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Tony Clifton

Comedy

Tony Clifton Tickets

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About

Tony Clifton is shrouded in mystery and rightfully so, as the late great comedian Andy Kaufman
wanted it that way.

According to Kaufinan himself, he hitchhiked to Las Vegas in 1969 to see Elvis Presley. After the show, Andy stumbled into a seedy lounge in the bad side of town and saw an act that would change his life forever: Tony Clifton!

It wasn't long until Kaufman became popular (due to the TV series "Taxi") and demanded that Clifton appear on the show. The producers agreed, until Tony showed up drunk with two hookers. He was fired and had to be bodily thrown off the Paramount lot.

Kaufman became obsessed with Clifton, instructing his manager to "find Tony work." Surprisingly, Clifton was able to appear on a number of mainstream TV shows in the late 70's and early 80's, performing duets with everyone from Dinah Shore to Miss Piggy.

He even appeared on the David Letterman Show and Letterman thought it was Andy Kaufman in disguise. Meanwhile, Kaufman was watching the show back home in L.A. and was rolling on the floor with laughter, knowing he pulled one over on the King of Late Nite.

After Kaufman's untimely end in 1984, there were those who believed that Andy had faked his death and was, in fact, now performing as Clifton.

The Milos Forman film, "MAN ON THE MOON", that starred Jim Carrey further fueled these rumors. Fans were further stunned when Tony made a rare appearance alongside Michael Stipe and R.E.M.at the Hollywood Bowl.

After a brief appearance on "The Jimmy Kimmel Show" in 2004, followed by a sold out performance at L.A.'s House of Blues, Tony had been in communicado. Then in 2008, everything changed when he was arrested in New Orleans for disorderly conduct.

The nationally recognized charitable organization, Comic Relief, came to his rescue, persuading the judge to give him "community service" instead of jail time. Thus "Tony Clifton and his Katrina Kiss-My-Ass Orchestra" was born (this is a continuation of Comic Relief's commitment to support artists affected by Hurricane Katrina). The Orchestra went on tour and continues to take the country and critics by storm.

In May of 2010, they and Tony mount an historic four-day run (May 16th, 19th, 20th & 21st ) at L.A.'s famed Comedy Store.
Though rumors still persist that Andy Kaufman himself will show up, Clifton is quick to reply: "Andy's DEAD!!! lf you want to see Kaufman, get yourself a flashlight and a shovel."

Reviews

Rating: 4.6 out of 5 based on 15 reviews
  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Best entertainer, should do a super bowl halftime

    by Samnickname on 11/10/10Cobbs Comedy Club - San Francisco

    I saw Tony in 2008 right after the arrest and at the start of his comeback tour. I knew what I was getting into but didn't realize how much fun I would have or how great it would turn out to be. It was at the time the best show I've been to, including comedians and concerts. And I've been to some great ones. I searched here and there for the next show that I could go to. They are few and far between but if you can get to one within a 10 hour drive, I suggest you go as I did now in 2010. I live in LA now and Tony came to San Francisco for 3 nights during Halloween. I made it to the last show of his tour on the 30th at Cobbs Comedy Club and it was better than the first time I went back in 2008. It looked like the same girls, with could have been one substitute and possibly the same great band. The crowd was very involved and after almost 4 hours and close to midnight, everyone was dancing on the stage, taking pictures with Tony and his girls. I am hoping he comes to LA soon next year, as I would try to get as many people to go as possible. The more people that see this show the better our lives will be. I was slightly disappointed because Rhinestone cowboy only last about 9-10 minutes. Where as in Boston, it was close to 20-25 minutes since Gary Gulman was in the crowd and kept on egging the band/Tony on. I tried to keep it going myself, but Tony did not buge. Tony did look a little different from 2008, shorter and fatter, so the mystery behind who he is still lingers in my mind.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Insane

    by KingPacquiao on 11/10/10Wilbur Theatre - Boston

    There were a number of times I looked around in disbelief, wondering when the riot would begin. Great Fun!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    A totally unique show.

    by Gumpo on 10/29/10Hilton - Atlantic City

    Tony Clifton puts on a one of a kind show. Half of the fun was watching people walk out in disgust, because he'll say just about anything and really doesn't care who he makes angry. Between the songs, backup dancers, awesome band members, hilariously vulgar and racist one liners, and his constant drinking - making him do consistently more outrageous things, its hard not to have a good time... unless you get him angry by mentioning Andy Kaufman, then he might just walk out on you. Absolutely hilarious, one of the most entertaining shows i have ever been to. If you're lucky, he might even party with the fans after the show - not that there will be many left by the time it's over!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    An experience you won't forget

    by Lapoman on 10/25/10Atlantic City Hilton - Atlantic City

    Check out Tony and the Cliftonettes. If you liked Andy Kaufman, you'll love Tony

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Filthy but Funny

    by SAMus on 10/25/10Atlantic City Hilton - Atlantic City

    Tony Clifton is not for everybody. If you don't understand what he is doing you will do what half the audence did, get up and leave. If you do understand that the entire show is a farce, then your in for a great time. In summary, it may very well be the funnest show I ever saw!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    That's entertainment!

    by SAGglue on 10/25/10Atlantic City Hilton - Atlantic City

    Only thing better than the girls were the jokes. Audience participation was peritoneal!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Tony Clifton RULES!

    by MassachusettsCouple on 10/25/10Atlantic City Hilton - Atlantic City

    Two days after the Boston gig we had to see this act again in A.C. The venue was good. Large room and good stage presence (Lights, Sound, etc). Tony Clifton never let's us down and has to be the best live act we've ever seen. The act consists of jokes that will give you tears from laughing so hard while the music will keep you singing the show's tunes for months thereafter. His crew of musicians and Cliftonettes creates an amazing experience that cannot be missed nor forgotten. These people are hands down amazing and are the best. We love you guys and cannot wait for you all to return to the east coast!

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Clifton is just funny....

    by Miraclesport on 10/25/10Atlantic City Hilton - Atlantic City

    Went to see Tony Clifton in AC, NJ. His show started on time and the band was spectacular! Especially the sax and trumpet guys!!!! He is a bit over the top with the jokes and some may insult you but he is hysterical and the show its self is worth the pain of a couple of insults.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Understanding Tony Clifton

    by Jubwa on 10/25/10Atlantic City Hilton - Atlantic City

    Tony was Tony. I think I get him. Practically half of the audience did not understand that the show was a parody and walked out in the middle. I believe his message is that this is America and he is an equal opportunity offender. All traditions should be celebrated, not just tolerated and none is more special than another. We are all special in the USA. If we can all laugh with and at each other we might understand the beauty of his message. I for one loved it and the closing number God Bless America wrapped up the show's meaning perfectly. I also thought his band was spectacular. I would recommend seeing this show to others but only if they understood before hand that it was totally tongue in cheek.

  • Rating: 1 out of 5

    Tony Clifton

    by LottieJean on 10/25/10Atlantic City Hilton - Atlantic City

    HORRIBLE! The MOST VILE show I have ever seen! I walked out after 15 minutes. I can not imagine ANYONE making fun of a woman that has had her breast removed due to cancer! Calling her useless! vile, vile, vile