Actually, he was on Bill Mahr, I've got a friend who recommended one of his previous memoirs, and he married Katy Perry. He's pretty well known in the US, although I didn't realize how addicted he was to drugs before seeing him on Bill Mahr.
I didn't realise! Yeah he was quite the addict. He still struggles with it, but he hasn't faltered.
7 years ago
I watched him on Bill Maher too. He is a fascinating person and I'd like to learn more about him.
In a way, this reminds me of an interview with Marilyn Manson and I think it appeared in Michael Moore's Columbine documentary. He said something like our culture has become about nothing but fear and consumption. IE: Be scared of this, buy that. etc... It sounds like he and Russell have a similar take on at least a few things.
I also love to listen to Marilyn Manson speak. (I like his music too, now that I'm old & look absurd going to his concerts... Like Patsy & Eddie on AbFab when they went.) He's another one who people expect to be stupid & is anything but that. His words in Moore's "Bowling for Columbine" were stunning: Asked, "what would you say to those two kids?" (the ones who were the shooters) Manson answered, "I wouldn't say anything. I would listen, because it seems like nobody else did." [paraphrased from my memory - which is old & fallible]. I'm going to see him in 2 weeks!
I'm sure they would have. Funny you talking about Michael Moore because I was just thinking of him. Do you remember one of the docs he did where he brought a US citizen to Cuba for free health care? I'm watching a documentary on Fidel Castro, so you see the connection. Anyway, as you say you want to know more about Brand, you should watch his YouTube channel. He used to do this show called the trews, which was his own take on news stories, i.e. corruption etc. Now he does podcasts with a host of different people. Today I was watching one he did a while ago about corporate power. It's terrifying (the extent their reach goes), but the episode was really informative. He's coming to Belfast in May to do a stand up show and I'm going to see him. Can't wait!
7 years ago
That's really cool! I saved the video that you posted on FB for me, so that I can watch it later.
I'll have to see if I can find his podcast.
I don't think I saw the Moore doc where he brought someone to Cuba. I did see the one where he shamed an insurance company that said they would cover something and then reneged on their promise, by staging a funeral for the insured outside the front of the insurance company's office. Complete with the coffin and everything as well as handing out pamphlets so everyone would know what he was doing. LOVED it.
I don't remember that insurance/funeral bit. I'll have to watch it again.
7 years ago
I think that one was in a different movie. It might have been the one where he brought one of those big oversized checks down to a company that had just moved to Mexico. The check was made out for 10 cents, for the Mexican workers first hour of work. As you can imagine the company was not too happy about it!
I love Russell Brand, and I love that he's incredibly smart where most people expect him to be vapid or stupid. Here's a great little bit from when he was doing his Messiah Complex tour (worth a peek), here & went on the morning politics show that all of Capitol Hill watches (Morning Joe.) He did nothing and they all just went nuts. He had to basically take over the show for him. https://youtu.be/mDCtFTyw6fI
In a way, this reminds me of an interview with Marilyn Manson and I think it appeared in Michael Moore's Columbine documentary. He said something like our culture has become about nothing but fear and consumption. IE: Be scared of this, buy that. etc... It sounds like he and Russell have a similar take on at least a few things.
I'll have to see if I can find his podcast.
I don't think I saw the Moore doc where he brought someone to Cuba. I did see the one where he shamed an insurance company that said they would cover something and then reneged on their promise, by staging a funeral for the insured outside the front of the insurance company's office. Complete with the coffin and everything as well as handing out pamphlets so everyone would know what he was doing. LOVED it.