‘F–k The Haters:’ Matt Rife Gets Real About People Who Dislike Him And What It’s Actually Like To Be Heckled At Shows

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'F--k The Haters:' Matt Rife Gets Real About People Who Dislike Him And What It's Actually Like To Be Heckled At Shows

As a seasoned gamer with countless hours spent navigating the virtual worlds and digital arenas of various games, I can wholeheartedly relate to Matt Rife‘s stance on his critics. Just like how some bosses in games can be relentless, so too are the haters in the real world, always ready to throw their insults at you when you least expect it. But just as we learn to adapt and strategize against those challenging bosses, Rife has mastered the art of turning their negativity into something entertaining and engaging for his audience.

comedian Matt Rife transitioned from being a familiar face on television to a celebrated stand-up performer on streaming platforms in recent years. This shift can be attributed to his significant following on TikTok, his reputation as an unconventional comic with politically incorrect jokes, and his brief romantic association with Kate Beckinsale. His latest streaming release, “Matt Rife: Lucid – A Crowd Work Special“, has garnered widespread popularity among Netflix subscribers. However, he is mindful of those who have been critical of his past performances, and he has a couple of words to address them directly.

In a chat with THR, I (Rife) didn’t mince words when it came to addressing my critics, particularly those infamous troublemakers known as hecklers. Here’s how I see it:

Laughing Off the Critics: The Joy of Making Many Happy Outweighs the Haters’ Opinions

In simpler terms, it’s important to note that it wasn’t unexpected for Matt Rife to face criticism following his 2023 stand-up comedy special, “Natural Selection,” due to jokes about sensitive topics like domestic violence. The controversy deepened when he made a seemingly insincere apology that joked about people with disabilities. This backlash wasn’t a surprise, as it was clear that the audience wanted more politically correct humor from him.

However, similar to many stand-up comedians, Rife has discovered a following that appreciates his impromptu and frequently bleak humor, as they are less inclined to accept his words literally. It’s evident he prefers entertaining this group over striving to convert those who might criticize him even if he were responsible for every amusing stand-up comedy special on Netflix.

Despite the fact that people pay to see him perform live, some audience members may not always behave ideally, and heckling has traditionally been an unpredictable nuisance for performers. This is what led to the creation of a special like Lucid, where Rife intentionally involves the audience in his act as a means to counteract spontaneous, inconvenient comments. Although he’s still relatively new and lacks years of experience, Rife is incredibly agile when it comes to transforming random outbursts into laughter.

Below, he explains his thought process for handling hecklers:

Sometimes, people feel compelled to shout during performances, seeking attention or interaction. In such instances, I’m often obliged to respond, transforming what could have been a disruptive act into an entertaining one. This way, they are rewarded for poor behavior, but if I were to scold them or fail to make it amusing, it might appear that I can’t handle hecklers or think quickly under pressure. Therefore, I find myself having to adapt to each situation, and usually, these encounters result in memorable moments for the show that the audience enjoys. However, it’s not always the case that people don’t mar some moments of the performance.

At live performances, heckling can be particularly bothersome. However, it’s significantly less risky than someone attempting to storm the stage for any purpose. The prohibition of cell phone usage at comedy shows may have effectively deterred numerous potential disrupters from acting out, as they now lack an online platform to showcase their disruptive behavior.

For individuals who haven’t seen it yet, the comedy special titled “Matt Rife: Lucid – A Crowd Work Special” is now streaming, and it can be enjoyed alongside “Natural Selection“. Furthermore, enthusiasts should anticipate more outstanding stand-up shows being added to Netflix’s lineup for the remainder of 2024.

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2024-08-14 21:07