The Path To Chris Rock’s Total Blackout Tour

Chris Rock’s latest stand-up endeavour, Total Blackout, will take over massive Aussie venues across in June, and reportedly showcases a different side of the US comedy legend's skillset.

Here are five iconic Chris Rock stand-up specials that led to his current material.

Bring The Pain (1996)

Who doesn’t love a breakthrough? This is where Chris Rock zoomed straight into the stratosphere with his machine gun delivery. Rock delivers flying wit and biting social commentary, coming at a time when the whole world was aflame. Race relations in America were tumultuous following the 1991 LA Riots and the OJ Simpson murder trial and that set the tone for this show, with Rock delivering one of the finest stand-up specials we have ever seen.

Kill The Messenger (2008)

Woah. Kill The Messenger is filmed across three locations - Johannesburg, London and New York. In one bit, where Rock discusses liberals vs conservatism, he muses on how people are multitudes of ideas: "No normal, decent person is one thing, OK? I've got some shit I'm conservative about, I've got some shit I'm liberal about. Crime, I'm conservative. Prostitution, I'm liberal." Rock discusses through stand up killings in Johannesburg, London and New York, and links them to humour. It’s honestly groundbreaking and still fresh.

Chris Rock: Bigger And Blacker (2000)

Bigger And Blacker is where Rock begins to tackle issues of social and political justice. One of his best stand-up routines discusses ditching gun control for raising bullet prices. "I would blow your fuckin' head off — if I could afford it. I'm gonna get me another job, start saving money, and you're a dead man."

Big Ass Jokes (1994)

Coming fresh off of his stints on Saturday Night Live and In Living Colour, Rock is at his greenest here, so to speak. He isn’t new to the comedy scene, but he's still finding his groove. This isn’t a bad thing, it’s just raw. Big Ass Jokes highlights his ability to pick up on social cues. He’s charming and the crowd loves him. The shortest of his sets, Rock benefits from the length.

Chris Rock: Never Scared (2004)

A comedy album that when released was paired with Big Ass Jokes, Never Scared is truly that. Discussing the difficulties of a good relationship, Rock spits out cold hard truths. Here’s a nugget: "The number one reason your woman is pissed the fuck off: 'Cause you ain't her first choice." Our heart hurts but we laughed till we cried.

Check out theGuide for all tour dates and tickets.

UPGRADE OFFERS!

PERTH: Perth Arena, Friday 23 June

For a limited time purchase Category 1 tickets at Category 2 prices - just $94.40. 

And Category 2 tickets at Category 3 prices – just $74.00.

Offer strictly subject to availability

BRISBANE & SYDNEY: Brisbane Entertainment Centre, 24 June & ICC Sydney Theatre, 29 June

For a limited time purchase Category 1 tickets at Category 2 prices - just $91.60.

And Category 2 tickets at Category 3 prices – just $71.20.​

Sydney offer for June 29 performance only. Tickets strictly subject to availability.

Click here for more info