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Interview: Tommy Chong
Tommy Chong, in town for a run of shows at Cap City Comedy Club, arrived at the Statesman Thursday afternoon, lovely wife Shelby in tow, just two minutes behind schedule. No, he wasn’t stoned or terribly lost. Turns out his GPS was giving him fits, insisting he was ‘here,’ when he was in fact not ‘here.’ Some things just aren’t meant to go together, like cottage cheese and coffee, pizza and pickles, or Tommy Chong and a GPS.
Looking amazingly spry and bright-eyed, especially for a man set to celebrate his 70th birthday this year, Chong’s private persona runs somewhat contrary to the public stoner image he has cultivated over the years. He comes across more retired professor than drug culture icon. A conversation with Chong reveals a bit of a cultural anthropologist and activist, a man steeped in American musical history (especially considering his Canadian roots), and one whose criticisms of the American political machine hinge on more than the tired, “Keep your hands off my weed” protestation.
The following is part of our conversation. Discussed: Motown, Vancouver, prison, performing with his wife, and not caring about what anyone thinks.
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By Blawn Stanstovitch
April 11, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
Man there is so much to say on this. So many ironies in life and the MO with T Chong is one of the best. Things that make you go hmmmm.
By Jimi
April 11, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
Great interview! Always love listening to Tommy talk. That dude has experienced so much. Glad I’ve had the chance to meet him twice so far and looking forward to many more years of his comedy. Cheers Chong!