Tall Tales and Wee Stories: The Best of Billy Connolly

Billy Connolly, a Scottish comedian, announced his retirement from live stand-up comedy in December 2018 after fifty years of successful career. He began his journey in the late sixties playing the banjo in Scottish folk clubs, where he improvised and discovered what audiences found funny. Connolly's routines were spontaneous, never written scripts, and he brought a beautiful sense of the absurd to his shows. He also had a sharp tongue, addressing sex, politics, and religion with his unique talent and appearance on stage. Tall Tales and Wee Stories is a collection of his best storytelling, including his famous routines such as "The Last Supper," "Jojoba Shampoo," "Incontinence Pants," and "Shouting at Wildebeest." It is an inspirational, energetic, and riotously funny read, celebrating Connolly's greatest ever comedian.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 17 September 2020
Publisher: John Murray Press

Connolly's remarkable life journey is a captivating and uproarious rollercoaster ride, filled with an equal measure of fury, humor, and raw language. As one would anticipate, his candid account of events is as spirited, witty, and profane as expected.

In December 2018, after fifty remarkable years of delivering belly laughs, boundless energy, and unfiltered outrage, Billy Connolly announced his retirement from the vibrant world of live stand-up comedy. His career had been nothing short of extraordinary.

When Billy embarked on his comedic journey in the late sixties, he began by strumming the banjo in the folk clubs of Scotland. In between his songs, he would unleash his improvisational skills, sharing captivating anecdotes from his days working in the Clyde shipyard. Through this process, he unearthed a treasure trove of comedic insights, ranging from his masterful mimes to the sheer power of speaking irreverently about politics or openly discussing sex. He began to grasp the art of masterful storytelling. Gradually, the songs shortened, giving way to longer monologues that showcased his exceptional comedic talent. Billy swiftly emerged as one of the most exciting comedians of his generation.

What set Billy's routines apart was their spontaneity. He never relied on scripts, instead opting to craft his comedy fresh and in the moment, in the presence of a live audience. A brilliant comedic idea might be discarded, adapted, or embellished, only to evolve into a twenty-minute segment during the next night of a tour. Billy's comedic prowess was evident in his ability to seamlessly transition from one observation or short anecdote to a full-fledged segment, showcasing his remarkable wit and creativity.

Throughout his shows, Billy infused a beautiful sense of the absurd into his performances, often riffing on his family, hecklers, his adventures in the North Sea, or even his daring experiences with naked bungee jumping. However, his comedy was not limited to mere humor. Connolly's sharp wit and incisive observations often veered into anger, targeting pretentiousness and calling out hypocrisy wherever he encountered it. His insights into the human condition have left a lasting impact on countless individuals, challenging societal norms and prompting introspection. At the same time, his unique talent and striking stage presence granted him the freedom to express his thoughts and opinions without fear of censorship, be it on sex, politics, or religion.

In conclusion, Connolly's life journey is a testament to the power of humor and the indomitable spirit of a comedic genius. His raucous run through his life is a rollercoaster ride of laughter, introspection, and outrage, leaving an indelible mark on the world of comedy. While he may have bid farewell to the stage, his legacy continues to inspire and entertain audiences, reminding us of the importance of laughter and the ability of humor to transcend boundaries and challenge our perceptions of the world.

Weight: 268g
Dimension: 197 x 128 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529361360