Joe Rogan officially opened the doors to his anti-woke comedy club in Austin, Texas. The Comedy Mothership is located in the historic Ritz Theater off Sixth Street and is owned by the controversial comedian and podcast host.
According to the Hollywood Reporter,
The venue’s theme is aliens meets art deco (the latter, a respectful nod to the remodeled theater’s century-long history). There’s a UFO above the door in the lobby, warnings that “Hecklers Will Be Alienated” and a Stargate-like arch over the main stage. The theater is awash in black and purple. By Austin comedy standards, it’s easily the coolest-looking venue in town.
The opening night lineup featured several “canceled” comedians including David Lucas, Ron White, Tim Dillon, Tony Hinchcliffe, and Roseanne Barr. Tickets sold out shortly after the event was announced. Rogan’s goal with the club is to create a safe space for comedians to share their humor without fear of being canceled.
Rogan discussed his decision to open his own comedy club during an appearance on Theo Von’s podcast. He explained that he was inspired to open the club after he moved to Austin.
“I felt compelled to do it … I never wanted to own a comedy club, and I always felt like you just had to be nice to comedy club owners because you never want to be one of those people,” he said, according to the Post. “But then when I knew I was moving here … I was like, ‘Maybe I should buy a club, and start a club.’ And that became my focus.”
He also stated during a live Q&A with the audience, “It doesn’t feel real. I know it’s real, but it doesn’t feel real … I was super nervous today.” When asked what his next milestone is, Rogan replied, “I’m done with milestones. I think I just like risks. I’m like, ‘Oh yeah, let’s buy a building on a street filled with crack addicts.’ Like, I want someone to say no to me. They’re all like, ‘OK, go ahead.’”
The website for the Comedy Mothership advises guests to research comedians before purchasing tickets, saying that “comedy is subjective and certain comedians are not for everybody.” It suggests that guests watch a YouTube clip or read the headliner’s biography to get a better understanding of the performance.
Roseanne Barr was among the comedians who performed at the club’s opening night. She took to the stage to applaud Rogan for opening the club.
“I want to thank Joe for building this wonderful mothership for comedians,” Barr said, according to the Post. “It’s so great in the green room with everybody up there being drunk and smoking pot.”
The Comedy Mothership has been met with mixed reactions from the public. Some people are excited about the club, seeing it as a safe space for comedians to express themselves without fear of being censored. Others are more critical, seeing it as a platform for offensive and outdated comedy.
Joe Rogan’s Comedy Mothership: Opening Night Review – The Hollywood Reporter https://t.co/CUCf8csIOn
— Joe Rogan Headquarters (@joeroganhq) March 22, 2023
