With one Shanghai show sold out, and tickets for a hastily-scheduled second being snapped up in double time (purchase tickets to that April 13 show before it is too late right here) we reached out for an interview with English comedian, musician, singer, actor, TV and radio presenter and author Bill Bailey, so that you could read while tickets were still available. We're good like that...
Who is Bill Bailey?
Bill Bailey is a comedian, actor, author, musician, documentary maker, wildlife campaigner, paddle-boarding enthusiast, charity walk organizer... son, husband and father and player of the mandola.
If you weren’t a comedian-cum-musician, what job would you be doing?
I would be an extreme travel agent, an adventure tour operator, or an advocate of wild teaching – and by that I mean schooling in the outdoors, as opposed to the reckless imparting of unproven facts and unreliable theories.
What was it like working with Idris Elba on In The Long Run? Is he as nice as everyone says he is?
I don’t go on hearsay, I like to find out for myself so I can confirm that if everyone is saying Idris Elba is nice, they are correct. He was more than that; he was brilliant to work with, funny, instinctive and generous. And surprisingly good at comedy, which is a bit of a change of tone for someone who normally plays the tough guy.
What would your death row meal be?
A coconut and four stale baguettes. Using some torn up strips of sheet I would lash the coconut to the baguettes forming a rudimentary weapon, and try to fight my way out. Seize the day!
Is it true you have perfect pitch?
I do have perfect pitch. Wolves also have it, although I’m not sure they are aware of this.
What is your favorite musical key and why?
A minor. Versatile, melancholy, yet also powerful – it is the key of Grieg’s Piano Concerto and also my 'Love Song'.
Will you be incorporating music into your forthcoming Shanghai show?
There will be a lot of music in the Shanghai show. I will sing a version of ‘Old MacDonald’ in the style of one of my musical heroes, Tom Waits. There’s also a blues song played on a Bible, I play the Hang Drum. There’s metal, folk, country and also the mandola and a rock medley on the tuned Alpine Cow Bells.
Who have you most enjoyed performing with, either on stage or TV?
I loved playing with the BBC Concert Orchestra and Anne Dudley from the Art of Noise. This was perhaps my most favorite collaboration. Also playing 'Smoke on the Water' with Deep Purple on the cowbells
Do you believe in having regrets?
I have no regrets. Regrets are like old shoes. Sometimes it’s nice to put them on and shuffle around in them, but really you should just chuck ‘em out.
Free speech is a topic of hot debate at the moment. Are there any topics that you think should be off-limits for comedians?
No topic should be off limits for comedians, but the way in which you approach sensitive subjects needs care and attention. Free speech is a great thing, but it comes with responsibility, not to be used recklessly and squandered on the undeserving.
You can purchase tickets to that right now, right here. See an event listing here.
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