Adam Carolla, a name synonymous with comedy for the past 30 years, is set to bring his unique brand of humor to Eugene’s McDonald Theatre on Friday, July 12. Known for his unfiltered and often controversial takes, Carolla promises an evening of laughter and thought-provoking satire.
In a recent phone interview with Eugene Weekly, Carolla shared his philosophy on comedy. “I just say whatever I want because that’s my job,” he said. “Satire has always been a good way to make a point.” He believes that good comedians, like Dave Chapelle and Jon Stewart, can effectively communicate ideas through humor, even if their views might unsettle some people.
Carolla’s journey in entertainment began in 1995 when he co-hosted the relationship and medical advice call-in radio show Loveline. He later teamed up with Jimmy Kimmel to co-host The Man Show. Since 2009, he has been the voice behind The Adam Carolla Show, a comedy podcast that earned the Guinness World Record for the most downloaded podcast in 2011.
Despite his success, Carolla has not been without controversy. Over the years, he has made several statements that have sparked backlash. In a 2012 interview with the New York Post, he remarked that “chicks” are “always the least funny on the writing staff” and that “dudes are funnier than chicks.” He has also made comments about rich people being better than poor people because “rich people work harder,” and has not shied away from making derogatory remarks about various groups.
Carolla’s unapologetic stance is something he stands by. “I’m not going to apologize for telling the truth,” he said, referencing his past comments. He believes his fans understand him and are not bothered by his statements. “I just sort of give my opinions. And sometimes people have a problem with it, sometimes they don’t, and then at some point, I turn out to be right, and then they never apologize,” he added.
When asked about who he feels owes him an apology, Carolla mentioned “people on Twitter, the L.A. Unified School District…whatever dumb B-list celebrity like George Takei or Valerie Bertinelli… or publications like the LA Times.”
Recently, Carolla announced his decision to move away from California, expressing his dissatisfaction with the state’s political climate. He has been vocal about his disdain for California Gov. Gavin Newsom, calling him a “sociopathic slippery eel of nothingness,” and criticized Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, attributing her election win to her being a “woman of color.”
Despite his controversial views, Carolla remains confident that his show in Eugene will draw a crowd. “I usually am able to find my crowd almost no matter where I go,” he said. He believes that even in a city known for its appreciation of political correctness, there are people who will appreciate his brand of humor.
Adam Carolla’s stand-up comedy show is scheduled for 8 pm on Friday, July 12, at McDonald Theatre, located at 1010 Willamette Street. Doors will open at 7 pm, and floor seats are still available, ranging from $55 to $75.
Source: Eugene Weekly, New York Post, The New Yorker, Los Angeles Times, Fox News