I went to Tony Currie's testimonial at Bramall Lane. Really good day actually, despite the venue. I may have a couple of different occasions muddled up, although I don't think I have, but they had a couple of bands on, The Housemartins being the main one, and then the game featured Yorkshire footy stars of yesteryear and some sporting and showbiz 'legends'. I think this is the game when Bobby Colins played, as he was our manager at the time. We were also disappointed, as George Best was down to play but hadn't turned up, but then he suddenly appeared fifteen minutes into the game. He scored a cracker too, round a few players and top corner. At least it gives me an easy answer when asked who the greatest player I've ever seen play is. Paul Heaton and Norman Cook played too, so I've seen a game of footy featuring George Best and Fatboy Slim. Anyway, as these games tend to go, it was about 7 all and the last minute. Sheffield United player in the box, bit of a dive (must have been Colin bleeding Morris then!), soft penalty and up steps Tony Currie to win the game with the last kick. He hadn't scored yet and sadly for him it was in front of the empty away end, rather then the home end, but still a fairytale finish. Except the keeper saved it. Saved it really well too. And the reason I've mentioned this here? The keeper was 70s TV comic Mick Miller!
It was always the highlight of the year for my grandad when Paul Shane played at Dodworth WMC. He thought Paul Shane was fantastic.
Billy Connolly when he was at his best, which he isn't any more, nearly killed me. Laughing so much that every part of my body was hurting, barely able to breathe, but I just could't stop. And I couldn't leave the theatre because I couldn't walk. I wasn't the only one. There were dozens of people around us who were clearly in physical distress. Tears rolling down faces, doubled up because their stomach muscles couldn't take any more. Watch An Audience with Billy Connolly, not for the jokes, it was of its time, but there are people in that audience struggling to survive. I've never seen anyone else come close to making people laugh like he could. A few other comedians I admire greatly are Bill Hicks, Stewart Lee and Daniel Kitson. All extremely clever and very funny, but not put your life in danger funny.
You're not wrong there, I love Billy! I was always too young to see him in his prime though, but I've spent plenty of hours on Youtube watching his old shows back.
Some of the videos are fantastic. I bought them all when I was younger and loved them. But it's not the same. For a start, they're all heavily edited. I've seen him twice and he did almost 3 hours on both occasions. And it was relentless. He got you laughing after a minute and then you simply didn't stop. Never seen or heard anything like it before or since.
He's generally considered our greatest ever stand up comic. So much so, I forgot to include him in my post when mentioning comedians I liked growing up. Is he still on the circuit? Can't recall seeing him or hearing about him in bloody ages.
Thought the OP was about comedians we'd seen? Bill Hicks is my favourite to watch, but unfortunately never got to see him live.
According to his website he is touring down under at the moment, although he is being treated for Parkinsons, or the early signs of Parkinsons and he did an interview last year where he said he was having troubling remembering his lines, so I guess the live shows will start to slow down. I've never really been a fan of his personally. He seems like a nice guy and he's generally good on chat shows, but I always found he told a joke and then told it again and again in different ways. Of that ilk I always preferred Jasper Carrott and Mike Harding. I saw Mike Harding in Sheffield about 30 years ago and he was great.
I'll second Jay's comments re. Billy Connolly, saw him a few times in 70s and 80s, tickets should have carried a health warning... My favourite for the past 20 odd years is Jeremy Hardy...warning...not for the right wingers of the forum. Saw Chris Ramsey do a pub gig in Sheff a few months ago, potential to be huge.
Paul Shane played Wombwell Reform when I worked behind the bar. What a big headed, self-important nasty lovely person he was.
Always go to see Ross Noble when he tours. Ed Byrne is very good live and if you ever get the chance to see Mundo Jazz don't miss it.
I saw Chris Ramsey a few years ago at Darton High School of all places. They did a comedy night in small room and he was headlining. I didn't expect much, but he was very, very good.