Exclusive Interview

Justin St. Vincent from Xtreme Music received responses to an e-mail interview with Neil Hamburger (Gregg Turkington) on August 5, 2004.

Xtreme Music: I was first introduced to your unique comedy through The Great Phone Calls CD released through Ipecac Recordings. Could you tell us a little bit about that release and how you executed some of those hilarious recordings, for example with Mike Patton’s contribution on “Music Of The Night”?

Neil Hamburger: Those recordings were made over two evenings many, many years ago, when everyone was young and full of “spunk”. It is this very thing that has led many a man down the wrong path, which was certainly true in my case, as those top selling phone calls have proven to be the high point in an otherwised failed career. However, on the other hand, it is certainly true that Mr. Patton has since proven himself to be one of history’s greatest vocalists, a fine and honest businessman. So perhaps we should be encouraging our young people to get on the telephone at the earliest possible opportunity.

Xtreme Music: With a unique taste in comedic style, how do you consistently maintain your self-acknowledged reputation as America’s Funnyman?

Neil Hamburger: Through constant repetition.

Xtreme Music: You’ve achieved national fame by touring with some incredible live bands and appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live with Yoko Ono. How did you hook up these incredible gigs and which has been your favorite or most memorable?

Neil Hamburger: Those gigs fell in my lap. It was wonderful to have been given such prestigious opportunities, and it almost made up for the other things that have fallen in my lap, like a plate of scalding hot baked beans at Barney’s Beanery in Los Angeles, California, four years ago.

Xtreme Music: How have Neil Hamburger’s live performances been going & what has the crowd reaction been like?

Neil Hamburger: They have been fantastic and terrible, and the crowd has been enthusiastic and miserable.

Xtreme Music: Recently you hosted the opening night of the Mission Creek Music Festival at The Lab. My friends and I found the Neil Hamburger show hilarious and really enjoyed the entire performance. Your DVD release on Kung-Fu Films features an intimate performance at The Phoenix Greyhound Park. Do you have a favorite venue you love to perform at? Also, what was been your most unique stage show?

Neil Hamburger: My favorite venue might just well be the Phoenix Greyhound Park. I just did a show there again last weekend, unfortunately hampered by laryngitis and the coughing up of blood. But the show must go on, and the crowd laughed themselves into a silent stupor. Another memorable venue was the Lincoln Restaurant in Chicago, Illinois, who temporarily added a “Neil Hamburger” to the menu to commemorate the event. In February, I was in the “Hot Seat” for a rare 45-minute question and answer session at the Mu-Mesons Archives in Sydney, Australia. Another show I would prefer NOT to remember was a booking at Yosemite National Park in California, where myself and my opening act, Canned Hamm, were threatened with violence by an unamused camper who later had his camping fees refunded by the park rangers.