Take 5 with Zan Rowe on ABC and ABC iview S3E2 – Bill Bailey is one of the world’s most beloved comedians on stage and screen. He’s not only hilarious, he’s also a one-man band whose sellout shows explore what it means to be human.
With his intoxicating humour, razor sharp intellect and delightfully whimsical side, Bill has a thought-provoking conversation with Zan, celebrating songs reflecting humanity.
Bill brings an open heart to the chat which covers his deep love of music, eccentric career path and some of the hardest moments of his life. “People want to be part of a group, to share in a music show or whatever it is – there’s something ancient about that which will never be replaced.”
Soundtracked by The Kinks, Bill treats us to some magnificent air guitar shredding and shares a story from high school days of playing his first ever guitar solo.
Through Johnny Cash, Bill tells the story of a dear friend, recently passed. He reflects on the conversations they shared on hikes and the small but profound ways he honours him to this day. It’s a poignant insight into male friendship.
He recalls the first time he ever made people laugh (at a wake of all places!) a joyous reminder of the power of comedy in the darkest moments.
In a quintessential Bill Bailey move, his final pick is a song he has chosen for his own funeral. Belly laughs and deep reflections ensue as Bill and Zan ruminate on life, death and all the silly things we do in between.
This is an episode about comedy, risk taking, friendship and the unending power of music.
Production credit: Take 5 with Zan Rowe is an ABC Production. Created, hosted and written by Zan Rowe. Executive Producers, Nikita Agzarian and Josh Schmidt. Series Producer and Director/DOP, Aaron Smith ACS. Associate Producer, Katie Ring. Head Arts, Music and Events, Kath Earle.
Take 5 with Zan Rowe on ABC and ABC iview – Tuesday 8 October at 8.30pm
TV Central ABC content HERE
Take 5 with Zan Rowe on ABC and ABC iview S3E2
Have just watched Zan Rowe interview Bill Bailey on TAKE 5. It was a masterclass in interviewing and we would love to see more of Zan on TV. Just for the record, my husband and I are in our eighties – so refreshing to see someone who listens to their guest and interacts intelligently with them – and of course understands what she’s talking about. Many thanks – Marion and Russ