How does a stand up comic stay relevant and popular over the span of almost three decades? For Australian-born Joe Avati, the formula is simple.
“It’s all about changing the content, making it relevant each time you create a new show,” Avati explains.
“And I have to admit, COVID was good for me,” he muses.
“A lot of people were stuck at home on their phones and went down the rabbit hole. They discovered comedians they never knew, and I was one of them. My social media numbers went up and it generated a whole new audience.”
The payoff is a brand new comedy show called When I was Your Age that will see Avati touring parts of the globe for the next two years.
“It’s actually my biggest tour ever. So far we have 142 shows scheduled in Australia, New Zealand, the U.S., the U.K. and Canada. And we’re adding more. I’m so excited about this tour.”
“I have new stories about being a dad, being married, my parents being grandparents. I talk to the kids in the audience about how things were when I was a teenager in the 1980s compared to now. It might also be my most controversial show, particularly because I tackle some contemporary issues like cancel culture and gender identity,” Avati adds.
Avati is also proud of the fact that his comedy has remained clean, profanity-free and accessible to all ages.
“Parents who used to come see me when they were young are now bringing their kids. I’m proud of that. I’m the Ed Sheeran of comedy,” he muses.
Born and raised in Australia, Avati’s early Calabrese-dialect-infused comedy bits gained him a cult-like following amongst children of Calabrese immigrants.
Avati’s repertoire went viral when in 2000 he posted some of his stand up on the now defunct Napster. Turns out that Avati’s stories resonated with all children of Italian immigrants, no matter where they were born and raised. It wouldn’t be long before Avati began headlining shows across North America and the U.K.
His audiences have grown to include people of all nationalities, especially of Greek and Asia descent. His shows are now almost entirely in English to cater to a more general audience.
Joe Avati’s When I Was Your Age tour is currently underway in Canada until July 22. For a full lineup and ticket information, please visit joeavati.com.
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