Frank Skinner, Stewart Lee, Al Murray, and Alex Lowe kick off music gigs – British Comedy Guide

motions in around 1989 and it turned out well”.
Skinner was invited as a special guest to Space Rocks, an event where Wilson performed alongside talks by astrophysicist Mark McCaughrean and solar physicist Miho Janvier. Following the event, Skinner was taken aback when Wilson offered him the opportunity to be his opening act at the London Palladium.

Excited about the unexpected job offer, Skinner happily accepted, reminiscing about his previous experience as a support act for Lloyd Cole and The Commotions in the late ’80s. Although Skinner’s style might be different from what Wilson’s audience typically expects, he was enthusiastic about the challenge. He mentioned on his podcast, “It was suggested that this might be a tough gig because his audience truly craves Steven Wilson, and nothing else”.

Wilson expressed his admiration for stand-up comedy, acknowledging that some of his fans were surprised to learn that he could appreciate humor despite the serious tone of his music. As a tribute to British stand-up comedians, Wilson arranged for Skinner, Al Murray as The Pub Landlord, Stewart Lee, and Alex Lowe as Clinton Baptiste to open one show each at the London Palladium. Each comedian brings a unique style to their performance, with the freedom to include Wilson, his music, and the audience in their comedic routines.

Skinner’s venture into the world of music doesn’t stop at opening for Wilson. He also stars in a new video for Hot Milk’s track “90 Seconds To Midnight”. In the apocalyptic video, Skinner embodies the persona of poet John Betjeman as he navigates through a dystopian landscape of a concrete shopping center amidst bombings and enjoys a contemplative breakfast in a greasy spoon café. The music video sets a somber tone, opening with a St. George’s flag burning in a bin.

This collaboration between comedians and musicians is not a new idea. In the past, various comedians have performed as support acts for music bands, showcasing their comedic talents to an audience with diverse preferences. Wilson’s initiative to invite stand-up comedians to open for his shows at the London Palladium adds a unique twist to the concert experience, blending music and humor in an engaging way. With Skinner, Murray, Lee, and Lowe on board, the audience can expect a night filled with diverse entertainment and performances that celebrate both music and comedy.