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Do you hate comedians? Yeah, me too. In fact, I firmly believe the world would be a better place if Billy Crystal, Paul Reiser, Robin Williams, and Sinbad were sentenced to a life of indentured servitude. However, there's one comic out there who's touched me in ways I could not anticipate. His shitty delivery, anti-climactic punchlines, awkward timing, and overly obscure references bring me to the threshold of tears. His name's Neil Hamburger and he's a throwback to the Vaudeville era comics, who, after their Golden Eras passed, still trudged onward in a brutal, indifferent, and thankless
world. Neil recently took time out of his busy schedule to speak with Max Ink about his alleged alter-ego (some say Neil's a certain wise-ass musician whose name I won't reveal). Neil also shared thoughts on his ``show-stopping" zipper shtick, suicide, and the two albums he's got on Drag City, America's Funnyman and the more vulgar, recently released Raw Hamburger.
Maximum Ink: Your last two albums were put out by Drag City but I know you're an Amarillo guy at heart. Just curious; did you establish a friendship with Anton LaVey when he was making records for Amarillo?
Neil Hamburger: I don't really know any of the other comedians on these record labels. They never seem to have ``company picnics," or if they do, I've not been invited. Typical—but hey, THAT'S MY LIFE!
MI: How did you get the idea for the ``zipper schtick"?
NH: Sometimes the mind works like quicksilver. I can't really give away any of the details, however.
MI: I heard you have a tribute to Princess Diana in the works. What's the skinny on that?
NH: I have been performing my humorous tribute to the late Princess for quite some time now, since the night after she died. Recently, we recorded it at a show in Australia, and it is being released as a commemorative record.
MI: Has anyone accused you of ``selling out" by taking the Raw Hamburger route?
NH: Yes, they have. And I hope we sell out further—as in, a ``Sold Out" show at Carnegie Hall!
MI: On America's Funnyman you said you've attempted suicide. How does someone like yourself deal with depression?
NH: You just keep plugging away. Another day, another show. Perhaps there will be some laughs.
MI: Have you or will you ever perform in our great state of Wisconsin?
NH: Many, many times. Just loved it. Incredible crowds, though not for my performances. We'll be back there in August…three shows at the Pizza Piazza Palace and then a couple more warming things up at the Knights of Columbus Bingo Hall.
MI: Rumor has it you're in a couple of bands on the side. Care to talk about your musical endeavors?
NH: Those rumors aren't true, although I did record a musical comedy ditty on my latest album, Raw Hamburger. We're hoping it could be a hit.
MI: Another rumor for ya: some say Neil Hamburger is the alter-ego of a ``certain someone" whose name I won't mention. Care to comment on that?
NH: If that certain someone has a more successful career than me, well, I hope the rumor's true! Because seriously, my bookings have been a little grim recently. But, no, as far as I know, I am the one and only ``Neil Hamburger."
MI: Last question: what other projects are in the works? I think a Neil Hamburger cartoon would be great.
NH: I recently finished writing my autobiography and am looking forward to its publication if we can work out a deal. And then I always hope to make more recordings and play more shows, wherever I can!
MI: Well, thanks for your time! I hope to chat with you again in the future.
NH: Thank you!
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