Kathy Griffin’s ‘My Life on the PTSD List’ Tour: A Conversation with the Comedian
As part of her latest “My Life on the PTSD List” tour, Kathy Griffin, the acclaimed Emmy and Grammy award-winning comedian, will make a stop at the Masonic Auditorium in San Francisco on January 18, 2025. The tour title reflects a play on her previous series “My Life on the D List,” as it navigates the comedian’s recent personal challenges.
Recent Evacuation and Celebrity Encounters
Griffin’s preparations for the tour were marked with urgency as she was evacuated from her Malibu residence due to the rapidly approaching Franklin fire. In a humorous twist, her friend, singer Sia, offered her closet for a bit of privacy while conducting interviews. Thankfully, both Griffin and her home remained unharmed.
A Tour of Major Venues
Griffin has been making headlines with performances in prestigious venues, including her recent appearance at Carnegie Hall in October, marking her as the female comedian with the most performances at this iconic venue. She is also set to perform at the historic Chicago Theatre on New Year’s Eve, a return to a location where she taped one of her specials. Her upcoming performance in San Francisco is highly anticipated as she reconnects with her loyal audience.
Insights on the ‘PTSD’ Tour
During her interview, Griffin shared insights about the ‘PTSD’ tour. “I have my first gig on New Year’s Eve since I got canned from CNN seven years ago,” she recounted, detailing her journey back to the stage and the significance of her performances. She expressed excitement about returning to the Masonic venue, stating, “It’s so good for stand-up.” Griffin also highlighted the unique characteristics of the San Francisco audience, describing them as “Smart. Unshockable. Gay.”
LGBTQ+ Advocacy and Humor
Griffin, a long-time ally of the LGBTQ+ community, continued to address social issues within her act, signaling her concerns for the community’s future, especially with regard to recent political changes. “I feel like gay marriage could go bye-bye,” she expressed, voicing her fears about the shifting political landscape and the potential threat to LGBTQ+ rights.
Reflecting on Personal Challenges
In discussing her journey, Griffin highlighted her past struggles, including being blackballed from the industry and the fallout from her controversial Trump mask incident. “I became addicted to prescription pills. I tried to take my life,” she shared candidly. Through her comedy, she aims to tackle these serious experiences by mixing humor with her personal narratives, allowing her audience to find laughter amid trials.
Griffin’s Connection with the LGBTQ+ Community
The comedian reflected on the unwavering support she received from the LGBTQ+ community throughout her struggles: “The actual community was with me from minute one.” As a testament to her allyship, she expressed gratitude for this support, asserting, “I am forever your girl.”
Celebrity Round-Robin and Closing Thoughts
In a fun rapid-fire segment, Griffin offered her thoughts on various celebrities, sharing cheeky one-liners about personalities ranging from Paris Hilton to RuPaul. Her warmth and humor shone through, showcasing her knack for playful banter.
Concluding the discussion, Griffin expressed her anticipation for 2025, noting that “more will be revealed” in what feels like a year of forthcoming discoveries. She remains committed to using her platform for laughter and advocacy, reinforcing the idea that, in her world, “if you’re not laughing, you’re crying.”
Final Words
As she prepares to grace the stage once again, Kathy Griffin’s resilience and humor are sure to shine through in her upcoming performances. For those interested in witnessing her return to San Francisco, tickets are already in demand—it’s a chance not to be missed as the beloved comedian reclaims her place in the spotlight.