Renowned comedian Bert Kreischer returns to the Red Rocks stage with his brand-new tour, Permission To Party, October 1! Bert Kreischer’s career has evolved from Rolling Stone Magazine’s “Number One Partier in the Nation” to one of the topgrossing stand-up comics in the business, movie star, leading podcaster and entrepreneur. According to Forbes, Kreischer has been hailed as, “one of the best storytellers of his generation, seamlessly and sincerely sharing anecdotes about his family and fatherhood while proving that there’s a way to take his [party-boy] antics into middle-age.” In 2024, Kreischer had the #6 highest grossing comedy tour worldwide, a huge accomplishment as he only toured 6 months, from January to June.
Have you had a chance to explore Denver? Any favorite spots so far?
When I worked at Travel Channel, we were based out of Denver, so I’ve spent a ton of time in there. I absolutely love Denver and everywhere around it. I was spending time in Evergreen before I started playing Red Rocks in Morrison. As a matter of fact, I got my scuba diving certificate in Denver. That’s the most time I’ve spent in Denver.
How do you keep up your creative energy while touring?
Sleep. Sleep is so important to being creative. Having said that, sometimes no sleep makes you create shit. There’s nothing better than giggling your ass off on a flight with zero hours of sleep, where you pulled an all-nighter while the bus driver drove, and you stayed up bullshitting. But for the most part, if I get a good night’s sleep and get a good workout, then I’m in a positive space and that’s the best place for creativity.
Denver is known for its music scene—what’s your impression of the city’s musical culture?
The last show I saw was at Red Rocks oddly enough. The best music in the country comes through Red Rocks. I was there for one of the Widespread Panic shows, and next week, I’m going to see Sturgill Simpson and The Red Clay Strays. I’ve seen the best shows of my life at this venue: Wilco, Jimmy Buffett, GOOSE. There is no better venue to play at in the country and I’m so lucky they let comics grace the stage.
Touring can be intense—what do you do to unwind and recharge during breaks?
Sadly, and oddly enough, touring is where I recharge. When I’m home, I’m juggling three podcasts and a business, along with spots. When I tour, it’s just stand-up comedy. I sleep great. I work out great. I eat great. I eat clean. I drink less. I may smoke more weed, but that’s it.
What message or feeling do you hope fans leave with after your performance in Denver?
I hope they want to come back. The only goal I’ve ever had is to try to increase my fan base in every city by 10% after every show, meaning I hope to play bigger venues every time I return. And I’ve been lucky enough to do so. Red Rocks is my favorite venue in the world, and I’ve said that in every interview. It is my Madison Square Garden. And being able to do it as much as my favorite bands would mean the world to me.
What has been the most unexpected moment during your tour so far?
The most unexpected thing that’s ever happened to me on tour was a female fan sneaking into my bus. She hid herself in the back bedroom, and when I got back there to go to sleep, she was there. It was by far one of the coolest things that can happen to any man, but not a man who has been married for 20 years. It’s a real feather in the hat. Obviously, I have no idea what made her think that I would cheat on my wife, considering my entire act is about my family. But it was an extremely nice compliment to get paid in a weird way. We took her to the closest gas station and waited for an Uber to come pick her up. I think the person that was most shocked wasn’t me, but my bus driver who is blown away at my faithfulness to my wife. By far, that was the most unexpected thing that’s ever happened to me on tour.
Don’t miss Bert Kreischer’s Red Rocks show next week Wednesday, October 1.
Tickets available at axs.com.