Brian Regan is a man on the move. Since 2005, he’s regularly performed in 80-plus cities nationwide annually, with his current tour being no exception. Last year, he starred in Brian Regan: Live From Radio City Music Hall, the first live broadcast of a stand-up special in Comedy Central history. Of course, TV appearances are nothing new for Regan, who starred in two previous Comedy Central specials and debuted on The Late Show with David Letterman in 1995—the first of many appearances. SLM recently caught up with the comedian, just before his performance at the Peabody Opera House this Friday.
You’ve visited more than 80 cities every year since 2005. What keeps your fan base growing?
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Maybe my crowds are just going to keep coming to my shows until I finally get one right. I like to keep switching up my material, so I’d like to think that’s a factor as to why I have a consistent following. And I would like to think the “new” stuff is kind of funny.
Do you recall your first appearance on Letterman?
It was a tremendous experience. I had been fortunate enough, a few years prior, to get on The Tonight Show just before Johnny Carson’s retirement, so getting on Letterman had become the new No. 1 goal. The Late Show appearance went well, so I was very happy. But what was even cooler was when I found out that they wanted me to do a second appearance.
Who’s inspired you along the way?
There are too many good comedians out there from which I’ve drawn inspiration to name them all. Certainly George Carlin and Richard Pryor are two of the greatest comedians of our time, so I’ve admired both of their careers. Of comedians still out there, I like Jerry Seinfeld, Bill Burr, Maria Bamford, Paul Mooney, Dennis Regan—yes, my brother—and many, many more.
How did the live show on Comedy Central come about?
I had already done two hour-long specials for Comedy Central, so I told my manager, Rory Rosegarten, that I wanted to do something different this time. When I pitched him the idea of doing a special live, he was at first—as a good manager should be—a bit hesitant. But after discussing the pros and cons, he was very enthusiastic, so we decided to pitch the idea. Comedy Central was tremendously supportive of the idea, so we said, “Let’s rock n’ roll!”
How would you describe your previous Comedy Central specials?
This is going to sound kind of boring, but both specials are about me telling jokes into a microphone. I’m not trying to be flippant, but that’s why I think comedy is so beautiful. It’s kind of like chess.You can learn how to play chess in 10 minutes, but it will take a lifetime to master. Stand-up is like that. Anyone can get on stage with a microphone and tell jokes, but it can take a lifetime to master the craft. I haven’t mastered it yet, but I keep trying to head in that direction.
What can the audience expect from your upcoming performance at the Peabody?
Me telling jokes into a microphone.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment so far?
Well, of course, having two great kids is the most important thing in my life. But in terms of my career, I guess being able to perform at Bob’s Fish House in Melbourne, Florida, was a highlight. Oh, and doing Radio City Music Hall.
What’s your advice to aspiring comedians?
See if Bob’s Fish House needs any middle acts next month. And if you can get on there, or anywhere, when you are onstage, pretend you are in the middle of the audience and just try to make you laugh. That’s what I do, and it is a heck of a lot easier than trying to figure out what those other people in the audience think is funny.
What’s next for you?
I’m middling next month at Bob’s Fish House in Melbourne, Florida.
Catch Regan at the Peabody Opera House March 4 at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $39.50 to $62. For more information, call 314-499-7600 or visit peabodyoperahouse.com.
