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Street Fightin' Man
Tough guy comic Joe Rogan is back with new material in stand-up special
Joe
Rogan, a stand-up comic who may be better known now as a host and
commentator on mixed martial arts broadcasts and “Fear Factor,” has
not been as prolific a comic because of these endeavors.
He has returned, however, with a new special, “Live From The
Tabernacle,” filmed at the Atlanta venue and debuting on Comedy
Central on February 28. It’s his first since 2010.
Rogan’s material shines at times but it does seem more scattershot
than what he delivered on two prior albums,
“Talking Monkeys in Space” and
“Shiny Happy Jihad.” Rogan’s style is
focused on leading up to that kicker line – as he does with material
about Sarah Palin, telling doubters that she is indeed hot – for
last call at an airport hotel bar.
When Rogan spends more time on a topic as he does with a bit
comparing a sensitive R&B singer’s likely idea of a good time with
that of the rapper Ludacris, he does go on a little too long with
repeatedly singing the refrain “Delilah” from the crooner’s song.
But the contrast makes the Ludacris moments pay off.
Throughout “Live at the Tabernacle,” Rogan does slip in comments
that he is not necessarily the tough guy or goon that some might
think he is from his over 10 years of association with UFC
broadcasts. The special has another extended bit about what a
typical UFC fighter could do to him, in graphic detail. Somehow,
Rogan does make that funny, which is a tall order.
Nonetheless, Joe Rogan continues to show a charismatic stage
presence and ability to grab an audience with his material. While
Rogan’s material is not as precise and well-crafted this time, the
fervor of his delivery does sell it well.
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