Introducing US comedian Joe Sib who makes his Edinburgh debut with ‘California Calling’ at Gilded Balloon’s Appleton Tower- Pip Room.
‘California Calling’ is a high-energy, hilarious and heartfelt ride through Joe Sib's punk rock-fuelled life. Sib fuses stand-up and storytelling like no one else, sharing raw, relatable tales from the 1980s on stage with Metallica, The Ramones, and Social Distortion.
Growing up in California, he had a front-row seat as punk rock exploded into the suburbs, changing his life forever. From fronting WAX and 22 Jacks to co-founding SideOneDummy Records (where he worked with bands like Gogol Bordello, Flogging Molly and Gaslight Anthem), Sib's journey is a wild, inspiring rollercoaster that is hilarious, personal, brutally honest and unforgettable.
The show centres around one pivotal day that set Joe on the path that shaped his entire life. The show also incorporates his early life experiences from living with his parents in California’s Santa Cruz Mountains to his now current life as a father of two (his son is now a signed music artist himself!).
‘California Calling’ is about believing in something bigger than yourself. Whether it's stepping into a skatepark for the first time, jumping into the punk scene, or risking it all for your dreams. With sharp storytelling, hilarious anecdotes, and a killer soundtrack, California Calling is more than just a coming-of-age punk rock tale - it's a show about passion, perseverance and the ultimate realisation that your family is your first band.
Sib has had the unique opportunity along with comedy legend Jim Breuer to be the opening act of the 2018-2019 Metallica tour which redefined the term “opening act". Both Drybar and 800 Pound Gorilla have released comedy specials from him.
Joe Sib’s ‘California Calling’ will be at the Gilded Balloon Pip @ Appleton Tower from July 30 to August 24 at 9pm. Buy tickets here.
What is the last thing you do before you go onstage (apart from check your flies and/or check your knickers aren’t sticking out of your skirt and check for spinach between your teeth)?
The very last thing I do before going onstage is take a moment to say a quiet prayer. It’s not religious so much as it is about gratitude and grounding. I remind myself how lucky I am to be able to do this to stand in front of a crowd and tell stories, make people laugh. After that, I usually check my hair. That’s a bit of a leftover habit from my days fronting a band. It’s like a ritual that signals “okay, it’s showtime.” Then I take a deep breath, tell myself to go out there and have fun, and hit the stage.
What irritates you?
People who take themselves too seriously really get under my skin. Life’s already hard enough, so adding ego or arrogance into the mix just makes things worse. No one is better than anyone else we’re all figuring it out as we go. And more than anything, I have zero tolerance for people who are just plain rude. There’s no excuse for it. Whether it’s in person, online, wherever treating others with disrespect says everything about you. I don’t want that energy around me.
What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?
Honestly? Eating street tacos at 2am in downtown Los Angeles. It might sound like a joke, but if you’ve ever done it, you know it’s a roll of the dice. I’ve had some life-changing tacos and also some stomach-churning regrets. That said, I’ve also surfed some pretty heavy waves and toured through some sketchy parts of the world back in my band days but somehow, those tacos still stand out.
What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?
Depends on how you define stupidity! I’ve definitely done plenty of things that seemed crazy at the time. Singing in a punk band without actually knowing how to sing that’s one. Starting a record label with my best friend when we had zero business experience or plan that’s another. And going to perform at a comedy festival in a country I’d never been to, knowing no one, hoping people might show up and like my show… for 30 days straight? That’s right up there too. But honestly, those “stupid” decisions usually lead to the best stories and growth.
What has surprised you the most during your career in comedy?
Touring with Metallica and Jim Breuer for six months as a comedian was something I never saw coming. If you’d told me years ago that I’d be doing stand-up in front of arenas full of metal fans, I would’ve laughed. But there I was. That experience showed me that if you stay open to the journey, some truly wild opportunities can land in your lap.
What do your children think of your job?
They don’t think much about it, honestly in the best way possible. They’ve grown up around it their whole lives. For them, it’s just “what dad does.” Whether it was touring in bands, running a record label, or now doing comedy, it’s been their normal. I think they like it — especially when they get to come to shows but they see it as part of everyday life.
What’s the worst thing about being a comedian?
Knowing that one day you’ll get the final “light” the one that’s not coming from the sound booth, but from life itself. It’s a job you never want to stop doing, because you’re always learning, always getting better. Of course, there are unfun parts of the business: the grind of travel, bad gigs, flaky promoters… but I try not to dwell on those. The good far outweighs the bad.
I think you are very good at what you do (that’s why I’m asking these questions). What do you think of you?
It honestly depends on the day and time you ask me. Like anyone, I have moments of confidence and moments of self-doubt. At the core of it, I’m just trying to be the best version of myself as a comic, as a person, as a dad. That’s the real goal: keep evolving, keep learning, and hopefully keep connecting with people through what I do.
How much do you earn and how much would you like to earn?
I earn enough to keep doing what I love and to support my life — and that’s a blessing. Of course, a bit more would always be nice, because it allows for more freedom and the ability to take creative risks. But honestly, the real “earnings” come from doing work that lights you up and connects with others.
How important is luck in terms of career success have you had lucky breaks?
Luck plays a role for sure — sometimes the stars align and something incredible happens. But those moments are rare. The real key is putting your head down, doing the work, and showing up day after day. If you stay in the game long enough and keep delivering, you create more opportunities for “luck” to find you. I’ve had a few lucky breaks along the way, but they wouldn’t have meant anything if I hadn’t been prepared when they came.
Alan Davies has said that comedians fall into two categories – golfers and self-harmers. The former just get on with life, the latter are tortured artists. Which are you – or do you think you fit into a third category?
I’m definitely in a third category. I’m not a golfer, and self-harming isn’t my thing. I’d call myself a realist. I understand the game I’ve been around entertainment long enough to know what to expect. I’m clear-eyed about the business, but still open to the magic of it. And I’ve learned that if you stay curious, grounded, and willing to adapt, you can keep doing it for a long time.
Who is your favourite person ever and why not including family or friends or other comedians?
Henry Rollins, Johnny Cash, and Joe Strummer — all three of them. Each one walked their own path, stayed true to who they were, and spoke their truth loudly. Rollins inspires me with his discipline, work ethic, and intensity. Cash inspires me with his soul, depth, and storytelling. And Strummer inspires me with his heart, his punk rock spirit, and his purpose-driven life. They’ve all shaped how I approach my own work and life.
Do you keep your drawers tidy and if not, why not? (please think long and hard about this question, it’s to settle an argument with my girlfriend. The future of our relationship could depend on your response).
Yes, I do keep them tidy and here’s why: chaos in your drawers leads to chaos in your life. When your physical space is cluttered, it affects your mind more than you realise. Keeping things organised, even something as simple as a drawer, gives you a little sense of calm and control. So tell your girlfriend — I’m firmly on her side in this argument.
Joe Sib’s ‘California Calling’ will be at the Gilded Balloon Pip @ Appleton Tower from July 30 to August 24 at 9pm. Buy tickets here.
PICTURE CREDIT - KIM NEWMONEY
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