EdFringe Talk: Ron Placone – Balding is Punk Rock

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“Not to sound cheesy, but over the past few years the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that life’s too short not to be going in the exact direction you want to be going.”

WHO: Ron Placone

WHAT: “Ron Placone’s never been shy about calling out the absurdity of his country. As a result, in the past six years he’s played sold-out theatres and clubs from San Francisco to Melbourne, touring everywhere in the US and branching out internationally to Canada and Australia, making friends and, inevitably, a few enemies too. Come see how cats, marriage, rock’n’roll and pizza help one LA-based comic manage the contemporary political scene and capitalist ruckus of the USA. Ron has been seen on CrossTalk, The Discovery Channel, FreeSpeechTV and Redacted Tonight.”

WHERE: Laughing Horse @ 32 Below – Little Cellar (Venue 117) 

WHEN: 16:00 (55 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes! Well, my first time to the Fringe. I’ve been to Edinburgh the city before, I got engaged in Edinburgh. Right after a whiskey tour! Needed a little bit of liquid courage I suppose. She said yes. My wife and I have a framed painting of Princes Street Gardens in our condo because that’s where I popped the question. So, it’s already a very special place to me. I’ve been wanting to do the Edinburgh Fringe since, quite literally, my first open mic. It’s been on my list of goals since day 1. Being based in the States, it’s not the easiest trip in the world, not the hardest either, but every year there’d be something keeping me from doing it.

Finally, I just kind of dug my heels in and said “ok, I’m freaking doing this, it’s time, I’m doing it!” I mean, it’s pretty much the biggest arts festival in the world, in one of the most beautiful places that’s also an amazing city. How could ya not want to experience that at least once? Truth be told though, I still don’t know entirely what to expect. First timer here. I’ve talked to literally every comic I could both in the States and elsewhere who have done it before to kind of prepare myself, but I have a feeling this is one of those things you won’t really know what to expect until you’re there. I plan to welcome the experience, stay open and enjoy it. I know it has its frustrating elements, and I’d imagine at some point in the run I’ll feel that too, but it’s all part of the ride. A ride I’m thrilled to finally be taking.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Not to sound cheesy, but over the past few years the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that life’s too short not to be going in the exact direction you want to be going. I’ve adjusted things accordingly. I’ve also learned to focus on the things that are most important to help get me through and that’s what my show’s about. The world’s in a pretty crazy state right now. The United States especially is turning it up to 11. Our entire system is crumbling, the climate is collapsing, and despite that the powers-that-be want to continue the disastrous status quo that got us to this point.

It’s hard not to feel hopeless and frustrated and I think that’s universal but we can all lean on some things to help get us through. For me, it’s my wife, my cat, a good soundtrack and some guilty pleasure foods every now and again. And when I say ‘lean on,’ I don’t mean in an apathetic “oh, let’s just pretend everything’s fine” way. I mean in a motivator way, to realize there’s a reason to keep trying to build a better world. Far as the Fringe goes, again, first timer here. I’m sure I’ll make many mistakes, I’m sure I’ve already made a few, and if I’m lucky enough to come back again, hopefully I’ll make less the second time, even less the third time and so on.

Tell us about your show.

My show is called Balding Is Punk Rock. I wrote and produced it. As far as I’m concerned the show will premier in Edinburgh but I’ve had some test runs in the States. I did a run of shows at home in Los Angeles and also some other cities in the area like San Diego and Tucson, Arizona. Then, in June I did a run of shows in some of my favorite Midwestern cities: Detroit, Minneapolis, Madison, WI, Chicago, and Bloomington, IN. After Edinburgh, I hope to take it to other parts of the world starting with the UK and the EU. I’m getting ready to release a feature film so most of my 2024 domestic travel will revolve around that, so I’m hoping to do more with this show internationally.

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

I always get a little nervous with these sorts of things because I don’t want to leave anyone out, which of course given the nature of the Fringe is impossible. So, putting this out there in advance, if there are any comics I know who are going to be at the Fringe and I didn’t mention you it’s because I was unaware and I’m sorry. Also, I’m excited to discover tons of new stuff in comedy and theatre and beyond while I’m here. Here’s a few recommendations I have though:

Robin Tran, one of my favorite comics in LA and honestly anywhere. I’ve seen her play everywhere from packed houses to empty dive bars (the ladder probably doesn’t happen for her anymore these days but this was some time ago) and she always kills. She’ll be doing the entire run I’m pretty sure.

Dennis Trainor Jr, an actor and activist, has been work-shopping his one-man show in the Boston area and I can’t wait to see it.

Attila the Stockbroker, I’ve been a fan of this guy’s music and poetry since I first heard about him in 2004. He doesn’t tour the States as often these days so I’ve never had the chance to see him live. I was stoked to find out he was doing the Fringe and then a little bummed to see our shows are at the exact same time, heh. Fortunately, he has one time deviation in his run so I hope to catch him at that one.

Danny O’Brien, Dublin-based comic, I did his Dublin show a few years ago when I was just passing through on holiday and have kept in touch since. He’s hysterical and I can’t wait to see his Fringe show. And of course, thousands of other fantastic shows that I can’t wait to discover. Happy Fringe everyone!

LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!