Bugs Bunny Taught Me Everything I Know About Show Biz

Everything I know about show business, I learned from Bugs Bunny.

You can quote me on this.

Because in show biz, as in life, the monsters are always after you.

Maybe it’s a mad scientist who wants your brain for his new robot.

Or maybe it’s one of the countless time-sucking, energy-draining, boneheaded, crazy-making Shenanigans Monsters waiting around the corner with their own particular bag of hijinks, tomfoolery, chicanery and monkey business.

Did something terrible happen this week?

Nope.

Actually, it’s been a pretty damn good week.

Victoria and I are in London. We’ve been rehearsing. Rehearsals are going GREAT. These people are insanely talented.

Even more dangerously...

I got all my stuff done early.

Which means I’ve had time to reflect.

Oy.

So naturally I started thinking about Bugs Bunny.

Bugs taught me that true success, in show business and life, comes from staying calm while everyone else is losing their minds.

Bugs never panics.

Bugs thinks.

And Bugs never starts the fight.

But he sure as hell knows how to finish it.

With aplomb.

Take the mad scientist who wants Bugs’ brain for his new robot and sends a gigantic orange hairy monster to retrieve it.

Does Bugs panic?

No.

He starts doing the monster’s nails.

“I bet you monsters lead in-teresting lives…”

And within seconds Bugs has completely changed the rules of the game.

If you have never seen this particular bit of lunacy, watch Bugs deal with the monster here.

Actually, watch the whole cartoon if you have time.

There’s spider goulash.

You’re welcome.

So, with one week to go before we head out on tour, here are the show-business lessons I absorbed from a cartoon rabbit:

Keep your cool while everybody else panics.

Ti-MING.

Let the joke breathe a second.

Never throw the first punch.

Brains, humor and a wee bit of deception can get you out of almost anything.

And finally...

Know every part by heart.

This is THE most important one.

Otherwise they wouldn't have put it in the song.

And yes, there is a song.

One week to go.

The rehearsals are working.

The band is sounding amazing.

The show is coming alive.

And apparently I've reached the stage of tour preparation where I'm taking professional advice from Bugs Bunny.

Honestly?

We could do worse.

That’s it. I’m not gonna get all mushy.

See ya,

Kevin