THE BIG RIFF - 1.41 - BILL CONWAY (THE HARD TIMES)
Mar 10, 2023
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Bill Conway, Co-founder of THE HARD TIMES, discusses his comedic journey, encounters with celebrities like Robin Williams, punk nostalgia, navigating social media, and the challenges of satire in punk culture. Revealing stories of mischief, stand-up comedy experiences, and insights on censorship and misinformation in the digital era.
Attending Weekend at Fatty's fest with NOFX playing 'Punk in Drublick' was a surreal and unforgettable experience.
Challenges in engaging rowdy crowds during comedy segments after high-energy music performances were faced due to technical difficulties.
A standout moment featured a comedian performing punk-infused Weird Al covers like 'Trigger Happy,' displaying creativity and humor.
Reflecting on NoFX's influence and performing alongside iconic bands like Fishbone evoked nostalgia and admiration for their impact.
The episode unveils insights into managing the Hard Times website, social media engagement, challenges of discerning truth online, and personal anecdotes.
Deep dives
Firsthand Encounter with NOFX
Being at Weekend at Fatty's fest and witnessing NOFX play in Fat Mike's backyard, performing 'Punk in Drublick' from start to finish, was a surreal and unforgettable experience. Despite not feeling starstruck, the setting and the performances were surreal and exciting.
Comedy Show Fiasco
Participating in the comedy segment after high-energy music performances proved challenging due to the transition for a rowdy crowd. Despite attempts to engage the audience, technical difficulties and the after-effects of Fishbone's electrifying performance made it a tough crowd to entertain.
Memorable Weird Al Covers and Punk Twist
One standout moment was a comedian delivering a punk twist on Weird Al covers, incorporating punk and folk elements to perform 'Trigger Happy,' showcasing the humor and creativity that captured the audience's attention.
NoFX Influences and Nostalgia
Reflecting on NoFX's influence in the punk scene, the experience of being involved in a show featuring iconic bands like Fishbone and NoFX brought a mix of nostalgia and admiration for the enduring impact of these legendary groups.
Hard Times Podcast and Tony Hawk Interview
The podcast episode delves into the various ventures and experiences of the speaker, covering topics like collaborating with Fat Mike on the Punk Rock Museum, creating fake profiles for the museum's pamphlet, engaging with celebrities like Tony Hawk, and recollecting memorable moments and interviews.
Challenges of Podcasting and Stand-Up Comedy
The speaker discusses the challenges of podcasting, including difficulties in booking and technical issues faced during interviews. Additionally, they touch upon the evolving landscape of stand-up comedy in modern times, highlighting the pressure to create viral social media clips and addressing the controversial moments faced by certain comedians like Tony Hinchcliffe.
Hard Times Website and Social Media Engagement
The episode reveals details about the hard times website, showcasing impressive statistics like over 11,000 published articles. The speaker also shares insights into managing social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, focusing on engaging a wide audience and addressing occasional misunderstandings and controversies from followers.
Challenges of Internet Truth and Censorship
The episode delves into the challenges of discerning truth on the internet and the concept of censorship. It discusses how the abundance of information online has led to difficulties in identifying reputable sources. The podcast highlights the issue of deepfakes and AI-generated content that blur the line between reality and fiction, making it harder to differentiate truth from falsehood. Furthermore, it debates the notion of censorship, emphasizing the difference between legitimate critique and spreading false or harmful information.
Personal Stories and Local History
The episode transitions into personal anecdotes and local town history. It recounts stories from the narrator's past, including encounters with a potentially dangerous individual and exploring haunted urban legends. The conversation weaves through childhood memories of a peculiar security guard, mysterious happenings at a music store, and eerie tales about ghosts and skeletons. The narrative unfolds with a mix of nostalgia, curiosity, and a touch of dark humor as the hosts reflect on these strange and unsettling experiences.
Tonight we are humbled to bring you a friend from back in the day Bill Conway - one of the founders of THE HARD TIMES, a website/network with hundreds of contributors focusing on hardcore punk, culture, and comedy. Join us as Bill takes us on his journey with some mind-blowing stories, hot takes, and fond memories.
forgive the zoom reception.
THE HARD TIMES
https://thehardtimes.net/
https://www.instagram.com/thehardtimesnews/?hl=en
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheHardTimesNews
https://twitter.com/REALpunknews
HRL
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ahardrocklife@gmail.com
dirtyrockrecords@usa.com
pelleklive212@proton.me
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