most recently he opted for a low-key tour of unusual intimate venues. This week, however, you can see him on a big stage. He plays the Udderbelly on July 11. Tickets and info here.

 

 

 

1. What is the last thing you do before you go onstage (apart from

check your flies, check for spinach between teeth and check your

knickers aren't sticking out of your skirt)?

 

I actually have to urinate two minutes before I go on. It's the only superstition I have. My sister was at a gig in 2003 and I was talking about it and she yelled from the back, "That's because your brother and I abandoned you in a toy store when you really needed to go when you were seven and you peed all over Luke Skywalker through your jeans" 

 

2. What irritates you?

 

Offended people on twitter and people that demand apologies from comedians. Why would anyone want ever want someone to give an an apology they don't really mean for essentially saying something they didn't really mean? 

 

3. What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?

 

Crack. Oh no wait, there was that time I drove a 4wd over a huge jump in the road in Cottestloe where I'm from. I could've killed myself and a few others that night. It was fucked up. I shudder whenever I drive past it. 

 

4. What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?

 

See above. Oh and I once sat in hydrochloric acid as a kid. Oh and I may have started a bushfire in Mosman Park. I was a problem child.

 

5. What has surprised you the most during your career in comedy?

 

That I have one

 

Read more of Brendon Burns' answers here.

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