Doug Stanhope Kills It At Backstage Live

I think it's time to quit calling Backstage Live "formerly Melt".  I think they've carved out an awesome niche in Lubbock with adventurous, exotic and innovative bookings.   The stage gives you an awesome view from anywhere in the club and makes it near perfect for comedy shows.

My hero and legend Doug Stanhope rocked the stage Thursday night.  After some impressive local/semi local talent warmed up the crowd Doug stepped up and just laid waste to the place.  As he mentioned several times during his act, he was doing this tour to warm up a new set for another possible album or t.v. special. I've got Doug's last three albums and last two d.v.d.s and he didn't repeat a bit and really touched on all new themes.

Nostalgia was in the air a bit as Doug mentioned the late Captain Rowdy in his act several times to the delight of the few of us who first experienced both of them 20 years ago.  I was also stunned when Doug name checked me in the context of a bit ("put that in a commercial Wes Nessman").  After Doug was done one of the opening comedians tried to get back up for a few minutes, and that was the only miscue of the night.  The opener doesn't follow the headliner, the crowd was too busy talking about one of the best nights for comedy in Lubbock Texas EVER.  Stanhope came back out after about 15 minutes and made a point to shake every hand, hug every person and take every picture requested of him.  This is very much in contrast to his gruff onstage persona.

So the "take aways" from this are simple.  watch for some real cutting edge entertainment from our friends at Backstage Live. I hope they can bring in some more recognizable names in comedy, and I hope people will support them.  Next up, keep an ear open for Doug Stanhope's next D.V.D. or t.v. special to drop, because we can attest to the fact that the new material is HILARIOUS.

Here's something fun from Doug's last album.