Sam Kinison First Appearance on Letterman

[@singmysong4444]

Was at the Comedy Store up on Sunset one night with a friend. No-one knew who Kinison was but he was performing in a small room upstairs while the next show in the main room was coming on. Just the two of us plus a bartender and Kinison. Kinison came right up to my face with the Scream from Hell.... and had us cracking up from the first minute. We were having such a good time that we passed on the main show just to listen to this guy. He did nearly an hour show for just the two of us and the Bartender. Best comedy night of my life. What a genius.... what a loss. RIP Sam Kinison and thanks for that great "private" show.... you're the best!!!

[@GaryMillyz]

That's actually an amazing story. That is awesome. What a night indeed it must have been.

[@s2ci316]

Joseph Miller man you are sooo lucky to experience that!!!

[@jasonsage1417]

That's Pretty Sweet :)

[@ChuckKeough]

Lucky bastard 😉 his legacy lives on through your story, keep passing it down.

[@GeminiSong13]

Oh wow that's amazing!

[@j.d.7050]

One of the bravest appearances on Letterman. All Sam. Pure energy. Comedy gold. Rest in peace.

[@readmelancholystrumpetmaster]

What made it brave?

[@NCLUSA]

Jonny Carson liked him, that was a AAA endorsement.

[@themonkeyhand]

@@readmelancholystrumpetmaster Seriously? You seen anything close to this on late night network TV in the last 20 years?

[@kurtrosado3245]

Like a shit ton of people, I really miss this awesome man! RIP.

[@davidmiller4594]

And they cut him off.

[@youtubeleavemealone]

I saw him at Berkley Performance Center in Boston. He had me laughing so hard & so long, that I could barely draw breath afterwards. Then he came back out, seated at a grand piano & showed us that he could have played that hall as a musician if he had wanted to. Then he cut back in with the wise cracks & I laughed so hard that my ribs hurt. He was an impressive talent.

[@SuspectAccount]

Wonder if Bill Burr was there?

[@Ouyjnkj]

@@SuspectAccount Bill Burr's take on Stalin and Hitler comparing them to Hall of Fame baseball players hitting dingers is one of the funniest things I've ever ever seen

[@Ouyjnkj]

I saw him at Nassau Coliseum of course the home of my beloved New York Islanders. Howard Stern came out when they were getting along. He did a bit that I'm sure you've heard about where he asked the guy in the audience about a girlfriend who screwed him over and he called said girlfriend and barked at her with 10000 of his best friends behind him so freaking amazing. I almost passed out

[@Ouyjnkj]

Is impersonation voice of women with so childlike

[@frankr.5710]

The cure for world hunger is the best!

[@chetp8423]

Saw him live twice. First time was 1987 as a senior in high school. My buddy who looked older disappeared to the concession stand and brought us back 4 giant cups of beer. I sat there tossing back my beer, laughing till I was hoarse and feeling like I was on top of the world.

[@idcniles]

Saw him in Las Vegas in 1988 with a buddy. Didn't really know who he was but sure did afterwards. Funniest night of our lives. Sam was genius. Miss him.

[@mikeoxlong5843]

Drinking beer underage was really daring in 1987, now the seniors in high school are smokin' meth, and poppin' fentanyl.

[@adamzangara]

Ahhhh the 80s for teens...when you could get beer without worrying about being carded :)

[@scottchicago95]

Great 👍 story.. did your buddy enjoy you riding his dick on top, while pretending to be on a 🐴.. lol..

[@sharonklinger912]

You were on Top of the World and just didn't know it?!! Sounds like a great time!

[@LilFiremaster]

The Sam Kinison Primal Scream is what I need in the summer of 2020.

[@daniellee1722]

Primal Scream. What a perfect way to describe it

[@chrishvs]

@@daniellee1722 Four months later and still true!

[@jenniferkelly8769]

for sure-- things are way too serious

[@astraluna6is9]

Not to worry. We’re still screaming in 2021

[@Whyistomatoafruit]

HAHAHAHA!! Perfect 🤩

[@LasVegas68]

There will never be another comedian like Sam Kinison. One of a kind. RIP Sam

[@pokeysdad17]

from your mouth to God's ear.

[@randy9573]

Thank god for that. Big mouth idiot. Not even close to being funny. GOOOOOOF

[@michaelconners2805]

Of course there will - Look at those misery magnets we still have. Sam was trying to tell you . They are ALL Charletans

[@Ouyjnkj]

I heard a podcast of George Carlin's daughter and brother after George died and they said George thought his career was over until he heard Sam and realized he can revive himself in a little bit of anger. I love this so much because they are my two favorite comedians ever and they'll never be anyone like either one of them especially Sam

[@godbluffvdgg]

thank god; because he sucked...

[@GCFAFootball]

I honestly haven't heard Kinison in years... It's 2am and I'm laughing so hard at this. He was a Genius..!! RIP SK..!!!

[@tylerm0089]

same. I played it recently to my married brother, and he didn't laugh as hard. LOL.

[@georgealcoba3514]

6:47am here this is great!

[@piggsy20]

Also 2am rn 😹😹

[@billyhager2204]

I agree complete genius.Way ahead of his time

[@jonathenlester1744]

This comment over a year old and no one will ever remember that 2 am as good as you.

[@michaelmckay8719]

I was lucky enough to see him six minutes ago on you tube. What an incredible memory.

[@DailyMailHACK-dq4ql]

Amazing all the folk who shared a room with him, had private shows, shared the stage with him…. And all here reminiscing about a guy who died decades ago. Making BS up for likes. He told me that when we shared a dressing room backstage in Vegas.

[@yomama9390]

@@DailyMailHACK-dq4ql why are you both bitter ranting bitches

[@jasonrollins980]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@melonhusk-kt5ys]

LMAO

[@drewharrison6433]

​@@DailyMailHACK-dq4qlNever name drop. It's just bad form. Bobby De Niro told me that.

[@Freebirdjack69]

"I was married for 2 years it was so boring I actually worried about my yard." 😂😂

[@benjamin3290]

That one hit a little too close to home 😅

[@williambentley1234]

A guy like that.... worrying about his yard

[@KateBates22zabu]

Hey I worry about my yard and i didn't think I was bored but here I am watching 49yo comedy routine at 5:53 a.m

[@wyldelf2685]

SAM was like the X-rated version of SEINFELD,,his true answers about life in a "heavy metal" voice,, ,a comedian who enjoyed life instead of worrying about Wich groups he offended,,,Rock on and RIP SAM ,,,we miss you,,😔😔🎸

[@michaeledelman6743]

G-d bless him. He was always funny.

[@legomaker3105]

“I wouldn’t lie to you eight times in a row”

[@chasbodaniels1744]

Great line.

[@allanstriber5272]

Like blacks and their you know what I'm saying and you feel me

[@legomaker3105]

I have no idea what you’re talking about

[@raymondblaquiere9137]

The first time I saw Sam on Letterman , I woke the whole family up from laughing so loud. Sam was the best comedian of that era.

[@richardmorris7063]

That same thing happened to me twice in my life.Once watching Sam & once watching the Honeymooners w/Gleeson & Ralph Kramden!LOL!

[@justincopple8222]

Imagine if he was still alive these days. It's safe to say Joe Biden and Trump both would have been made easy targets for his style of humor LOL. He would have a field day with the president....

[@raymondblaquiere9137]

@@justincopple8222 Absolutely 💯 👌. He would have had a great time with the two administrations line up of idiots. It's a tragedy that he died so young.

[@richardmorris7063]

@@justincopple8222 naw, you're not allowed to have a sense of humor nowadays..He'd b way to offensive for snowflakes!

[@justincopple8222]

@@richardmorris7063 You're right about that LOL.

[@billgatesleavingyamomshous8177]

This man was SO FAR AHEAD OF HIS TIME LEGEND!!!!!

[@mhpjii]

Satanic concepts, behavior, and lifestyle of drugs, promiscuity, and lust for celebrity

[@kevinmcdonald951]

My dad was.

[@louisstiles6861]

Not really I think he was perfect in his time. He couldn't even do this act nowadays people would probably be offended he made fun of starving families.

[@rdf6852]

Hell yeah he was, brilliant man! Very well said sir

[@tweedpenguin712]

@@louisstiles6861 that’s one of his best jokes because it’s true. Move out of the fucking desert.

[@eyeseer1]

Sam Kinison was born to be Al Bundy's guardian angel.

[@christophermitchell4017]

Great observation

[@thisismagacountry1318]

Don't let this distract you from the the fact that in 1966, Al Bundy scored four touchdowns in a single game while playing for the Polk High School Panthers in the 1966 city championship game versus Andrew Johnson High School, including the game-winning touchdown in the final seconds against his old nemesis, Bubba "Spare Tire" Dixon.

[@Jarod_Schultz]

Sam was originally supposed to play the role of "Al Bundy". Roseanne Barr was supposed to play "Peggy".

[@jstriker623]

I know the score... I played high school football!

[@jstriker623]

Peg... Peg... aliens stole my socks😟

[@mloverine]

almost 35 yrs later and I still remember ... YOU LIVE IN THE DESERT! AAAGGHHH!

[@matthewfinlay5583]

I remember he said when he saw video of starvation in Africa. He'd yell at the TV "Stop Having Kids!!!" Cant do that now

[@sgoflory626]

@@matthewfinlay5583 Mom km m no I’ll no I’ll n Lon I’ll I’m I’ll mbps I I’ll m

[@quantumed1486]

It’s Going to be SAND!

[@cchaffincc]

Me too! I’ve never forgotten it.

[@test-tl8dt]

everytime the topic is brought up this line springs to my mind i usually keep my mouth shut though LOL

[@mindpilot72]

Got to share the stage with Kinison at a show where he called my ex-wife. One of the coolest things I've ever done. Met Sam backstage and he autographed a life-size cardboard cutout of himself. One of the all-time greats!

[@bradspinks]

i have so many questions.

[@methus57]

@@bradspinks hahaha

[@fleatactical7390]

@@bradspinks #MeToo!

[@mindpilot72]

@@GroberWeisenstein He didn't. I won a radio station contest to be part of the show.

[@mindpilot72]

@@GroberWeisenstein At the time, my daily driver was a Ford Aerostar. Plenty of room!

[@adamg9173]

The 90s saw the loss of two of the greatest who didn't actually get to peak in their careers. Hicks and kinison. I think even Carlin would have taken a back seat to these two if they'd had more time. Very grateful for the laughs. Ty for posting

[@royzobie6902]

“Those guys in the mall pushing a stroller like they envy the dead”... Now that’s funny!

[@buckleymordecai9605]

Fucking BEEN there!

[@sirphineasluciusambercromb9114]

Coronavirus, take me away

[@RyanSmith-wo2pi]

.

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

@@buckleymordecai9605 Lucky because it sounds like you found a way out.

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

@@sirphineasluciusambercromb9114 Yep

[@josephparis9736]

Sam Kinison was a truly different kind of comedian. He was sooo hilarious and I am happy that even though he lived a short life he was able to perform at the level he did. Plus being on SNL and Married with children among other guest appearances. Thank you for the laughs and RIP Mr Sam Kinison!...JP

[@charlesmiller6281]

That was a classic. Every bit as good today as when it first aired.

[@nancydemoss8421]

I miss him in a warped kinda way. Weird, right? Just as he was finally getting his life settled, he had that tragic auto accident. RIP forever, Sam!!

[@chrissmith7669]

He still walked and talked like an evangelical preacher. He was awesome

[@pascalmarzella4280]

I think his father was a preacher.

[@jackc3727]

@@pascalmarzella4280 Sam was one himself

[@johnmoreno7664]

Sam Kinnison was such a man full of laughter and THEN some... R.I. P...

[@johnmoreno7664]

Nuff said, yet NOT enough.

[@jamesm.3967]

@@pascalmarzella4280 Sam was a preacher before he did stand up.

[@chronicmalady7424]

and that's his 'tame' material.

[@robertstonebreaker8394]

I still fall down laughing when he played that crazy history teacher in back to school Rodney was the only one that could calm him down Rodney of all people !!

[@MuzixMaker]

Good answer. I like the way you think. I’m gonna be watching you.

[@Protectobot]

I guess someone finally gave Rodney some respect! 😀

[@ludwigfeuerbach]

That movie influenced me more than you could possibly imagine.

[@fleatactical7390]

@@ludwigfeuerbach Call me when you don't have any class!

[@dbodooley]

Good answer, good answer, I like the way you think. I’m gonna be watching you. Hahahahahaha

[@johnrusco986]

Sam was one of the funniest, most original comics of all time. Miss him immensely!

[@michaelbarry8373]

Carlin was another great.

[@oldmanfromoc7684]

Sam was over the top! R.I.IP. Sam!

[@Ouyjnkj]

All the most talented ones Die Young Greg Giraldo Gilbert Gottfried Bob Saget Norm Macdonald Mitch Hedberg I wish I was a little bit older to have experienced Don Rickles and Rodney in their freaking Hay Day but I have great memories of those geniuses want to Dangerfields NYC in 87on my prom night was freaking awesome

[@Ouyjnkj]

Even though I'm a native New Yorker Islander jet met Nicks fan got to give a shout out to the greatness that is Denis Leary his portrayal of firefighters is amazing my dad and brother are retired FDNY for him to honor them even though he's from Boston it's amazing and the dude plays hockey 2 love that guy no cure for cancer is an amazing hour

[@TheYamahog12]

Sam’s talk on world hunger is one of the funniest bits I’ve ever seen. I remember seeing this way back then and just laughing my ass off. It had to take some guts to try out that primal scream on stage for the first time!

[@StalinLovsMsmZioglowfagz]

He was a preacher first who always screamed so, not as much as it would’ve been, those jokes though, THOSE took guts. What a genius who we need now more than ever. Cheers

[@siggifreud812]

@@StalinLovsMsmZioglowfagz Sam told the truth. He was fearless when it came to his art.

[@stevenwilliams2617]

just send them to where the food is, its not in the desert. aah aaaaaaah. lol

[@jshepard152]

See this? This is saaaaaaand!

[@miketeeveedub5779]

35 years later and his words are more true now then ever before!!! Truly a comic genius and legend!

[@jim6070]

Was watching when this aired. I had it recorded on VHS.. Showing it to my buddies was probably the most fun.

[@daniellee1722]

Kinison had a cult following of rockers and showbiz people at The Laugh Factory when he was still unknown and got 2 am slots. Can you imagine the afterparties afterwards?

[@jthoen61]

I love Sam. He was one of a kind. There's no one out there doing the things he did. Rest easy my friend. RIP.

[@juliawilkinson]

This has to be one of the funniest stand up routines and performances ever. Miss u Sam Kinison!!

[@bertroost1675]

First time I saw this I was 16 and I thought "huh? Okay" Now I'm 52 and it's hilarious and so true.

[@dahlgren75]

I remember Sam when he just came in from Texas. A small group of us were preforming for open mike night at the Improv and he joined us and later went out to eat. Sam was a real personable down to earth guy. He was coming out of ministry and I was on my way into it. I'm glad i gotca chance to know him.

[@exclamationpointman3852]

Did you all talk about GOD?

[@StalinLovsMsmZioglowfagz]

@@exclamationpointman3852 what do you think? Obviously

[@slc2466]

Still remember falling off my couch in hysterics in 1985- R.I.P. to a true original, Sam Kinison.

[@WhiteActivist]

I was there the first night he ever performed comedy. Comix Annex, Houston, Texas. He was EXACTLY like this day one. And one hell of a nice guy off stage. Nobody had ever done this style before. Nobody. The audience was literally on the floor. The waitresses had to stop serving. It was one of those moments in time.

[@Datanditto]

Truth

[@russc83]

I saw Elvis the first time he Ever played a guitar.

[@nightstar3765]

Bullshit...

[@750count]

Jealousy abounds

[@nightstar3765]

@@750count Nope just so much Bullshit it's stinking up the place.

[@kattrakee]

He was so funny and so original. Such a tragic ending to a beautiful life. Rest in peace Sam Kinison👑🎭

[@MitchellRoboto]

"I was married for two years and my life was so boring I actually worried about my yard. The rest of my friends had goals, careers, visions, doing things with their lives... I was out there looking for crabgrass, weeds, and stuff ... " - you can feel the souls of the married people in that room lift out of their bodies for just a moment.

[@erikswanson224]

Married people are boring. They lead boring stupid lives.

[@andrewpassow2712]

How could I forget how funny Sam was? That is instant laughter: gut, belly, until it hurts laughter. Sam - you struck a nerve.

[@Redmenace96]

I watched this as a kid, big Late Show fan. This dude was a force of nature. Never seen before, or since. Sam was a scorching wind of change.

[@oonojoe]

Amen Brother.

[@reedcomics8196]

Ran out of time before he could finish the joke: "You see this? It's sand. You know what its gonna be a thousand years from now? ITS GONNA BE SAAAAAND!!!!!!!"

[@johnwattdotca]

I'm wondering about the ending. Sam is shouting and Letterman stands up and the band starts playing, either a verbal cue by Sam to end it or him getting cut off, and he walks out without sitting.

[@danman6669]

@@johnwattdotca Yeah, I got the same feeling, as if the producers were feeling uncomfortable with what he was saying, since it seemed politically incorrect and probably would upset viewers, since world hunger is no joke. I thought it was funny, but I know how people can be.

[@johnwattdotca]

@@danman6669 The way my mother talked you would think wasting food was a sin, always saying there are hungry children in this world. I go back to late fifties TV, and I see Sams' act as being confrontational, even if he isn't screaming into the face of an audience member. I almost forgot about that era of "attack comedy".

[@mehermusic2154]

@@johnwattdotca Yeah wtf was That all about?

[@mehermusic2154]

My guess is that Sam was being censored by the jerkoff Network Exec's

[@jaykay6387]

Sam killed it, didn't he? God, I almost forgot how funny he was. Best standup ever, miss you, Sam.

[@thedriszen8350]

I keep coming back here every so often to re-watch this... its J U S T T H A T A M A Z I N G and unique. I've got at least half a dozen comments laced throughout the thousands posted here, a testament to his unique talent that just never gets old. It only adds to his legend that he was genuinely an actual fire-and-brimstone revival tent preacher, before making a U-turn into showbiz and shock treatment humor. And then, of course... he was just as suddenly gone. Because it had to be that way. You couldn't write a more perfect script for him. You can count on your hands the number of people in your life that are that shockingly unique. Sam was one of those.

[@thedriszen8350]

@@GroberWeisenstein Then we won't be getting your 'thumbs up'?

[@Matthew-eq2wi]

In the 80s everyone was just way more interested in having a good time.

[@starrchild6755]

I think everyone likes to have a good time. Although, I watched the documentary on Woodstock 99~I was shocked to see those young people acting like fkg idiots w/ no respect for anything. The filth, the rapes, the whole thing could have been great. The people who promoted it, failed. Reminded me of ZZTop's 1st barn dance & bbq @ UT Stadium in Austin. It was 1975 @ they ran out of consessions before noon & it was 110° in the shade. I saw some poor behavior but nothing compared to Woodstock 99. The utter lack of humanity was so non-existent.

[@guttermouths]

Thanks to Pablo Escobar.

[@starrchild6755]

Made "Miami Vice" a Hugh success! 😂🌎🌿🎶✨🐊✨💙✨

[@MrJhobb75]

@@starrchild6755 Yep, late generation x and early gen Y had little respect back then agreed.

[@rovingenglishman]

We had reason to 😉

[@KRex1961]

Sam Kinison. A star that burned so bright, but burned out far to fast. Miss you Sammy!

[@thomasshook1028]

CatfishHunter61 Sam Kinison’s light did not burn out it was snuffed out on the highway in Nevada

[@banishedfromthedwarfplanet530]

Yeah, he was on his way to a gig in Laughlin. It was a drunk teenage boy that went into Sam's oncoming lane and hit him head on. Sam's wife was driving his car. After the crash, all the stupid kid cared about was his messed up truck. He ignored the dying Sam by the side of the road.

[@realist-2024]

Sam could make me laugh like no other...R.I.P. sam.

[@shanghi1842]

@@thomasshook1028 yah gd. point. He wasn't Maralyn Monroe

[@jamiemalokas3693]

It's amazing to think the 17 year old who was drunk at the time only received 1. no jail time, 1 years probation. 2. 300 hours of community service. 3. 2 years suspended license.

[@redram5150]

This month alone I’ve watched this 50 times at least. It never gets old

[@davidgreenfield7428]

Saw him live in college back in 1986. To say he completely owned us for 90 minutes would be an understatement. Am surprised the building didn't flood down due to excessive pissing in your pants all out laughter. He was one of a kind.

[@philpeterson7182]

Sam Kinison is a comedic honey badger.

[@worldofdoom995]

Brilliant way to describe him.

[@bman1122]

Kinison kills it with his set. RIP Legend

[@jerriotglencamp7562]

Yes he is ❤

[@tamsinthai]

I want to download Kinison's scream as my ringtone, I do.

[@michaelserby7697]

AAAEERrrrr 💙🖤 😵 😱 👽

[@corbinfobbs6409]

Done bach

[@datubby2052]

Set it as your wife's ring tone, 2nd marriage of course. Maybe 8th.

[@corbinfobbs6409]

@@datubby2052 one is enough of making that stupid mistake.maybe get some mistresses

[@JazzFan76]

Can you imagine his scream as an alarm on an alarm clock? 😆

[@stevendimmock4791]

What a talent and what a great loss. Every little video clip keeps the great man alive. Thanks for posting.

[@aquamarine99911]

I saw this in real time back in the day, and it blew society's collective socks off. Watching it again reminds me that an underrated feature of great comics is their voice control. Kinison, Carlin, Chappelle, Eddie Murphy, Andy Kaufman, Louis CK - so much of their humor comes from modulating their voices. Sam's screaming was only effective because he could stop on a dime and do the "love" voice.

[@AlmostaFlipinSkater]

Especially during the conservative Ronald Regan televangelism era of American society. “You’re not safe”. This is when preachers were all over television asking for donations to get you into Heaven. Televangelism is a real scary thing and it was EVERYWHERE in the 80s.

[@garylampkin4288]

...and their material is funny...that helped. Going back a few more years, Dangerfield, Winters, Newhart, Youngman, Caesar, Rickles...they all had it...timing! Good observation BTW...

[@Alittude]

@@AlmostaFlipinSkater yeah and now its left politics scamming you like blm who profitted about 5 people

[@poindextertunes]

“only effective”? 😂 lmao okay

[@siggifreud812]

@@AlmostaFlipinSkater My gawd - he destroyed jim bakker & jessica hahn......

[@coachd49]

Sam was the best. Put it out there with zero regard for insulting anybody. Freaking hilarious. Miss You Sam.

[@capnfabu]

I remember watching it that night. I was a much younger man then. Made me laugh out loud then and it makes me laugh out loud today. Who could ever forget his appearance on the "Married...With Children" Christmas "special"? Be sure to get a copy of that now before the cancel culture strikes again.

[@DaveFriedman-d9x]

Saw and met him at a rock club in Baltimore called Hammerjacks around "90. Funny as hell and a nicer guy you'll never meet. Still miss him. RIP Sam.

[@meandinah4310]

Letterman LOST IT on the 'YOU LIVE IN A DESERT ' riff!!🤣

[@icegiant1000]

Those were the days! I love Sam's sort of half-evil giggle in the middle of other laughs... awesome!

[@johnbowan3007]

Loved him in the Dangerfield movie Back to School. Played a History Teacher

[@adamcuttler9665]

O yes

[@PanfishingJournal]

You can tell he really cares. About what, I have no idea!

[@shakeandbaked1]

He was great in that movie.

[@therealnickynurotic8930]

My favorite part ❤️

[@KalOrtPor]

Epic moment, wish there would have been more of them together in the movie.

[@91bpatrick]

80s American comedy was so critical of social and political issues - this is a long gone America.

[@susanb2015]

Because wackos took over.

[@munchkinmodelingman72GAM2]

Love how he just walks out right after they cut him off .

[@heathermcfarlane2765]

I've never seen him before and I've got tears running down my face I laughed so hard. He's brilliant.

[@daveanthony2959]

Sam cracks me up. Too good! “Remember this face Lou!!!”. 😂😆💯😊

[@philmay1347]

"WAS"

[@datdudecollins]

I see this comment is from four years ago, and I’m certain not to get a reply…but IF you’d happen to see this notification, and looked at this response, I’d like to hear which specific joke(s) had you laughing so hard the you had “tears running down your face?” It takes a person thinking something is absolutely hysterical on a whole different level of funny, to laugh until tears come from their eyes…so, if you’d be so kind, my curiosity is piqued; What made you laugh to tears in this set?

[@ThunderZandor]

All the bits, all of them. The best is the last where nothing grows in the desert. See this...this is sand, nothing will grow there not a year from now not ten thousand years from now, LOL!!!!!@@datdudecollins

[@davidgrace8931]

Wow, he killed it! I saw him live in 1990. It was an event. He was the real king of comedy from 1987 to 1993.

[@Kaimanderi]

That's curious, seeing that he died at 1992.

[@LadyRanger]

Ga1us letterman 1985 it says it unerneath

[@joecorrao4ea]

Ga1us reruns

[@note2owns]

1987 to 1992. Sam was killed in April of 1992

[@jdog6620]

I remember where I was when I heard he had died. RIP Sam. You were so awesome.

[@nomedigaasi]

Sam Kinison was one of the top ten comedians in the past 70 years. He is missed. Rest In Peace Sam.

[@poetcomic1]

Rodney Dangerfield lifted him out of the comedy clubs and gave him to America. Same with Roseanne and MANY others.

[@raygordonteacheschess5501]

Dangerfield had his own comedy club, Dangerfield's, at Sixtieth and First.

[@poetcomic1]

@Daver G A.D.C. shows just how edgy Dangerfield was in his taste.

[@kcmichelson4528]

Besides being talented Dangerfield knew talent as well.

[@jstriker623]

... but did he ever teach them the Triple Lindy?

[@rohansask9638]

@@jstriker623 That dive is impossible. In fact, I only saw one guy who could do it...

[@williambentley1234]

I don't know what he went through, but he probably earned that scream.

[@slypeppa]

His brother said he was normal before he was in a car accident.

[@tjtaylor5273]

he was a preacher before he started doing stand up. no lie. look it up. thats where he learned the scream. bible school cuz in bible school and preaches scream alot

[@donaldseigel4101]

No he was married twice then divorced.....Ive been through divorce court, and I now have that scream

[@ryanmozert]

@@tjtaylor5273 yeah. every one knows he used to be a preacher. we get it

[@JewandGreek]

The story I read was that early in his comedy career he had a fight with his girlfriend and he went to the comedy club afterward and started to improvise and that's where that scream came from. It went over really well with that crowd and he made it a staple in his act.

[@ccwnoob4393]

college professor here, and among many others, he was one of my biggest influences ... his history professor in Back to School. omg

[@MeanLaQueefa]

CCW Noob Wilson didn’t have the balls to drop the bomb

[@mayorb3366]

I had a college professor who had been a tunnel rat in Vietnam. He was too intense to be in front of a class full of kids. There was nothing funny about him, I dropped the class.

[@tacomapaul8831]

I saw Sam Kinison at the front row '87...Paramount Seattle... and he slapped with a high 5 my hand ! ;-)

[@bcrater6400]

He was like a comet that only comes by once.

[@sarsippious3028]

Comets have an elliptical orbit, which me they will return

[@MightyAvengingLeo]

@@sarsippious3028 I think Crater meant once in a lifetime.

[@sarsippious3028]

@@MightyAvengingLeo Comets can pass you by more than once in your life... it depends on it's orbit

[@MightyAvengingLeo]

@@sarsippious3028 I'm aware of that. What I'm saying is that B Crater's statement that "He was like a comet that only comes by once" probably meant "He was like a comet that only comes by once in a lifetime," with the stipulation being Kinison was that type of comet.

[@sarsippious3028]

@@MightyAvengingLeo "He comes around only once" makes no sense . He was on Letterman twice

[@criticalmass613]

35 years later this is still smart, funny... and scary

[@salamanca1954]

If we still had him with us he'd have a goldmine of material.

[@blastofo]

We need him now more than ever!

[@raytrotta]

The best EVER!

[@JimA-pp2nu]

not funny at all. He was overrated and lame

[@DrLoverLover]

This guy isnt very funny or smart. Compared to Bill Hicks for example, this guy is a chump

[@matthewmayrand33]

Saw one of his last shows at the Fox Theater in Detroit. The best comedy show I have ever seen. Truly one of the greats.

[@deluge71]

As a teenager, I was fortunate enough to see this live, when it first aired. Then I got to see Sam do his thing at Poplar Creek, and later the Chicago Theater. Great memories, and I am grateful for them.

[@Sandlot1992]

R.I.P. Sam Kinison

[@CRAZYWILDMAN49]

See ya soon brother.

[@paulusiirqu396]

joey Elias

[@Trisador9]

and Benny Harvey too :( it's always the best that go too early...

[@danhall2822]

Belmont

[@walteraprichard6456]

Richard Canipe - He died?...wtf

[@steventaylor6212]

I saw Him twice live. I've never seen any else like Him. He knew how to work a crowd. Fantastic comedian.

[@christophercasey6775]

His preaching background really set the stage. An original..

[@steventaylor6212]

@@christophercasey6775 The only other time that I saw an entertainer rule a crowd like that, it was Dave Grohl.

[@jefferyobryan6351]

All these years later and this is still pure gold! I remember seeing this air on Letterman in the 80s at my friends house. We were all drunk and just laughing our asses off. Good times! 😃😃😃

[@mangafq8]

@Jeffery O'Bryan I think you have to be drunk to enjoy the repetitiveness of this set, tbh. I am his age, but never really heard of him till now. What can I say?

[@jjgalletta66]

I saw Sam perform at the Circle Star Center in San Carlos, CA in 1988. Front row. I was 21. Coked to the gills. One of the best nights of my life.

[@georgeanthony7282]

How can you not enjoy the genius of this man? He's dearly missed today.

[@snowden352]

Dude was intense.

[@jbarker98420]

CoKE

[@pmvaldez1]

Jay Bird he was actually a revival preacher.

[@lazurm]

MentokTheMindTaker: Intense? Yea, maybe so but, sadly, he's now past tense.

[@maxiepattie85]

@3:55 or you don't get it

[@danman6669]

And this was him holding back for network TV.

[@UN_NAMED_0]

Wow, Kinison performing clean... very interesting to see... and for some strange reason, I think I might actually prefer it. It makes his outrageous-ness "pop" even more than usual. What a great set... freakin' comedy legend!

[@kerrijacobi]

JDRszostak But Sam never OVER cursed. He always cursed at the appropriate times, for important emphasis. I don’t like the comedians that constantly curse b/c they think it makes them look cool. It just makes them seem unimaginative and less funny.

[@starkenterprises2371]

Saw him in 1980 in a comedy club in Houston with some bartenders, I was the doorman/bouncer. High as a Georgia pine we unknowingly sat at a table right up front. Outstanding show. R.I.P. Sam.

[@Ricobaca]

they cut him off before he could say, see this, this is sand, you can't eat it

[@Rod_I._Rigo]

+Rico Baca "Com'ere! You see this?! This is sand! It's sand. You know what its gonna be in a hundred years? It'll still be sand!!!"

[@chrisweidner4768]

zombiguts And then" We have deserts........... One of the funniest bits in the history of comedy!

[@STNeish]

Ya, I wondered why they cut that off... he must just have been running long. TV schedule, you know.

[@robertslugg8361]

Back when politically incorrect wasn't a hate crime. :(

[@daveidmarx8296]

Yeah, it sucked how they just cut him off before he could deliver the punchline.

[@christophermitchell4017]

Sat in the front row at the Comedy Store in L. A., as usual. Never heard of him. I was crying tears of joy in less than 2 minutes.

[@HoofHearted6]

Saw Sam in Pittsburgh at a venue across the river from 3 Rivers Stadium in 1990. Loved Sam but the funniest moment of the night was when a train was approaching the venue. The tracks ran along the river and went by between the river and the audience and the train had a full view of the crowd and stage. I can't remember the name of the opening act (psychedelics were in play) but as the train approached he made a deal with the audience that EVERYBODY will drop their drawers and moon the train as it goes by. We all laughed and agreed but as the train passes he turned his back to us, dropped his pants and gave the train and us a full moon. Laughter filled the air and as he slowly turned around realizing that he was the only one of 4,000 people to drop their pants.....he sheepishly shouted " I thought we were ALL gonna do it!!!". Yep, I am still gasping for air.

[@clqudy4750]

THAT is good television! Glad to have lived it and rewatching it in 2024! RIP Sam - you were awesome!

[@jonsalt3241]

He was dropping some marriage truth bombs!

[@zyper2012]

My wife and I were both happy for 26 years,, then we met Rodney Dangerfield

[@Hygelac1000]

Grief is the price we pay for love. As crass and confident as he was, he always spoke like a man hurt.

[@daveross7731]

Jon Salt Then you need to watch Fireproof... That is a marriage truth bomb movie

[@caliscribe2120]

The Lorena Bobbit story is the real truth marriage movie.

[@mgtow6683]

Marriage is like a Tornado: "In the beginning there's a lot of blowing and sucking, then you lose your house".

[@thebudkellyfiles]

Sam and Rodney, the two true geniuses of comedy. Like Da Vinci and Michelangelo to art. Irreplaceable.

[@vanceoverstreet4182]

Spot on

[@nymike06]

Their Back To School scene was the best!

[@1TwistedPoet]

Best stand up ever, in purely empirical terms, I saw on a Comedy Store special. Andy Kauffman. A comedian's job is to make people laugh. Kauffman came out on stage, stood behind the mic, crossed hisxm arms and said NOTHING. Silence. After about 90 seconds, some woman way back I the middle of the room giggled. (He he). The entire room ERUPTED in laughter, traveling like waves through the room. Andy Kauffman bowed, yelled "Thank You Very Much! Good Night! And walked off the stage. I am STILL in awe. But Kinnison was amazing too. Him and Bill Hicks.

[@biner01]

@@1TwistedPoet Rodney is a genius and Sam was born into a family of entertainers... that's why they beat both hicks and kauffman by miles

[@heavnnnsent]

And Richard Jeni!

[@brianwhitney8911]

Frankly, one of the best comedians to ever live! He was a beacon of light, living in a darkened room! RIP Sammy, you were Golden!

[@georgemallory797]

Saw him in Grand Rapids, Mich in late 80's and he was hilarious. Glad I got to see him live.

[@johnluke6122]

Kinison was only 32 here. He was born old.

[@Thisisahandle701]

Yeah he looks like 26 here.

[@wizardlvl5124]

Alcohol abuse and Obesity make you look old. Sam looks 30 to me.

[@jamesanderson6373]

He was 31

[@prd004]

Nelson Robert Willis Might???

[@EconAtheist]

Going into the clergy while remaining a skeptic will age anyone a decade.

[@bigrudyilwu38619]

Loved Sam Kinnison especially when he appeared on Howard Stern that interview was and still is an epic! Best interview ever!!!

[@sirsurfalot99]

Bow down to the pure genius that was Sam Kinison. Comedic powerhouse, and a fire and brimstone performance from one of the all-time greats!

[@micheleandhenrycasavant386]

Thank you for preserving such a treasure as our Sam was, is and will always be.

[@bigdaddy5150sh71]

I watched this when TV was still live. He was so original.🤘

[@TimShaw81]

Killed it! One of the best to ever do it, true comedy legend!

[@JumpinJAKEFlash]

“Brace yourselves...I’m not kidding” Thanks for the warning Dave. Ahaha

[@edhiggins2917]

Was in Houston..at the Annex.. when Sam was just starting...HE DID...Jesus Meets The Cross Eating Beavers!!!.. with his arms outstretched.. screaming like that!!..we cried!!! . It was a small room.. a bar 20 feet from the stage... got to hang with him..and Bill Hicks..Fred Greenlee... they all started there..I was there every week...I went to Hollywood... and became a Performing Magician Member of Hollywood's Magic Castle... But I remember those days when we were just starting out..So much Fun..So many Laughs...

[@VictorECooper1]

I love Sam's preacher voice . . . lots of passion.

[@papak67]

Victor Cooper That's because he was one.

[@HeyDude93gt]

PaPa I bet he was one hell of a entertaining preacher

[@blueskye6372]

Preaching was his background.

[@yaimavol]

Was he actually a preacher for a while?

[@Ballabruce1]

@@yaimavol yeah as a younger man.

[@puffinvapor4551]

I'll never forget the bit about the guy telling his wife he was going out with the guys " hand it over"!

[@mybabysattire5857]

I remember that! I almost died laughing when he told that one...lol!!!

[@mml1224]

"the film crew could give this kid a sandwich"- genius.....lmfao

[@MrJking065]

For what it cost to get the film crew and pay the film crew they could of feed the kids until they were old.

[@mml1224]

@@MrJking065 wow no way,how u know

[@doofus0123]

That bit was genius... Putting a rarely seen perspective onto a situation we hear about all the time. Was he being funny? Was he being serious? Great comedic uncertainty.

[@cityhawk]

doofus0123 More like, it’s funny because it’s true.

[@roymah2362]

One of the funniest & uncanny comedian who left us way too soon, nobody will be quite like him ever, never. RIP Sam.

[@Ironclad6661]

Sam totally killed it on this first appearance on Letterman's.

[@greatsajby9266]

"We have deserts in America too--we just don't LIVE IN 'EM." (since the band cut him off, someone had to finish the bit.)

[@Megamare1]

Forgot just how classic the screams were. ‘You live in a desert AAAARRHHH You live in a desert... AAAAAAAAARRRHHHHHHHHH’ !😂💯🤣

[@acbentertainment6265]

Timelessly funny. He was truly the best. Pure genius.