Don Gavin

Date: 2020-01-23 | Duration: 1h 17m

Category: Comedy

Episode Overview

Don Gavin reflects on his early days in comedy during the late 1970s and 1980s, sharing vivid memories of the vibrant and chaotic stand-up scene. He recounts how comedians like Lenny Clarke and Sweeney helped shape a tight-knit community where open mics and auditions were the norm, and the stakes were high—bombing on stage could mean immediate ejection. Gavin describes the rough-and-tumble atmosphere of clubs where performers often faced hecklers, fights, and wild antics, painting a picture of a raw, unpolished era that demanded resilience and quick wit. The conversation also delves into the financial and personal challenges comedians faced, including stories of unpaid gigs, tax troubles, and substance use prevalent in the scene. Gavin talks candidly about the toll this lifestyle took, including brushes with addiction and near burnout. He highlights the evolution of comedy clubs, noting the rise and fall of iconic venues and the ongoing struggle to keep the art form alive. Throughout, Gavin emphasizes the importance of perseverance, sharing insights on writing, performing, and adapting to changing audiences, all while maintaining a genuine love for the craft that has sustained his long career.

About Don Gavin

Don Gavin is a celebrated stand-up comedian and actor renowned for his sharp wit and relatable storytelling. With a career spanning several decades, he has become a staple in the comedy scene, captivating audiences with his distinctive humor. Gavin's latest achievement, the streaming release of his album "Don Gavin: Live with a Manhattan" on January 24, showcases his talent for blending personal anecdotes with observational comedy. Known for his engaging stage presence and ability to connect with diverse audiences, he has left a lasting mark in the world of comedy, making him a compelling guest on the Joe Rogan Experience episode #1418.

Key Moments

– Stand-up Comedy
– Comedy Clubs
– Comedy History
– Comedy Scene Boston
– Comedy Scene Los Angeles
– Comedy Auditions
– Comedy Writing
– Comedy Specials
– Comedy Influences
– Comedy Performance
– Comedy Community
– Comedy Industry
– Comedy Coaching
– Comedy Venues
– Comedy Culture
– Comedy Career Challenges
– Comedy Recording
– Comedy Touring
– Comedy Substance Use
– Comedy Legacy
0:00:14 – Mention of Don Gavin by guest's son
0:00:38 – Discussion of comedy's heyday and early career start
0:01:21 – Different approaches to comedy in early days
0:02:20 – Mention of Lenny, Sweeney, and comedy pioneers
0:03:13 – Comedy shows as tax write-offs
0:05:31 – Tax issues and getting caught
0:08:13 – Stories of wild comedy scene and unconventional payments
0:09:21 – Physical comedy mishaps and injuries
0:10:00 – Sean Morey and early comedy recognition
0:10:58 – Audition process replacing open mic nights
0:12:14 – Fist fight story among comedians
0:15:30 – Desire for a documentary on comedy scene history
0:16:35 – Expansion of comedy venues and satellite rooms
0:19:55 – Fast-paced nature of stand-up comedy sets
0:23:38 – Origin of comedy from fighting and rough edges
0:26:56 – Seasoning and experience gained from multiple venues
0:28:23 – Discussion of people exploiting comedians
0:30:31 – First stage experience and mic handling
0:32:26 – Substance use in comedy community
0:33:33 – Getting into comedy through Alcoholics Anonymous
0:35:55 – Closure of original comedy club and scene branching out
0:38:39 – Comedy scene resurgence after decline
0:40:01 – How the Comedy Store operates
0:41:44 – Description of Comedy Store's atmosphere
0:43:39 – Availability of guest's comedy album
0:45:15 – Barry's specials produced by Louis C.K.
0:46:09 – HBO comedy specials and scene impact
0:48:35 – Performing on cruise ships and large audiences
0:49:35 – Writing and discarding comedy material
0:52:48 – Advice to use tape recorder for ideas
0:54:37 – Guest's late start on social media
0:56:19 – Discussion of comedy titles and reputations
0:59:00 – Audience reactions and selling out shows
1:01:17 – Comedy coaching differences
1:02:09 – Substance struggles and near quitting
1:07:44 – Hostile audience experience
1:11:12 – Performing with Tony Hinchcliffe
1:13:55 – Closing remarks and gratitude

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 Three, two... Starting point is 00:00:14 I've heard that from my son. He says you mentioned my name glowingly. Starting point is 00:00:38 and all that had been gone, and it was the heyday of comedy. Starting point is 00:00:57 I came in, I started it around 79. Starting point is 00:01:21 But everybody had different ways of doing it because we didn't know. Starting point is 00:01:46 So they stayed at the bar. Starting point is 00:02:01 But that was just a drink, Starting point is 00:02:20 Lenny, myself, Sweeney, as you mentioned. Starting point is 00:02:31 that we kind of created Starting point is 00:02:40 and host Starting point is 00:02:47 to be in charge Starting point is 00:02:53 comes on and he blows. Starting point is 00:03:01 Yeah. Starting point is 00:03:13 It was supposed to be a tax write-off. Starting point is 00:03:25 Next week no lighting. Starting point is 00:03:46 they were paid $200, the next was, $200. In fact, these Greek belly dancers, their production Starting point is 00:04:17 Right. Starting point is 00:04:38 with the fire show you were trying to host it was impossible to go both but yeah i mean the guy on Starting point is 00:05:02 Yeah. Starting point is 00:05:31 I hadn't paid taxes in seven years, and I got called in. Starting point is 00:05:54 And there was my picture. Starting point is 00:06:07 So that was how I got caught. Starting point is 00:06:17 I know Donovan, Starting point is 00:06:23 Oh, that's certainly, Starting point is 00:06:37 and would start all over again. Starting point is 00:07:03 That was the figure that they came up with. Starting point is 00:07:29 Oh, almost all of us. Starting point is 00:07:42 The normal ones, I guess. Starting point is 00:08:13 wild men like there's we heard those stories nicks would pay in coke and it's just everybody was Starting point is 00:08:40 I got out of teaching in 84, I think. Starting point is 00:09:09 are they passing in front of you? Starting point is 00:09:21 I...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1418?

Don Gavin was the guest on JRE #1418. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1418?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1418 with Don Gavin, topics include Stand-up Comedy, Comedy Clubs, Comedy History, and Comedy Scene Boston.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #1418?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1418 with Don Gavin is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.