Interview: Bill Burr

The American stand-up comic is a regular on David Letterman, Conan O’Brien and Jimmy Fallon’s shows, and is famed for his rants against marriage – until he got himself a wife last year. He’s all set to bring his signature, mildly offensive brand of humour to Singapore, but first, he tells Gwen Pew about his life, love and laughs.

Is the guy we’re seeing onstage the real Bill Burr?

The guy you see on stage is how I am when I’m in a bar or hanging out with my friends. I’m not always like that. Right now I’m lying on the couch with my dog watching a movie.

You’ve said you don’t research before you talk about certain topics – how much do you wing it?

I wing it about 30 percent of the time. On a good night, when the ideas are flowing, it gets up to about 60 percent. But yeah, I don’t know what I’m talking about most of the time.

Have you made any joke onstage that you regret after?

In 23 years, I’ve only had that happen a couple times. I’m telling jokes. It’s not serious.

Do comedians have a line that they shouldn’t cross?

As long as you’re being funny, I don’t think there’s any topic or subject that you can’t joke about.

It’s been just over a year since your wedding! How’s your life been so far?

She hasn’t left me yet so I think it’s going pretty good.

And how about women? Do you feel your understanding of them has, well, improved?

I understand women enough to know not to answer that question.

What’s the best thing about being a comedian?

The best thing about being a comedian is lying on the couch with your dog during the middle of the day, watching a movie, while everybody else has to go to work.

Convince us in one sentence to see your show.

The thrill I’m going to have performing my jokes in Singapore cannot be summed up in one sentence.