Truncated Dick engagement up north

by Brian McKim & Traci Skene on April 5th, 2005

Normally, we don’t air dirty laundry… or repeat gossip… but we couldn’t let this pass without comment. According to an item in the Edmonton Sun (“What a dick!”), Andy Dick got sent home from a gig in Edmonton.

While Yuk Yuk’s doesn’t shy away from risque humour and was aware that Dick doesn’t do standup, Kirk said the actor’s lack of material was his worst offence.

“We don’t put someone on stage that doesn’t have prepared material,” he said. “He was just not funny, and he didn’t do what we thought he’d do.”

After the second show on Friday, club management told Dick to go home, and cancelled his hotel room for Saturday as well. Award-winning local comedian Andrew Grose filled in on Saturday night and delivered killer sets, Kirk said.

The first element of this story that stands out for us is the part where the club’s management says that they were, “aware that Dick doesn’t do standup.” Then, they follow it up with a surprised, “the actor’s lack of material was his worst offence.”

YUK YUKS: “Yuk Yuks, may I help you?”

DICK’S AGENT: “Yes, my client doesn’t do standup… I understand you have a comedy club….”

YUK YUKS: Send him on up! (aside to assistant)This is going to be sooo fucking great!”

How ever did things go so terribly wrong? Such a mystery!

Stunt bookings are a time-honored tradition. Will this kill the bookings for Mr. Dick? Get real. We’ve heard all kinds of horror stories over the years– club owners/bookers tell of rude, erratic behavior by bookees, on- and offstage, and, when the observation (a reasonable one) is made that

“Well, I guess you’ll never have him/her back to the club again,”

it is usually followed up with,

“What? We’re bringing him back in for Valentine’s Day! Sure, he shit in the green room and fucked my dog and called the mayor’s wife a cunt first show Friday, but he puts butts in the seats!”

The second element of this story that stands out to us is the no-win situation that Andrew Grose found himself in after Dick was sent home. Or was that a no-lose situation? Either way, it worked out well for Grose… or, did it?

“So, I guess that means you’ll have (fill in name of comic who saves the weekend) headline again real soon, right?”

“Oh, no! He’s a local.”

We really shouldn’t post after coffee/before breakfast. (P.S. Add the Edmonton Yuks to the list of clubs that won’t be hiring us any time soon.)

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