This is one of those entries that might be construed as having very little to do with classic rock. But there is some crossover. Counterculture comedian George Carlin died yesterday, and I feel like the world may have lost a true genius. That’s right: I believe that George Carlin was a great mind, and a unique observer of life’s follies who never held back and never apologized for what he thought or said. I’m proud to say, that stuffed in a box alongside my collection of classic rock albums are a couple from Carlin, Class Clown and Occupational Foole. Whenever I feel like I need a harsh and cold blast of reality, I listen to Carlin.
I’m not familiar with what type of music George listened to, if he listened at all. He was probably more into the 50s than the 60s or 70s. Of course, he played a mean guitar in the 80s comedy, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, but I seriously doubt he was into metal.
I saw George Carlin in person once in Las Vegas in the 90s. I always vowed to go see him again, but it never came to pass. I’d heard he’d grown a little more cynical in recent times. The last bit I saw was another one of his HBO specials, and he was especially scathing in his views on religion and the world in general. He never let up, never stopped exploring and questioning anything that didn’t quite look or feel right. He was neither a conservative nor a liberal; rather, he took shots at the entire human race without naming names and made people laugh at themselves. He was, in some many ways, a classic rock comedian. I hope he’s making them laugh and think wherever he is.
To celebrate the acerbic, razor-sharp wit of George Carlin, check out a couple of classic Carlin clips below. Warning: Some material in these videos may be unsuitable for some viewers.
George Carlin - Saving the Planet
George Carlin - Seven Words
