The
neo-vaudevillian, the real life Disney villain, the gin-addled
courtesan, the anti-christ of cabaret and the one and only waltzing
cynic... Eccentric to international stages, Joe Black takes to shows
in an almost cartoon-esque theatrical assault, sweeping the audiences
through an array of show tunes, ballads, and a rather varied but fine
selection of morally questionable entertainment. Though seemingly
unable to fit into any particular category, Joe Black has none the
less defied description and taken to stages across the world.
Joe
Black, or Mister Black, if you'd prefer? Is no stranger to the
ridiculous, the sometimes disturbing, or the
downright shocking world of entertainment. As well as regularly
treading the boards of the sell out sensation that is the worlds
biggest fetish club Torture Garden and international tours with the
critically acclaimed Ministry of Burlesque, he also hosts his own
sell out residency in the lavish Edwardian Kings Theatre, in
Hampshire. An entertaining and inspiring cabaret artist, with a
constant stream of theatrical endeavours across the UK, Europe and
Internationally, Joe Black has performed and toured alongside the
likes of the Tiger Lillies and Toyah Wilcox, as well as performing
sold out shows, headlining arts and music festivals across Europe,
touring America, raising the roof at the historical treasure that is
the British Library in London and performing a series of shows in
Australia at the infamous Butterfly Club in Melbourne.
One
of the pioneering personalities in neo cabaret, Joe Black is the
unmistakable Vaudevillian Villain.
Joe Black "The King of Cabaret Noir" The Metro
What
was your first experience of Burlesque or Cabaret, and what convinced
you to start yourself?
I
used to perform on the streets as an accordion player, sometimes with
a violinist! She heard about a local burlesque
night and managed to grab us a spot at the show.... I had been
performing my own peculiar brand of cabaret songs and stage shows
alongside bands and such, for a few years before that but had not
actually been involved within the cabaret scene as of yet. I suppose
that was my first exposure to it, hands on but its something I had
watched and been interested in for years.
"Absurd, Terrifying and Brilliantly Original." ScotsGay Magazing
You
have a unique and ever-changing image – what inspires these changes
and which look has been your favourite so far?
I
feel like every artist needs to grow as they continue otherwise it
becomes stale and too samey. (is that even a word?) My favourite is
my current look. I enjoy every look more than the last. The blue
hair and suit with ridiculous hats and cadaver like make-up is very
much a current pleasure of mine! I get inspired by things I see,
things I hear; sounds and music can evoke images... and I construct
what I take from it.
I get inspired by things I see, things I hear;
Who
are your biggest influences/inspirations?
Musically...
singer song-writers: Tom Waits, Nick Cave, Tori Amos, Amanda
Palmer... that kind of thing; though I don't really sound anything
like any of them I take great inspiration.
Content
wise... people like Tom Lehrer, The Tiger Lillies, Victoria Wood;
musical comedy and general filth!
Tom Waits ** Nick Cave
Tori Amos ** Amanda Palmer
Tom Lehrer ** Victoria Wood
The Tiger Lillies
Tell
us a little about your favourite experiences so far
Wave
Gothick Treffen festival in Leipzig (Germany): the biggest Gothic
music festival in the world... I was headlining the Moritzbastei
Castle venue: I was convinced I was going to have things thrown at me
but people went ballistic! Encores galore. It was without a doubt my
favourite live experience ever!
"Charismatic and downright Filthy: There can be no one else quite like him." Broadway Baby
Tell
me something no one would suspect about you
I
am completely socially awkward and shy, unless I know someone. I try
my best to chat and be nice to everyone at shows! But I am painfully
awkward. Painfully!!!
I am completely socially awkward and shy.
Finally,
any words of advice for newcomers to the scene?
Work
hard. Work VERY hard. Make the contacts. Treat everyone with respect
and stay true to what you want to do. You will always grow and
develop. Go with it though stick to what you love. Never change
because someone tells you that you need to. You will have many
sleepless nights. You will spend most of your time on public
transport or in cars. But it will all be worth it.
Work hard. Work VERY hard... it will be worth it.
More Joe
