We're All Mad Here: A Conversation With Tom Waits

We're All Mad Here: A Conversation With Tom Waits
June 13, 2002. Ambassador Hotel, Los Angeles.
Anti Electronic Press Kit / We're All Mad Here
Anti Record promo interview, by Robert Lloyd
Official Site: www.tomwaits.com/
Official Store: tomwaitsstore.com/
Facebook: / tomwaits
Twitter: / tomwaits
#tomwaits #alice #bloodmoney

[@DigitalDirigibles]

I held the door for Tom and Kathleen last year at a little restaurant in Northern California. It was one of the best moments of my life. He said to me “Oh... well thank you there.” I was so star struck I was barely able to respond, I wanted an autograph so bad but did not want to bother him. This man literally had shaped much of my 20s-30s musically and is to this day my Elvis Presley. A true American Treasure.

[@denaheinrich3449]

You are really lucky and blessed!

[@sylviacarlson3561]

Was it Valley Ford, CA? That's where he lives, which is the little town right before Bodega Bay.

[@tecumsehtm]

Modern culture seems so filled with shitty couples and their short relationships.Tom and Kathleen are the real deal. The coolest couple on earth.

[@seastarfeather8787]

@@sylviacarlson3561 ~ shhhhhhh!

[@j0sh707]

Was it Hazel in Occidental?

[@dia.6213]

I wish Tom would write a book about his aventures and thoughts in life and then turn it into an audio book with him reading it.

[@robertwoodward829]

That would be too cool!

[@MikeGraceJediDad]

That would AWESOME

[@juanitasamz6259]

Beginning with his childhood in Chula Vista, California.

[@juanitasamz6259]

I’m watching Tom, Janet from Chula Vista.

[@marrz8244]

Excellent idea💡

[@AnnaLVajda]

"The public is fickle and I can't be responsible for their feelings ya know".

[@spinnact]

The interviewer just did not cotton onto that whole gag

[@Jiv_Ing57819]

They are fickle!

[@shawnbruce6934]

Epic

[@78tag]

When I heard him say that I was almost saying it at the same time. It was just what I would expect him to say.

[@Missjunebugfreak]

I love how happy and comfortable Tom is in this interview. Rare that we get to see this side of him.

[@Jonni1027]

My thoughts exactly! This was really fun and lovely❤️

[@raindog48]

@@Jonni1027 I am thrilled to totally agree with June and Jonni...

[@WarlikePeace]

I agree its great to see him happy and having fun but I'd say most interviews post marrying Kathleen you see the same side of him. I think she really brings out the best in him, especially once he quit drinking back in the late, late 70s.

[@juliashaw5559]

The David Letterman interviews are classics and very funny.

[@aallerton]

Yes, you can see him definitely having fun. Yet still, his body language - holding himself, putting one leg on top of another, hiding his face with his hand sometimes, proves that he is a very modest and humble person, actually shy and not fully believing in his greatness. Of course he is a GIANT of music and poetry! It is kind of heartbreaking that an absolute genius is so insecure when in fact he should be strong and confident as he delivers it through his music, poetry and creativity. (Unless he just acts, he is a good actor but I don't think he's doing it now) In my opinion that really proves how unusual and fantastic person Tom Waits really is!

[@lindsayjetton]

This interviewer is gold. I miss seeing Tom and his son buying books 4x a week at my bookstore. Lovely strange interactions I’ll never forget ❤️

[@rhythmfield]

Tom and his son in your bookstore? That would be a dream come true scenario for me, just being able to say hi to the guy and express what his songs mean to me. Did you ever talk to him about his music/lyrics, or you just let him be, shopping for books?

[@aqualung4359]

I thought the interviewer was weird.....strange questions, but Tom went along with it......love Tom's music, Martha is an awesome song.

[@slimturnpike]

The interviewer reminds me of Dick Cavett

[@Missjunebugfreak]

I think I'd clam up and get super shy if I ever met Tom. You're very lucky you got to have some good interactions with him.

[@Nate-cg9mm]

4x a week with Tom Waits. Wow. Very cool story. I'm guessing the interviewer also knows Tom personally. Which is also very cool.

[@xwexarexbulletsx]

One of the most fascinating things about Tom is how you sometimes can't separate what seems to be fiction from reality. Tom loves his tall tales, and you can't really tell whether he's telling the truth or a funny lie, and honestly its better this way.

[@Rottenkirsche13]

Sometimes he remembers it one way sometimes he remembers it a different way but he loves having multiple answers

[@thefitchemist2123]

“The public is fickle and I can’t be responsible for their feelings.” Jesus Christ this man is poetic in everyday life, not just his music.

[@dondamon4669]

I don't get what is so great about that? How do you speak?

[@dog7881]

It’s a pretty straightforward statement. It’s really not that deep…

[@caseylewis8768]

I always feel like a freak. But Tom just reassures me I'm not a dumbass. Your music gets me through everyday life. Thanks Tom. 😊

[@joshclapp5681]

You are one of the rare that sees the wonder in life like Tom does.

[@robotore]

Feeling like a freak on a leash?

[@ginamori4970]

I'll be listening to Alice

[@timothybyrom5560]

The intellectual depth of this man is awesome.

[@robinmenikoff586]

The result is that it's difficult to find a decent interview because these guys can't even comprehend half of what he says!

[@madelinemitchell104]

@@robinmenikoff586 I kept thinking about how patient Waits is with the interviewer!

[@101......]

Dick Cavett could, though it can't be possible now. _sigh_

[@davidbeddoe6670]

The man is a seamless mosaic of quotable one-liners and unquotable anecdotes.

[@maggieking6619]

In his growling gravel voice, "a seamless mosaic of..."

[@captainforrix956]

"We're putting out two records" I got really excited. Then I looked and realized this is from 2003. God Damn it.

[@richardlopez2932]

You could listen to those records again, though. Fish & Bird is a really nice song.

[@joshclapp5681]

I had the same thought for a millisecond, then it was my old friend Tom talking and the picture of life came into focus

[@snarkyguy2657]

Feels like this was yesterday, yet it was over 18 years ago. That's how you know you're timeless.

[@thehumanconversationalist1527]

That's it EXACTLY!!! Tom's absolutely timeless!

[@mbjasondify]

Perfecto ✌️

[@christinegoebel5999]

you' ll never lose....is "that feel"

[@jokubrik6597]

I`m trying hard to live outside the concept of time.

[@thehumanconversationalist1527]

@@jokubrik6597 sounds like a real worthy & great challenge...good luck!

[@elijahchesterthomas5334]

As a boy who left home at 14 and am 40 years old now, there is nobody that spoke to me more than Tom literally and figuratively speaking. Best travelling companion ever. Love to you Mr. Waits. Thank you.

[@daveo7481]

Almost diddo here. Weird to meet somebody that shared my experience.

[@daveo7481]

Swordfish trombone helped me feel how infentesnally dumb I really am. But he built me up too.

[@mikedvorak4108]

Best travelling companion ever. Perfect.

[@SuzanneDeniseB]

Same.

[@lakecountynaturalist7617]

Only a shy man can write such beautiful melodies. This interview confirms it. Love your work, Tom!

[@TwiztidMenace]

"You know, scales were really feathers, before they were feathers, ya know. If you look at a scale you can tell it's about to become a feather, in about 2 million years." I love this guy.

[@ronzalewski1699]

Tom Waits is captivating. His ideas are fast and clear leaving no doubt of the brilliant and plainly decent man he is.

[@Peter7966]

Agree... He's one of those guys who seems to be riffing through life, effortlessly, not cookie cutter cut.

[@ronzalewski1699]

@@Peter7966Yes, for sure. That is why he is so iconic. He helps show others that it is possible to be so empathetic and full of deep meaning. And he is able to do it in song and, astonishingly, in the moment during an interview. I have seen few others express themselves so well and each one are people that I believe carry greatness.

[@meloniesghost6338]

Well said! Perfect description!

[@susanmcarthur2204]

We so agree.We absolutely luv his music.Wouldnt u just luv to be his next door neighbor.........

[@craigcraig9731]

@@susanmcarthur2204 YESssss😎

[@washingtonroad6738]

"... you might as well make more than one pancake."

[@markstables2333]

I Met Tom Back In 77..He Was Playing The Capital Theatre Here In Salt Lake City Utah. Before The Show He Was In The Green Room Sipping Whiskey And Bummed About 5 Marlboro's From Me . I Was 17 And Had No Idea I Was Sitting With A Legend 🙄

[@leeoshatrumpeldor7164]

lucky man

[@chadwickrogers43]

niiiiice

[@steveedgell8382]

...still good he's managed to give up the cigareets 'n' whisky though.

[@SuzanneDeniseB]

Great memory though !

[@seastarfeather8787]

All kinda good stuff can go down in the Green Room!

[@Cmillpukins]

"When your stove is heated up, you might as well make more than one pancake" 😄 good one!

[@eduardo-pb7pk]

I worked as a PA on this shoot. We shot the “God’s Away On Business” vídeo the same day, at that now “gone” hotel. As a fan, I was in heaven.

[@markpatrick8188]

I worked as a PA on docs/film starting in 95 progressing in production over many years.....THIS would have been my Super Bowl. Well done! Memories for a lifetime!

[@rhythmfield]

Talk about heaven, a friend of mine was at a party with some movie people - Tom was there, running through some songs at a piano. People were distracted and not really listening-except my friend (a huge fan like me) and maybe one or two others). To this day I try to imagine standing next to a piano while Tom plays and sings, solo, saying things like “here’s a new one, what do you think of this one?” Etc. (I’m paraphrasing but he was saying things close to that)....

[@trysometruth]

@Elon Musk !top 10 How dare you make such a ridiculous accusation. Actually no one would lie about something like that. You on the other hand, well, you _might_ not be Elon Musk. But the !top 10 seems so legit.

[@Missjunebugfreak]

@@rhythmfield I can't imagine being at a party where Tom was playing some songs on the piano and being too distracted to pay attention to a legend right in front of me. Did you get to talk to him?

[@rhythmfield]

trysometruth he (she?) is a troll

[@Moriningland]

In the winter of 2004, believe it or not but, I was living in a redwood tree! I was part of an environmental group where we actually set up nests made of nylon cord to occupy the trees so they wouldn’t be cut now. I had a small shower radio/CD player and my friend gave me a single cd saying “that things worth it’s weight in gold”. It was Tom Waits “Alice”. Imagine being two hundred feet up in the canopy of a redwood, rain falling heavily every short day and just listening to this album over and over again. It was so touching and haunting and gave me memories I will cherish for the rest of my life. I instantly fell in love with Tom and his music. What a national treasure! He will live forever.

[@rhythmfield]

That’s truly amazing, living high up in the tree tops of those enormous beautiful trees. People habitually, and rightly, say “thank you for your service“ to military veterans. But I want to say it to activists who protects the legacy of the earth, plant life, animal protection…. Activists: thank YOU fir your service to the planet!! xo Greg Burrows (drummer)

[@TheAdvencherContinues2022]

This is the best interview I've seen of Tom. He's relaxed and seems to be enjoying himself.

[@thehumanconversationalist1527]

About a half an hour ago, I was in a bit of a hung down brung down shitty mood...now I've gotta hearty little chuckle goin. Thanks Tom as well thanks to the folks who conducted this rare jem.

[@angellahoulbjerg4307]

He is a gift to this world

[@kariskjerseth8818]

i feel the exact same way, i was on my own rant and i was feeling like an old shoe an old red shoe who needed his soul

[@ceef8688]

his collected interviews are a good thing to grab and read a little bit of every now and then... good cheer and cool things I never heard of

[@miralabualjadail4206]

He's been with the same woman since 1980! Wow that’s amazing and he still sounds so in love and proud of her 😍 Goals.

[@broken1394]

Soul mates.

[@KerouacsAccomplice]

That’s a great nugget of information, thank you for sharing with the rest of us! :-) I’m equally astounded by the lucidity of his memory and the breadth and depth of his knowledge! He knows so much (many niche things) and is able to recall them so well!!

[@miralabualjadail4206]

@@KerouacsAccomplice what the hell is that? And what does it have to do with this comment and video?And what made you say that? 🤔

[@miralabualjadail4206]

@@KerouacsAccomplice I wasn’t being hostile or defensive but you very clearly are.

[@miralabualjadail4206]

@@KerouacsAccomplice you misinterpreted everything I said. And no the playlist is there for people to watch. I am guessing you dont know what that is. Judging by the question. Also, your response is extremely offensive and derogatory. I dont need advice from you. I am very friendly and desirable. Thank God. You should follow your own advice before you give pointers.

[@benjaminhooper6076]

God his interviews are always priceless, every time. The guy is so funny it’s beyond belief, a true wordsmith. Long live tom

[@richardcontreras9577]

I had the pleasure of seeing him in concert and I had no idea who he was. It was the most captivating, emotional and riveting experience I ever had. Truly an amazing and gifted man.

[@dougsignorovitch1493]

This is outstanding. Great interview. " today you play jazz, tomorrow you betray your country " Who knows that stuff? 👍🎶😎

[@Muppio]

I love this man and everything about him.

[@judyroth1509]

I used to work with his sister. I was lucky to have gone to see him with her on the Tonight Show. It’s something I will always remember.

[@musicisbrilliant]

HHHHHHHEEEEEEEERRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He stands alone and is true to himself. For that alone, he is a huge inspiration. Its amazing to still have you with us, Tom. A musical legend.

[@lordmanhammer666]

Met him a longtime ago at a book/record store in Petaluma area. I dropped the record I was holding and totally blew it.... Your your your you're Tom Waits. Gee fella that's what they call me. Really really nice guy

[@Moriningland]

I knew a girl who met him in a health food store. She saw him from across the isle and approached “you’re Tom Waits, right” to which he smiled and said in that gruff voice “no honey, I’m very sorry but I’m not” and winked So cool

[@andrewbowen8122]

This man knows “things”

[@AnnaLVajda]

Stuff.

[@chrisp1355]

Extremely intelligent and grounded men are rare. Thank you for sharing.

[@chrisp1355]

@Walter B No.

[@sturmraist50]

@Walter B Thank you for that 🙂

[@lauramarks6388]

Got to work with Tom on a music video and scene for Jim Jarmusch Coffe and Cigarettes about 20 years ago. 2 long days of great collaborations. Ran into him at a small country store about 10 years ago and we had a chat standing over the coffee dispenser in back of the store. So great to see this interview with him.

[@strangersname]

Laura, how 'bout one or two anecdotes?

[@ga3124]

That's a classic bit with Iggy. Aren't you lucky to have been in the same room with those guys!

[@lauramarks6388]

Super lucky to have worked with Jim, Tom and Iggy. when Iggy arrived after landing from Japan and all we had in our low budget craft services was PBJ, assorted snacks and water or coffee, Iggy said to my production assistant, “A PBJ with coffee would be lovely. Thank you.” He was a super sweetheart to work with.

[@lauramarks6388]

And Tom was so much fun. When rehearsing the scene where he rides his sons tricycle around the field, I suggested it should end with him drinking smoke from his high heel. He got up in my face and said “tell it to Jim. Tell it to Jim.”

[@lauramarks6388]

We had two very long shoot days. 2nd day being coffee and cigarettes day. At hour 12, as assistant director, I told crew and talent we were at 1/2 day. We wrapped about 4 hours later and Kathleen brought bottles of champagne for everyone to take home and enjoy withe friends family. The best was just chatting with Tom at 2:30 in the morning after wrap.

[@aallerton]

Yes, you can see him definitely having fun. Yet still, his body language - holding himself, putting one leg on top of another, hiding his face with his hand sometimes, proves that he is a very modest and humble person, actually shy and not fully believing in his greatness. Of course he is a GIANT of music and poetry! It is kind of heartbreaking that an absolute genius is so insecure when in fact he should be strong and confident as he delivers it through his music, poetry and creativity. (Unless he just acts, he is a good actor but I don't think he's doing it now) In my opinion that really proves how unusual and fantastic person Tom Waits really is!

[@ST-xg3gy]

Many are like that.

[@aaronchilds4279]

It's understandable though. This is an artist who bleeds out, lays everything bare through his music. He also takes risks that very few other artists are willing to take, constantly reinventing his style and yet remains truly authentic. Think of how vulnerable that must feel, and how humbling it must be to be that intimately connected to the heart of the Muse, to the very essence of the human condition.

[@BeyondSideshow]

Insecure... I dunno about that. Vulnerable, perhaps.

[@mark1952able]

Lorca was a big influence

[@webstercat]

Adam Mazur Tom is beautiful spirit. So funny. Laminated Eggs.

[@humanonearth1]

What a great laugh. It tells me everything I need to know about him.

[@winterhand1414]

Still one of my absolute favourite musicians!

[@violinsinthevoid4579]

He is our living poet laureate in my opinion. He reminds me of Robert Burns, with his exaltation of a more common vernacular in poetry, mixing the day to day with the visionary and transpersonal. Maybe I’m nuts. All I know is he is a great and rare talent.

[@anachronistofer]

Still one of my absolute favourite humans as well as musicians.

[@321snoot]

@@violinsinthevoid4579 As a lyricist/"poet" - and certainly as a musician - I'll take Tom Waits over Bob Dylan any day of the week.

[@thefancullinibrothers1983]

Black Diamond Bay

[@spammyhagar]

I bless the rains down in scapula

[@baronmorris]

Well played.

[@spinny2010]

Nice one

[@leucadendron007]

Yes !

[@jkitty1089]

Hahahaha! Thanks for that-

[@Finnsta667]

I read this comment before the moment in the video. Boy was I confused...

[@UnguessedGlory]

I was first introduced to the existence of Tom Waits and his music by accident, when I got lost in Tai Pei. I stumbled across a coffee shop called the Tom Waits Cafe. I can imagine no better way to discover this being and the art he has enriched the world with.

[@collectingsoulz1435]

..."you wash I'll dry". Relationship wisdom, love this Dude.

[@SuzanneDeniseB]

Music is LIFE. He is DEFINITELY part of the soundtrack of my life ♡

[@marcelnicolas3247]

Hello how are you doing today..

[@m.b.4164]

Nicely said madame Bryson.

[@curtconroy8789]

This is one of best Waits chats online. It’s a gem.

[@katttok]

Warning: the side effects of this video may include smiling for the rest of the day (and a bit in the morning) and wanting to become a better person.

[@Drewtazy]

Tom Waites is an acquired taste like fine wine. I appreciate him and his music more and more as time passes.

[@BarbaraMerryGeng]

This interview is 18 years old .. what an amazing person ! I remember him in a few movies, he’s a great actor .. as well as a true musicians ..

[@MarkTheBattler]

Miss Merry Berry have you seen the new Cohen brothers movie, The ballad of buster Scruggs?? He’s the main character in my favorite segment of the movie!

[@monikado13]

I grew up in Poland in the 80s and 90s and Tom Waits has always been a hero for me. I was shocked after moving to US that almost nobody here knew who Tom Waits was... while everyone knew Katy Perry and Justin Bieber

[@ethanmathison9957]

WHAT A DELIGHTFUL INTERVIEW. SYMPATICO, ARTICULATE AND FLUIDLY WACKY. TEN STARS! WORTH LISTENING TO EVERY MOMENT

[@thekewlplace2b]

This is trully the only interview I've seen him laughing and being so clearly happy. He must've had a great day

[@kell2640]

Always think of Tom as who I would put up in the defendant box to stand for mankind if God woke up after his long nap.

[@marybeasley3232]

Damn what a true and amazing comment. Truly a drink of cool water!

[@kell2640]

@@marybeasley3232 Blessings Mary. Sorry for the lateness of my reply. An equally wonderful comment to receive in reply. We need him more than ever don’t we.

[@rynr.climenhagaillustratio5819]

Brilliant

[@itsunclemonty5206]

Woh, profound, Kell.

[@BiLdoEMcLown]

Tom, you tend to take that fine line between genius and insanity, and play hop scotch. One of the few that sees that line like a wav form and simply strolls thru it in a drunken stagger. You're crazy brilliant. Stay you. For the love of God, in this ever changing world, please... stay you.

[@chuckthebull]

I had a suspicion the crows on anthills was true, SO I LOOKED IT UP ,,YUP. THEY DO. Tom sprinkles truth with whimsy, a wonderful way to look at the world.

[@bowerydoll]

I've always loved his fingers...and his smile and laugh. Such a brilliant artist.

[@toiseywoisey]

I attended a taping of the Match Game ‘77 at CBS Television Studios in Hollywood and met Tom Waits in the waiting line, where He looked at the Hollywood hills and said “That’s where Queen Jane lives-I think I’ll visit her again”: A Dylan lyric. He tagged with me, and sat next to me during the taping. This was before I knew who he was. He only attended for the ticket raffle at the end of the taping, with his elbows on his knees he lurched forward clutching it with both hands and stared at through the entire taping to rise only when it was announced the raffle numbers to be read. When his wasn’t called he theatrically threw his ticket to the floor and rose up to leave the studio. On the way out it was drizzling so I offered him a ride home. He declined-said “No thank you” and laid down on a bus bench in full view of the the crowd of people walking out to the parking lot.

[@NASkeywest]

I can see Tom laying on that bench with his hat pulled down over his eyes just listening to the rain

[@jaydee9262]

Toms an amazing artist,good to see him enjoying life.

[@mrwullieblake]

Best Tom Waits interview I've seen, so relaxed and funny, interviewer has a great sense of humour too which Tom obviously appreciated.

[@evfast]

Never watch interviews with your heros they say. While good advice overall, Tom is definitely an exception.

[@rhythmfield]

And: Never drive a car when you’re dead

[@evfast]

@@rhythmfield Something I make a point of avoiding.

[@bifferspice]

nobody says that. :-/

[@melindaforster1240]

you can also watch David Bowie

[@rabihbourji2069]

@@melindaforster1240 fuck yeah,while not a big fan of some of his stuff,i have watched every single interview he has done.

[@markdonovan1540]

Gibberish is more than what it sounds.... I first heard Tom Waits when someone played his album Blue Valentine, around 1980. I've always felt that it was a subliminal piece of musical and lyrical artistic work.

[@gwarlow]

Glad KZbin's algorithm brought me here... Fascinating interview and completely free of ego (on both sides of the camera). What a rare treat and a refreshing change from what passes (often, but not always) as an interview in 2020.

[@artby2wenty]

Props to recording this at the Ambassador before another piece of Los Angeles history was ripped down.

[@edwardsexperience6234]

Well y'know he's an absolutely incredible person n we love him for a long long time. Thank you very much, mr. Waits! Appreciate you sir!

[@whybutwhy4137]

When someone wants to date me I ask them what's your favorite Tom Waits song and if they know who he is then we can continue the conversation lol.

[@Missjunebugfreak]

My future partner will have to be a Tom Waits fan. That's one of my rules. 😄

[@BREAKOUT444]

...Bone Machine ;)

[@utahboxergirl11]

@@BREAKOUT444 pasties and a G string

[@mattl7886]

He Building In There?

[@blackmore4]

Kentucky Avenue.

[@miralabualjadail4206]

What a pleasant and witty conversation. Thank you for this gem. And Tom blushing and giggling is very endearing.

[@TheCheermeister]

Miral Abualjadail ,endearing.

[@miralabualjadail4206]

Rick Ster thank you sir.

[@gifart]

I love you Tom, since my adolescence. I listened to your songs a lot during some of the toughest moment of my life, passing through love and life storms.

[@mikeculliney]

Fantastic to see and hear Tom, magic.

[@lindas3702]

Instantly put me in a good mood, thanks Tom!

[@MrDiddyDee]

What a great interview, Tom is clearly enjoying the experience and more relaxed than I've ever seen him. Good interviewer, liked his tone.

[@affirmation_rebell]

Thank you for your music❤️

[@ceef8688]

before I clicked, I thought, "wow, he looks great for his age!" and then naturally, this is 2002.

[@davidadams2395]

I thought the same until I tried changing the resolution and saw the max is 480. In 2002 he was the age I am now.

[@natashanyxx9486]

I thought exactly the same thing.

[@ceef8688]

@@davidadams2395 see you in 2038!

[@davidadams2395]

@@ceef8688 If I make it to 2038.

[@ceef8688]

@@davidadams2395 I think most of us on Earth are wondering if we will be there with you...

[@ianbriggs5336]

thanks Tom. your music is something both my wife and I share.we are different ages and your music alone is a place we can both enjoy equally. bring your family to NZ for a holiday!!!!

[@torkdork69]

I love this interview. Near the end last question he explains music to be treated almost like the Holy sacrament. Like going to church the musicians are asked to not listen to any music before recording with Tom. A complete empty vessel if you will. For that when we do play it is from complete and clean invention.

[@adammahoney9352]

Whos watching I love this

[@doctortrouserpants1387]

Their combined senses of humour make for a really sweet and uplifting conversation.

[@chuckthebull]

I noted that Tom was tickled by the questioners..it was nice to see.

[@paulgibby6932]

Waits nicely laughed at the intrusive interviewer, who should have just asked questions

[@chuckthebull]

@@paulgibby6932 funny how people interpret things based on their own bias though not what actually occurred. only way to know this is to ask Tom, and he might have said both things are true.

[@chuckthebull]

@@glokkpod84 Doing constant interviews hes subjected to for his whole carrier may be quite tiring so maybe in this he was having a bit of fun with it despite that..

[@shanewright2772]

He talks just like he sings. I also like the framing on the video.

[@Toracube]

The best TW interview i have seen. Relaxed, fun.

[@abstractina2]

My all time favorite artist! I wish he was still touring.

[@bradtaggart5509]

I’ve loved this man for half a century, and I’ve made an honest effort to introduce him to as many people as I possibly could. He’s a true master, and IMHO the best songwriter that ever lived.

[@MikaelLewisify]

So many people just don’t get him. I didn’t get him at the start, but man, what an absolute genius.

[@soulfirefreedom]

I am glad I got to see Tom just as he is in these moments. Been a long time fan! Thank you!

[@aprils4890]

What a great conversation, I'm so glad it found me right now, whoa la malla foo la pahla...yah!

[@briandrier3420]

the best interview of TW i've seen/heard yet--and surprisingly revealing! thanks for posting!

[@bradswinski1830]

This is great. I love this more than I can convey. Thank you.

[@GIBKEL]

He somehow knows more than I have ever forgot.

[@fingerburn50]

Back in the 70's.. KSAN in SF, would play Tom Waits late at night it's how I first listened to him.. Night Hawks is in my top 10..

[@haleyblackspruce1077]

Happy birthday you legend! Love from the Kootenays, BC

[@alexanderennl]

Thanks for posting

[@christiroberts8817]

Just seeing this interview. Love the witty repartee. Fun.

[@Nomadahtous]

Great interview of which actually captures the contemporary spirit in Tom… I’m a big fan of his work. Simply put he’s awesome

[@davidwakefield4340]

The meaning finds the sound. They join and give you a word. Great insight into the process. Cheers

[@shariheath6299]

I love your intelligence it shows in conversation and music .

[@schnook11]

This is hands down the most entertaining interview I've ever watched.

[@adamcrary1602]

Yes. Def. Idk who the interviewer is but they seem to be of similar mind. Both of them seem to be in on their own little/ big joke. What a great, intelligent, understated, self-amused and insightful collection of random thoughts. Their music is quite different, but his laidback, beatific take on things reminds me of some of the better Jerry Garcia interviews out there. I’m sure they could talk and laugh for hours , if they didn’t already. I wanna be just like them when I never grow up also. I’ve always had a feeling it’s better to not meet your heroes. Idk… somebody once said that they either turn out to be jerks or just like you. Interviews are a great way to find out that that statement is not always true. Thank you for this! Made my night.

[@KOLDBLU3ST33L]

The most "at ease" interview I've seen TW do. He's actually having fun.

[@wannabepoet9647]

Damn this was fun to listen to and watch. I haven’t seen an interview before where Waits was this relaxed and open. Kudos for those random questions as well!

[@jrpipik]

I love seeing him laugh so much. In so many early interviews he never seemed to laugh. He seems to be enjoying himself at this point.

[@92110victoria]

I agree, music is my therapist with many doctors on call.

[@dandunning7731]

You got the stove on, so you might as well make two pancakes. Everything that comes out of Tom Waits's mouth is poetry!

[@joelhammer3538]

A great American artist. Love Tom!💙💙💙

[@seastarfeather8787]

LOVE to you TOM! been enjoying your tunes & poetry since the late 60's, Thank you for your creations☆❤️☆

[@-Atmos1]

I like the way he talks , what a cool guy . Definitely not fake .

[@patrickkelley8177]

"Flies? It's a bit too early for them. *Looks at watch*" This is one of the most enjoyable interviews with waits I've ever seen.

[@johnshepherd4232]

Nowhere near enough recordings of Tom in comfortable environments where a bit more of the *bit* is held back and he laughs so much in earnest and deploys his infinite range of interest in the world. What an unrivaled king of thought and of finding the self's spirit

[@goaliemojo4310]

enjoyed this and the more recent press release vid. please keep them coming Mr. Waits