Firstly Steve Gribbin is not dead. The title of this piece refers to the fact that he is celebrating 40 years in comedy. More mature comedy fans will remember him as half of musical satirical duo Skint Video, first with John Ivens and then with Brian Mulligan. More recently he has blazed a trail up and down the country – usually by rickety train – delivering quickfire comic diatribes about the state of the nation. All this and he still finds time to front Americana/Country/Folk Band The True Believers.
Gribbin is marking four decades in showbusiness with a big gig at the Comedy Store in London on December 11, entitled 40 Years in the Saddle. With songs, stories and special guests including Harry Hill, Jack Dee, Angela Barnes, Kerry Godliman, Ria Lina, Ninia Benjamin and some bloke who dances called Chris McCausland. All proceeds go to the Alzheimer's society. Tickets cost £25, buy them here.
Picture above by Andy Hollingworth.
Below are a few pictorial highlights from Steve's glittering career, with words from the man himself.
"This is Skint Video in 1987, when we were going through our Boyband phase. We were managed by Addison Creswell and Joe Norris at Off The Kerb Productions, and we were about to embark on a 40-date tour of the U.K. and Republic of Ireland. I was 26 when this was taken…" Picture by Steve Rapport.
"Here’s one from The Red Wedge trip to Naples & Rome with me and Brian Mulligan (Skint Video), Mr Bill Bragg (5 from right, denim and quiff) in June 1988. Neil Spencer (NME Editor) is 3rd from right."
"This is my 1999 show “I’m Turning Into My Dad!”, which I performed at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which got a fantastic 4 star review in The Scotsman. Possibly my favourite Edinburgh Show (along with Shunted Again! My train show from 2017)." Picture by Andy Hollingworth.
"This above is a poster from my Edinburgh Fringe Show of 2012. “Viva Gribbostania!” The show was about me forming my own Nation, and is one of my favourites." Picture by Andy Hollingworth.
"And here is a picture of me, Jo Brand and Phil Jupitus onstage at The Comedy Store in Leicester Square performing my song "Wouldn't It Be Good?", with Phil on blistering lead guitar at The Cutting Edge Show in September 1993. Slainte!"
Buy tickets for Steve Gribbin's all-star comedy Store gala on December 11 here.
