Carrot Top on His Vegas Residency, Appearing on 'Hacks,' and Legendary Encounters

Carrot Top's Vegas Tenure and Identity

• 🎭 Carrot Top reflects on his long-standing presence in Las Vegas, noting that while some see him as an icon of the city, he considers himself the "same idiot" regardless of location.
• 📍 He has been a full-time comedian in Vegas for approximately 20 years, with a residency at one property, and has been in the city for closer to 30 years, including earlier partial engagements.
• 🏙️ Vegas has transformed significantly since he started, growing from 12 hotels to a much larger, constantly developing city.

Guest Starring on 'Hacks'

• 📺 Carrot Top was a fan of the show 'Hacks' and was surprised when he was mentioned in an episode.
• 📞 He contacted the show's producers, expressing interest in appearing, which led to him being cast as someone who had broken up with the main character's daughter.
• 🎬 He humorously enjoyed that the show filmed at a palatial mansion, making viewers believe it was his actual home.

The Nature of Comedy and Vegas Performance

• 💡 Carrot Top believes relatable and real jokes, like the one about the shaft of light hitting his eyes in the morning, resonate most with audiences.
• 🎤 He draws parallels to comedians like Carlin and Seinfeld, whose observational humor makes audiences think, "Why didn't I think of that?"
• 🚫 He emphasizes that he doesn't go out and party excessively in Vegas, which allows him to maintain his performance schedule, contrasting with others who find the city overwhelming after a few days.

Legendary Encounters in Vegas

• 🌟 Carrot Top recounts memorable interactions with celebrities like Brian May and Roger Taylor of Queen, who attended his show multiple nights.
• 🎸 Brian May was so impressed that he brought his son to a second show, noting that Carrot Top's performance was even better and that he had subtly added to his bits.
• 🎤 He also shares an amusing anecdote about meeting Sting, who initially seemed reserved but later engaged warmly with his crew over a hockey game.

The Business of Vegas and Comedic Hustle

• 🤝 Carrot Top has always operated on a "four-wall" basis in Vegas, meaning he rents the venue space, making him solely responsible for marketing and sales.
• 📈 He acknowledges that while the city's tourism has seen dips, Vegas is adaptable and will find ways to adjust and attract visitors.
• 💡 He suggests promoting the diverse attractions beyond gambling, such as shows, restaurants, and sports teams like the Golden Knights and Raiders, to enhance Vegas's appeal.