Earlier that night, I had performed a great show.
I’m not saying that to brag. I just want you to understand where this story originated.
The audience was completely with me. Each joke got a laugh. Each look understood. It was the kind of show everyone dreams of having.
And it was a sold out room.
At the end, I was laughing as hard as the crowd. And they rose to their feet for a standing ovation.
It was an overwhelming feeling.
Everyone in that room approached me on their way out to shake my hand and thank me. I in turn thanked them. It was a major high.
The other performers on the bill were congratulating me. We went out for a late dinner and talked for more than two hours. It was late, so I drove back to my hotel.
In my room alone, it was too late to call anyone.
But I was still on a high. My emotions were strong and I relived the evening. And that is when it happened …
This great feeling, and here I was alone.
No one to share my excitement with.
Sitting in the dark, trying to relax so I can drift to sleep.
It is weird.
A few hours ago I was surrounded by people. Now I was totally alone. They had all gone home to their loved ones. I was an 8 hour plane trip from home in a hotel.
It reminded me of a story Jeff Dunham told in his book: All By My Selves: Walter, Peanut, Achmed, and Me
Jeff had made his first appearance on The Tonight Show. Johnny had called him over to the couch. That was a huge deal back then.
By the time it aired, Jeff was alone, back in his apartment. And it hit him in a similar fashion. (Read the book – it is a great story.)
This isn’t the first time something like this has happened. It actually happens a lot. It doesn’t always hit the same emotional depth. Variety must be the spice of life.
Touring as a professional entertainer can be a very lonely life.
It isn’t easy.
Most people only see the excitement.
But it is just like social media.
People make interesting or exciting posts, but in between those, no one really knows what is happening.
Just some things to think bout …
Over the next couple of weeks I will be releasing some very epic posts to help you get more shows. I put a lot of time into them and hope you will get something out of them! Be sure to check back next week – and if you aren’t already, add yourself to the blog email list at the top right of the page.