Rodney Rude – Live

For devoted fans of Rodney Rude, this live recording is often the answer to a long-standing question: how to access a genuine glimpse of his formative comedic period. The film captures the energy and raw humour that defined his early stand-up career, particularly during the vibrant 1980s pub comedy scene he helped cultivate. It’s a chance to revisit the foundations of his fame and the catchphrases that resonated so widely.

This recording of 'Rodney Rude Live, I Hate That' serves as a potent snapshot of a pivotal era in Australian comedy. It epitomises Rude's early work at The Margaret Lane Comedy Store, a period marked by burgeoning pub comedy culture. Coupled with his growing television presence, this album solidified Rude's status as a household name, largely thanks to his iconic catchphrase, 'You Know What I Hate,' making it a valuable piece of cultural history.

Rodney Rude was instrumental in the genesis of Sydney's stand-up comedy circuit. In the early 1980s, at the behest of his friend Barry Wain, Rude spearheaded the creation of The Margaret Lane Comedy Store, the city's inaugural dedicated stand-up venue. Under his energetic leadership, the comedy scene experienced a significant boom, establishing a vibrant and bustling atmosphere for performers and audiences alike during the heyday of pub comedy.