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Bill Burr , a Boston-born comedian, has built his brand from his unique approach of social and political commentary all while being aware of his ever evolving self through life’s many changes. This exploration is why he continues to have an effect on viewers.
Burr is known for a raw unfiltered approach while having observational and anecdotal styles. His brash and blunt style also has an undertone of relatability. With his New England accent and bald head combined his overall delivery is easily identifiable in most crowds. Though associated with Boston, the comedian has been a resident in Los Angeles for a long period.
Having lived in Los Angeles, California for over 17 years now he notes his frustrations over the online discourse with political debates that had taken over online communication. However he jokes that living there is exciting as the environment there is far from as “soft” as some comedians in the industry suggest. He is proud of taking the leap to make a move away from the expected east coast cities to somewhere that brings many challenges.
Burr’s upcoming comedy special, “ Drop Dead Years ” on Hulu reflects on his life as a man his marriage, fatherhood and aging with a focus on mental health. His past was explored as it was put together from years of experience of touring.
The newest material has been seen as his most introspective yet by having him consider the way he has approached his work as it has taken its toll on his audience over his career. Though his material may include some areas of “joyously crass humor” a tone shift to a softer more understanding approach in his life which will be new to his long time fans. His intention of the style is to focus on humor but also the message.
Burr likes to perform in places where the audience gives push back instead of what has been called an “echo chamber”. He believes that that “push and pull” creates for a better performance from him that is not based on easy applause. As the material is new and unpracticed, new areas develop in real time.
Burr has learned how to navigate both political leanings in his audiences. It has been noted that he adjusts his “asshole vibe” depending on the crowd making it a balancing act which is key to the shows message. The skill and practice of this has created new skills in the comedians presentation.
Though Bill Burr delivers material in a crass and raw method he values authenticity over praise. Instead of wanting easy agreement with an audience he welcomes real reactions and also a more personal connection with people. The more an emotional delivery he gives, the more he connects and creates an honest portrayal of where he is at in his journey.
Bill recognizes that "bombing" is a part of comedy which every one has to go through in their work. Now however, he does know how to handle the situation with grace. It also helps that after a long time working with large crowds those situations do not have the same level of anxiety attached to them which makes it easier for any professional working comedian. He knows how to laugh at himself which has always given him more approachability and acceptance with different crowds.
The Comedy Store in Los Angeles serves as a main base for developing new material with his main focus is on those young up-and-comers because of the energy. With using new venues he is always pushing himself and that is something that his loyal fans also notice in his ability to continue to evolve.
Bill's approach to mortality has been impacted by the loss of friends but also as an acceptance of life’s challenges instead of a fearful perspective. The many new challenges bring new perspectives, ideas and concepts to make a more well rounded professional comedian.
As life continues to happen he is evolving past his earlier tendencies to criticize everything around him to becoming a more thoughtful artist. marriage and parenthood also influenced these aspects. There has been an overall change in his material through understanding human behavior while remaining humorous.
Though often times his delivery of material can be shocking and crass he believes that there are other viewpoints of his ideas. There has also been controversy that his comedy pushes far beyond normal barriers, and for some has a negative tone.
Bill performed in Abu Dhabi and learned what parts he needed to adjust with specific topics due to the local customs. By listening to a Rabbi's view point it helped him navigate in a way where he did not have to be a jerk, he focused on making change as small steps and move to a new area of thinking.