“So there was that factor and also it was a timing thing really. I wanted to wait until I felt ready because it’s big job to take on especially with the full band and production plus organising everything behind the scenes. It’s different to touring this band because in that sense we are like any other band logistically, except really weird and the solo acoustic shows – well it’s just me, so not as much to worry about. This is the first time we’ve done a show like this where sketches and all sorts of strange things are incorporated throughout the entire show. So yeah I wanted to wait until it felt manageable.”
Joseph’s new show, Somebody Call A Wambulance!, will be his comedy festival debut. “I love the idea of a Wambulance being ready to pick someone up who’s whinging because it sort of reminds me not to be too indulgent,” explains Joseph. “We can pretty safely say that everyone has a good whinge from time to time, and to be honest I actually think it’s healthy as long as it’s not too indulgent. Someone once said ‘Have your emotions like a baby, let it out and let it go’, but I guess it’s probably not a great idea to get advice from babies. They can’t even talk, so how smart can they be right?”
Joseph has been fairly busy, chalking up over 300 shows throughout Australia, the UK and Europe over the last five years. “It’s generally been a good response when they speak English,” he says. “I had some people come to a show in Amsterdam once who I thought really hated me. They looked angry and didn’t say a word even when I asked them questions. It was terrifying. As the show went on it was eventually revealed they didn’t have a clue what I was saying. You can say anything you want after that because hey, they don’t know what you’re saying! Fun. The UK has been really good. I think I’ve done about 25 shows there now, and it’s been mostly positive. Of course some people no matter where you go won’t always like what you do but hey who cares about them right? After I’ve cried myself to sleep for a week they don’t mean shit to me.”
Throughout the festival, Joseph will be playing with his group, The Immoral Support Band, so named because of his cheeky songs and the type of support that he may require. Joseph tells me that they’re “total legends and incredibly good at their chosen instruments which makes up for my inevitable blunders. I’ve been playing guitar for 25 years and never had a lesson. These guys are total pros. Between them they’ve played for artists like Pete Murray, Paris Wells, True Live and the list goes on.”
“It’s a crazy all encompassing job but incredibly fun and rewarding at the same time. Being able to tour the band again and doing the Comedy Festival is very exciting for me as music is my first love and getting to combine everything I love – music, comedy, sketches and crazy shit – well that’s a dream come true, so I really hope people enjoy the show. If you don’t, remember I will cry myself to sleep for a week, so please go easy or say anything you want behind my back that’s totally fine.”
BY JOSH FERGEUS
