The Fringe Revolution

He may rail against being called The Next Bill Hicks or The Modern-Day Lenny Bruce, but we think Doug Stanhope secretly likes it. And why not? Both are apt comparisons, as the hard-livin’ cult comic has released four albums and three DVDs of impossibly rational, eternally honest material delivered with equal parts bluster and bile. Even better, he’s long forgone all the traditional comedy channels to cull a rabid fan base (semi-affectionately known as the Sausage Army) from dingy bars and fringe message boards.

Social mores, abuses of power, and his own ineptitudes are at the business end of his verbal lashings. Most recently, the ex-Libertarian presidential contender spent his summer and fall touring extensively and sticking it to the Powers That Be – especially Sarah Palin – at the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and online at www.savingbristol.com.