Eddie Pepitone is an unlikely rising star of comedy. Though he has been a professional stand-up comedian and sketch performer for 30 years you could be forgiven for not recognising his name.
Eddie Pepitone is an unlikely rising star of comedy. Though he has been a professional stand-up comedian and sketch performer for 30 years you could be forgiven for not recognising his name. But that is about to change. Eddie has appeared in movies such as ‘Old School’ and ‘The Muppets’ and is a regular on Conan O’Brien.
He has two comedy albums: ‘The Big Push’ and ‘A Great Stillness’ and stars in the YouTube sketch show ‘Puddin’’ but still his status has remained cult. He has been called “The guitarist other guitarists go to see.” However, Eddie is finally getting the recognition he deserves, being the subject of a new documentary ‘The Bitter Buddha’ by first time director Steven Feinartz.
Eddie popped up on Reddit.com the other day to talk with fans about the new documentary and anything else they wanted. Among the hundreds of other users I had to be a little bit cheeky to get his attention. The following is my (sort of) interview with Eddie.
DAVE
How old are you and how do you know what Reddit is?
EDDIE PEPITONE
Are we on Reddit? I thought this was a chatroom regarding adult diapers.
DAVE
I’m coming to see you at Soho theatre; will you be doing new material?
EDDIE
Definitely! Working on it now. Should be interested, I am psyched for London.
DAVE
Your stand-up seems very off the cuff, how much rehearsal or prep do you do?
EDDIE
I am an off the cuff guy which can lead to disaster but it’s the only way I can work.
DAVE
Do you really think comedy comes out of pain?
EDDIE
Yes, pain and joy.
DAVE
You seem so nice in interviews, does your on stage persona ever creep into your real life
EDDIE
Ha! Yes sometimes I have a bad temper (I’m Sicilian) but I try to be sweet. The world fucking annoys me. But I try to see the beauty.
DAVE
Have you been to London before?
EDDIE
One night when me and director screened movie at Prince Charles cinema then had to run back to Edinburgh to complete my run there.
DAVE
You’re known as the comic’s comic, do you think too much success would change that.
Eddie
I don’t think so, my success is predicated on just doing what I do. That will never change depending on my meds.
DAVE
Do you think twitter has had a big impact on your success?
EDDIE
It’s definitely helped! But I can never really tell you know?
DAVE
So how long until we see you starring in movies?
EDDIE
Man I hope soon.
DAVE
Are you bitter towards Kermit for cutting you from the Muppets movie?
EDDIE
That green fuck better watch his ass.
After about two hours and the question ‘Hey Eddie, why do you dream of red birds attacking you at night’ being repeated several times (you have to see Eddie’s stand-up) he said: ‘Thanks everyone. Had a great time with this Reddit bullshit. Now off to liposuction and career day!’
If you’re interested in seeing Eddie perform, his ‘ELECTRIFIED’ tour is coming to the Soho Theatre in London on May 6th – May 25th and ‘The Bitter Buddha’ is available on iTunes.
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