Neil Hamburger

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Neil Hamburger is the name of a stand-up comedian character played by Gregg Turkington.

1 Style
2 Career
3 Discography
4 Filmography
5 TV Shows
6 See also
7 References
8 External links

[edit] Style

Hamburger's jokes range from variations of "Why did the chicken cross the road?" to celebrity targets, such as Michael Jackson, Paris Hilton, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Diana, Princess of Wales, to jokes about his ex-wife. His pacing is off, and he clears his throat nonstop through his entire routine (often to keep overzealous fans from shouting out his punchlines), which has caused critics to tag him as "the world's 'worst' stand-up comedian". He has performed his brand of comedy, much of it anti-humor, in front of audiences from the New York University Thompson Center to Jimmy Kimmel Live and is often compared to Tony Clifton^[1]. His posture, demeanor and tone of voice are reminiscent of TV entertainer, Ed Sullivan. One of his most famous gags is the "Zipper Lips," in which he asks an audience member a question. If the audience member doesn't respond, Hamburger produces a verbal stoush that produces his Zipper Schtick. A common phrase used by the comedian is, "But, that's my life!"

[edit] Career

Starting with America's Funnyman, released in 1996, he has released a number of records on the Drag City record label.

Recently Hamburger has started doing a show called Poolside Chats with Neil Hamburger on The Channel at Tomgreen.com. Some special guests on his show have included Tim and Eric, Kyle Gass of Tenacious D, Buzz Osborne of The Melvins, and Bonnie 'Prince' Billy.

Hamburger also appeared in a series of three video advertisements promoting the release of the 2006 album by Drag City Records stablemate, Bonnie 'Prince' Billy, The Letting Go.

He recently opened for Tenacious D during their Pick of Destiny Tour. In the movie The Pick of Destiny, Hamburger made a brief cameo appearance before Tenacious D came on stage to perform. He has already performed at Madison Square Garden, a show that the New York Times referred to as likely "the greatest night of his career." However, his performance was poorly received elsewhere, with booing and heckling ensuing in countries such as Ireland and England.

The Australian punk band Frenzal Rhomb have used Hamburger to open their sets and appear in their video clips for their songs "Punisher" and "Ballchef", and Frenzal Rhomb members Jay and the Doctor have called him live on air on their radio show on the network Triple J to report on current events in America such as award ceremonies.

In September 2007, he appeared at the Global ComedyFest in Vancouver, Canada.

In spring of 2008, Drag City is slated to release an album of country and western originals and covers recorded by Neil Hamburger in a "celebrity vocals" style. During the sessions, Neil was backed by a stellar line-up of musicians including Prairie Prince of The Tubes, David Gleason, Atom Ellis of Dieselhed and The New Cars, Rachel Haden, and Joe Goldmark.

Neil also reportedly recorded a record doing guest lead vocals with legendary Australian band The Hard-Ons while in Sydney in January, 2008.

[edit] Discography

Great Phone Calls - Amarillo Records (1992)
Telephuck You! 7" (with Gregg Turkington) - Stomach Ache Records (1992)
Looking For Laughs EP - Amarillo Records (1994)
Bartender, The Laugh's On Me EP - Planet Pimp Records (1995)
America's Funnyman - Drag City (1996)
Open Ended Interview EP - Drag City (1997)
Raw Hamburger - Drag City (1998)
Tribute To Diana, Princess Of Wales EP - Planet Pimp Records (1998)
Left for Dead in Malaysia - Drag City (1999)
Great Phone Calls featuring Neil Hamburger (Reissue) - Ipecac Recordings (2000)
Inside Neil Hamburger EP - Drag City (2000)
Fifty States, Fifty Laughs (tour only CD) - Million Dollar Performances (2000)
Hamburger Remembers Nixon 7" - I Don't Feel A Thing Records (2002)
Laugh Out Lord - Drag City/Glory Home Records (2002)
Great Moments At Di Presa's Pizza House - Drag City (2005)
Hot February Night (tour only CD) - Off-Price Value Center (2007)
Comedy Death-Ray (album) (compilation) - Comedy Central Records (2007)
Sings Country Winners - Drag City (2008)

[edit] Filmography

Neil Hamburger Live at the Phoenix Greyhound Park (The Show Must Go Off! live series) - Kung Fu Films (2003)
Left for Dead in Malaysia - Million Dollar Pictures (2004)
The World's Funnyman - Drag City (2006)
Tenacious D In The Pick Of Destiny (as himself) (2006)