Submitted by Tina Krueger.
Local comedian and veteran, Josh Firestine, just released his first comedy album titled Needless to Say. It quickly took over the number one spot for the comedy category on Apple and remained there for several days.
Over the past several years, Josh has become a favorite in comedy clubs from Tacoma all the way to North Carolina. Before COVID, he could be found at the Tacoma Comedy Club several nights a week, when he wasn’t traveling to other clubs, honing his humorous craft.
Josh’s goal for 2020 had been to record and release an album. However, with the pandemic came many obstacles in which to overcome. Due to the severe state restrictions on in-person entertainment, Tacoma Comedy Club was (thankfully temporarily) shut down. Because they were already serving delicious food, they became Tacoma Burger Company to keep their doors open. Josh was not deterred however and continued to perform in other clubs throughout the country as allowed.
A few months ago, Josh decided the time was right. The album was recorded in Oklahoma with a great audience in attendance. It should be noted that Josh wrote, produced, recorded, and sought distribution for his album, Needless to Say, solely on his own; a fete unto itself!
Needless to Say contains something for everyone. He speaks with hilarity on many topics including his time in the Army; growing up; finding work after military service; being a husband and Dad; and being our own local Tom Cruise. I don’t want to spoil the fun by saying any more than that. Josh often engages his audience, eliciting feedback and banter, which makes for a fun, genuine comedy experience.
I encourage you all to download Needless to Say today on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pandora. Support a local boy and veteran. Have a listen. Chortle, giggle, smile, laugh and enjoy! Not a bad way to start off 2021.
Dave says
Suggest you view a few of his videos on-line before spending your money. If crude language and a slew of “F-Bombs” are your thing, go for it. It appears the days of good, clean language comedy are gone.
Tina says
Dave:
As stated, this is a comedy album, not a church sermon. Comedians swear. They all do. People in general swear. When you refer to the days of good, clean language comedy, I’m not sure when that was. In the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, etc, we had George Carlin, Lenny Bruce, Richard Prior, Don Rickles, and Eddie Murphy just to name a few. Did you enjoy them back in the good ol’ days? Swearing was all a part of their comedy routines. Did you know that studies from several major universities have shown that people who swear are more honest, intelligent, and trusted? But, we’re not talking about that. I’m not here to defend swearing. I’m here to state the obvious; you don’t go to, listen, or watch a comedian if you don’t expect to hear some swear words. Period.
I don’t believe you have listened to much comedy at all if you think Josh has an excessive amount of ‘crude’ language and a ‘slew’ of F-bombs. They are a natural part of his story telling, not gratuitous or excessive. If fact, what is offensive is your discouragement of this young man, husband, father and veteran for his country, without even listening to his album. Your negative comments were completely unnecessary. Anyone who goes to see a comedian knows what they’re getting. And, in this case, what they’re getting is a funny. local comedian who is working his butt off to be successful. Thanks for your support.
Dave says
Tina:
I am not supporting his kind of comedy in any way, shape or form. I only suggested that people be aware of his brand of “comedy” by watching a few videos on-line. Your preferences are yours, and if you like hearing F-bombs and such, there is certainly nothing to keep you from paying money to hear it.
I listen almost daily to comedy radio shows. Never once is any kind of swear word mentioned; shows such as Fibber McGee and Molly, Jack Benny, Life of Riley, and so many more. These shows are heard on radio.macinmind.com.
Tina says
My previous reply stands. Your preference for antiquated comedy is your own. Comedy is a personal preference and I make no judgments. However, we are not in the 1940’s or 50’s any longer. With that fact, you must understand that comedy has changed in the past 60-70 years. I would not compare Josh or any other current comedian to a Jack Benny or George Parr because that type of comedy exists no longer. It had it’s time and that time is past. Just like music, comedy styles have changed. If you prefer to listen to old comedy routines, just like I prefer to listen to older music, that’s your preference. But your proactive negative comments, let alone lack of support, is very disappointing and unnecessary. His brand of comedy is contemporary and contemporary comedy contains swear words. It’s not that I ‘prefer’ to listen to swear words. It’s just what comes with comedy these days (and for the past 30+ years). You don’t have to support him, but you can be realistic given the age we live in and keep your judgmental comments to yourself and let everyone else just enjoy the album.
Dave says
Tina,
Just calm down and recognize that I have the same first amendment rights as yourself. I have a right to make and express my comments freely regardless of how you perceive them.
I also have the right which has become epidemic in recent times. They call it the Cancel Culture; and I am exercising that now with you.
Tina says
Dave:
Telling a woman to ‘calm down’ is extremely sexist and dismissive. I am just trying to promote this young man who is working hard at his new career, trying to support himself and family after serving his country. I am not and have not tried to limit your freedom of speech; I am simply trying to explain what type of comedy Josh performs. I too have a 1st Amendment right (yes, even as a woman) to express myself and comment on your dated, antiquated views that may impair someone from buying his album. I’m not even going to address your ‘Cancel Culture’ comment as it deserves no reply.
Josh Firestine says
Hi Dave, I’m honored to have served our country and fought on multiple occasions in defense of your right to free speech. Keep exercising that right, and please do not support me. I don’t want it.
Thank you, for the feedback!
Kat says
Dave-
Why do you feel the need to warn adults about swear words? The article is promoting a local veteran turned comedian, and you want so badly to let people know you don’t like that he swears? Just don’t comment. Why choose to be negative just because it’s your first amendment right? The man has a child, let him make money for his family.