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Let's Start a Riot
A biting, funny, always revealing collection of personal stories from the legendary Kid in the Hall, comedian, writer and director, Bruce McCulloch.
Comedian, writer, director and legendary Kid in the Hall Bruce McCulloch chronicles his journey from wild early days as a "young punk" in 1980s Alberta, to his flannel plaid days and futon nights in 1990s Toronto, to becoming a "pajama-clad dad" living in the Hollywood Hills. Taking us from scowling teenager to father of two, this biting, funny collection of personal stories, peppered with moments of surprising poignancy, proves that although this infamous Kid may be all grown up, his singular brand of humour and signature wit remain firmly intact.
Comedian, writer, director and legendary Kid in the Hall Bruce McCulloch chronicles his journey from wild early days as a "young punk" in 1980s Alberta, to his flannel plaid days and futon nights in 1990s Toronto, to becoming a "pajama-clad dad" living in the Hollywood Hills. Taking us from scowling teenager to father of two, this biting, funny collection of personal stories, peppered with moments of surprising poignancy, proves that although this infamous Kid may be all grown up, his singular brand of humour and signature wit remain firmly intact.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published September 30, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
November 23, 2014
This book just joined "Catcher in the Rye" to become the second book I've ever read in one sitting.
It elicited all of the emotions-- mostly high hilarity and out-loud laughing, but a few chapters near the end made my eyes soppy as well. As I tend to love books that make me cry even more than I love books that make me laugh, this was good.
For KITH fans, it's obviously a must. It gives a brief overview of his time with the troupe and just a few behind-the-scenes stories, but they pack punches. Even better are just his pithy Brucelike observations, his way with words. It's Bruce at his writerly best.
Quick, utterly fun read.
It elicited all of the emotions-- mostly high hilarity and out-loud laughing, but a few chapters near the end made my eyes soppy as well. As I tend to love books that make me cry even more than I love books that make me laugh, this was good.
For KITH fans, it's obviously a must. It gives a brief overview of his time with the troupe and just a few behind-the-scenes stories, but they pack punches. Even better are just his pithy Brucelike observations, his way with words. It's Bruce at his writerly best.
Quick, utterly fun read.
March 27, 2019
McColloch's memoir was pretty good, though the second half was far better than the first half. I was a casual fan of the Kids in the Hall in high school, but really only have thought of them in passing over the last 20+ years (namely in 2016, when I couldn't stop seeing Lincoln Chafferty, or whatever his name was, at the democratic primary debate as the Bird Lady character), so when this book was a Kindle deal, I decided to give it a try, thinking that it would be funny... Though there were a few funny lines and paragraphs, for the most part, this book is a true memoir- McColloch is a decent writer, but there were definitely chapters that could have been left out and I would have liked the book better (the nurse/rave story comes to mind, also the Jack Daniels/nameless woman in hotel room/mom pizza delivery, and pretty much all the stories about his random relationships with women before his wife- they seemed to have served little purpose in the book beyond making sure Bruce lets his audience know that despite being short and strange, that he was capable of getting laid). Other than those awkward and unnecessary chapters, I liked the rest of the book. I enjoyed reading about The Kids in the Hall, his own wife and children, and the chapter about the death of his father was actually really well-written and balanced the delicate line between warmly reminiscent sadness, and of course, humor. It isn't something I'd necessarily recommend off the top of my head to someone asking what to read next, but its better than a lot of celebrity memoirs, so 3 stars, almost 3.5. Recommended for Kids in the Hall fans, or someone who wants to read something super-Canadian.
June 13, 2015
I've read lots of comic's autobiographies and this one is easily in the top 2. Don't miss it. It's touching, but also tear-jerkingly hilarious. McCulloch's humor is deliciously funny and strange.
May 11, 2020
Any Kids in the Hall fan will enjoy this book & the signature McCulloch humor. As I was reading some of the stories from his life, I couldn't help but see some of the characters he has portrayed in the show.
October 26, 2014
An absolute must read for any fans of Bruce and Kids in the Hall. I was surprised by how sweet it was (but don't worry, there's plenty of cynical bad-boy Bruce, too). It not only gives insight into one of the funniest writer/performers of his generation but also illuminates the often overlooked beauty of even the saddest and most frustrating moments in dating, work, and family life. One of the few books where the hoary cliche "You'll laugh, you'll cry," truly applies.
February 18, 2019
"Ugh. If she could have seen inside me at that moment. Inside, there was cynicism. Rivers and roads where cynicism flowed and frolicked. Cynicism had always protected me. Especially from saying stupid things like 'love' out loud."
Read
May 30, 2022Before: I love Bruce
After: I love Bruce
[phew]
After: I love Bruce
[phew]
December 30, 2024
My first introduction to KITH was in 1983, I believe, when they were doing some live improv television via Graham Cable located in the west end of Toronto. From there, my sister and I went to one of their shows at the Rivoli. And then once more we saw them at the Factory Theatre (?) in Bathurst St. We loved their comedy and we were so happy with their success.
I was hoping this memoir would share a bit more about Bruce’s life in the group. It seemed to gloss over that part. I know they had difficulties working together and I’m sure that was part of the reason that they parted ways. It seemed like subsequent efforts to collaborate were tantamount to a train wreck. In spite of this, it seems like each individual Kid has found a measure of success on their own.
Parts of the book were too explicit for me and added nothing to Bruce’s life story. It would have been fine to leave that out. His retelling of childhood memories were sad, but I appreciated that he allowed us to learn about that part of his life, and about his family.
As an aside, it’s interesting that he needs to mock people because of their faith, because he has none. Methinks he doth protest too much? We get it…people who believe in God are not as bright as he is…
I was hoping this memoir would share a bit more about Bruce’s life in the group. It seemed to gloss over that part. I know they had difficulties working together and I’m sure that was part of the reason that they parted ways. It seemed like subsequent efforts to collaborate were tantamount to a train wreck. In spite of this, it seems like each individual Kid has found a measure of success on their own.
Parts of the book were too explicit for me and added nothing to Bruce’s life story. It would have been fine to leave that out. His retelling of childhood memories were sad, but I appreciated that he allowed us to learn about that part of his life, and about his family.
As an aside, it’s interesting that he needs to mock people because of their faith, because he has none. Methinks he doth protest too much? We get it…people who believe in God are not as bright as he is…
March 1, 2015
It's been a long while since I read a book in one afternoon but I couldn't put this down.
Granted, this book is short (under 200 pages) and the kindle edition doesn't feature the wonderful pictures that I hear the hardback/paperback versions do. I wanted it to be another hundred or two hundred pages! That doesn't detract at all though. This is a warm book that shows life as it is without any of the soppy "oh but they were family" feelings that some memoirs have. Families aren't perfect, his wasn't and he tells it like it is. We see Bruce as a dad, as a son, as a KITH member and as someone searching for love. I would buy this if only for the pages about family and Bruce's thoughts about what family is and means. Fans of Supernatural would most likely heartily agree with it.
I was a little disappointed that there weren't more references to KITH (Kids in the Hall) but we do get a few stories. This also doesn't detract because they are told in a way that gives them the gravitas that they deserve. This isn't a KITH memoir by any stretch. The only way I'd like a full of "KITH tells us" book is if it was written by all five guys and this'll cure that itch until that (if it ever) happens.
Fans of Young Drunk Punk who may not know much about Bruce's childhood/teenage years will enjoy the little references that are mirrored in the show and the book (working at a building site, wearing two ties, most of his dress sense). I also enjoyed the mentions of punk bands he was listening to at the time and some great early Canadian punk bands.
All in all this book was everything I expected from Bruce McCulloch, sweet but with some edge; serious with comedy pretending its not serious and that wonderful can't-quite-place-my-finger-on-it wonderful we expect from him and his work. READ THIS.
Granted, this book is short (under 200 pages) and the kindle edition doesn't feature the wonderful pictures that I hear the hardback/paperback versions do. I wanted it to be another hundred or two hundred pages! That doesn't detract at all though. This is a warm book that shows life as it is without any of the soppy "oh but they were family" feelings that some memoirs have. Families aren't perfect, his wasn't and he tells it like it is. We see Bruce as a dad, as a son, as a KITH member and as someone searching for love. I would buy this if only for the pages about family and Bruce's thoughts about what family is and means. Fans of Supernatural would most likely heartily agree with it.
I was a little disappointed that there weren't more references to KITH (Kids in the Hall) but we do get a few stories. This also doesn't detract because they are told in a way that gives them the gravitas that they deserve. This isn't a KITH memoir by any stretch. The only way I'd like a full of "KITH tells us" book is if it was written by all five guys and this'll cure that itch until that (if it ever) happens.
Fans of Young Drunk Punk who may not know much about Bruce's childhood/teenage years will enjoy the little references that are mirrored in the show and the book (working at a building site, wearing two ties, most of his dress sense). I also enjoyed the mentions of punk bands he was listening to at the time and some great early Canadian punk bands.
All in all this book was everything I expected from Bruce McCulloch, sweet but with some edge; serious with comedy pretending its not serious and that wonderful can't-quite-place-my-finger-on-it wonderful we expect from him and his work. READ THIS.
February 4, 2018
One of those books that you begin at night intending to read just one chapter, and the next thing you know it’s 4:30 a.m. and your cat is pushing the book out of your hands and glaring at you, demanding an early breakfast.
For those of you who did not get to see Comedy Central’s “The Kids in the Hall” in the early 1990s — too many of you — the author was a writer and performer on that hilariously twisted sketch comedy show, which one reviewer described as “Monty Python on a migraine.” (If you don’t know Monty Python, put this down and go look them up. Right now. Then go find old “Kids in the Hall” episodes and watch them.) To those of us who did see the show and miss it every day, he, or his public persona anyway, is a friend. Whether you watched the show or not, this book, about growing up in Alberta, Canada, becoming a father in Hollywood, California, and everything in between, is full of laugh-out-loud humor, observations on life, the author’s trademark quirkiness, and heart-rending insight.
McCulloch himself comes across as quite the contradiction. On one hand, he freely admits to various kinds of macho misbehavior in his youth, yet elsewhere he says this about Hollywood women: “In Hollywood, women get ‘the surgery.’ You know what I’m talking about, I’m sure...They get the surgery so the tears they cry will flow beneath their faces. A silent river of tears. You can’t see it, but you can hear it.”
We miss you, Brucio. Write more. Please.
For those of you who did not get to see Comedy Central’s “The Kids in the Hall” in the early 1990s — too many of you — the author was a writer and performer on that hilariously twisted sketch comedy show, which one reviewer described as “Monty Python on a migraine.” (If you don’t know Monty Python, put this down and go look them up. Right now. Then go find old “Kids in the Hall” episodes and watch them.) To those of us who did see the show and miss it every day, he, or his public persona anyway, is a friend. Whether you watched the show or not, this book, about growing up in Alberta, Canada, becoming a father in Hollywood, California, and everything in between, is full of laugh-out-loud humor, observations on life, the author’s trademark quirkiness, and heart-rending insight.
McCulloch himself comes across as quite the contradiction. On one hand, he freely admits to various kinds of macho misbehavior in his youth, yet elsewhere he says this about Hollywood women: “In Hollywood, women get ‘the surgery.’ You know what I’m talking about, I’m sure...They get the surgery so the tears they cry will flow beneath their faces. A silent river of tears. You can’t see it, but you can hear it.”
We miss you, Brucio. Write more. Please.
September 12, 2015
I was a fan of Kids in the Hall and watched their show in the late 80s/early 90s ... I went to their 2015 tour in April at the Danforth Music Hall.
Bruce McCulloch is one of the five Kids and that's why this book caught my eye. This is his high level story of growing up in Edmonton, trying to figure out what he wanted to do with his life, moving to Toronto and forming Kids in the Hall, meeting and marrying his wife, having kids, and his life in Hollywood.
I liked the writing style ... I found it amusing. I could hear Bruce's voice when he was telling his stories. Obviously his funny stories are funny but he also tells his more serious stories (like his relationships with his parents, suspecting he has liver cancer, Scott Thompson's cancer, etc.) in a funny and sarcastic yet at times caring way. As a head's up, there is swearing and adult activity.
I have Bruce's album "Shame-Based Man" on my ipod and occasionally listen to it (I bought it originally on cassette when it came out in 1995). In the book there are references to "Daves I Know" and "The Vigil" (What are you going to wear to the vigil? Black, of course!).
If you are a Kids in the Hall fan, you'll enjoy this book.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2015/09...
Bruce McCulloch is one of the five Kids and that's why this book caught my eye. This is his high level story of growing up in Edmonton, trying to figure out what he wanted to do with his life, moving to Toronto and forming Kids in the Hall, meeting and marrying his wife, having kids, and his life in Hollywood.
I liked the writing style ... I found it amusing. I could hear Bruce's voice when he was telling his stories. Obviously his funny stories are funny but he also tells his more serious stories (like his relationships with his parents, suspecting he has liver cancer, Scott Thompson's cancer, etc.) in a funny and sarcastic yet at times caring way. As a head's up, there is swearing and adult activity.
I have Bruce's album "Shame-Based Man" on my ipod and occasionally listen to it (I bought it originally on cassette when it came out in 1995). In the book there are references to "Daves I Know" and "The Vigil" (What are you going to wear to the vigil? Black, of course!).
If you are a Kids in the Hall fan, you'll enjoy this book.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2015/09...
March 30, 2015
- ****/ - 4.5 stars -
As a long-time fan of Bruce McCulloch's and KITH, this was a wonderful read. The first pages and chapters had me giggling and laughing out loud constantly (which rarely happens for me when reading). It was a bit heartbreaking to learn of his not-so-great family life growing up, and on reflection one is able to see that some of the funniest KITH skits might not be so funny after all when based on a very sad reality. Even so, it was a little treat to find that some of Bruce's writing from the show and his albums was lightly peppered throughout the book (Daddy Drank, The Vigil and so on). I loved reading about his upbringing, his families, his perspectives.... Would have, in a completely self-admitted voyeuristic fashion, liked to have read more of his troupmates and their time together, but perhaps that is an idea for a collaborative book they can work on together. All in all, a great, quick read which I'd highly recommend to any Bruce McCulloch / KITH fan.
As a long-time fan of Bruce McCulloch's and KITH, this was a wonderful read. The first pages and chapters had me giggling and laughing out loud constantly (which rarely happens for me when reading). It was a bit heartbreaking to learn of his not-so-great family life growing up, and on reflection one is able to see that some of the funniest KITH skits might not be so funny after all when based on a very sad reality. Even so, it was a little treat to find that some of Bruce's writing from the show and his albums was lightly peppered throughout the book (Daddy Drank, The Vigil and so on). I loved reading about his upbringing, his families, his perspectives.... Would have, in a completely self-admitted voyeuristic fashion, liked to have read more of his troupmates and their time together, but perhaps that is an idea for a collaborative book they can work on together. All in all, a great, quick read which I'd highly recommend to any Bruce McCulloch / KITH fan.
May 18, 2017
Bruce McCulloch is, paradoxically, a master of cynicism and humanity. Case in point... this book literally made me laugh and made me cry. My wife can back me up on the laughter part, as I awoke her from an otherwise peaceful slumber with my ill-timed laughter on a numerous occasions. The crying part? Not so much. Because I did it behind her back. She has enough on her mind. But holy crap, did some of these chapters get to me. In particular "Jean Jacket Love" and "Dad as a Dog". Try to read these and not cry. If you can, you are not human. We've all been through situations like this. But Bruce brings them to life with humor but a tragic poignancy. But he also brings to life those lost years of teenage idealism. When we were gonna change the world. And failed. But still searching for something to give our lives meaning that will make us happy at the same time. Uplifting and depressing at the same time.
And it's a pretty quick read.
And it's a pretty quick read.
January 8, 2017
Of course, I was one of those Canadian kids that spent his formative years staying up late to watch Kids in the Hall. I'd definitely read a detailed history of KiTH that thick enough to correct a dislocated shoulder. This book is anything but that. Bruce presents his biography as a series of humorous vignettes, reflections and life defining moments. His stories are very relatable for anyone who has dated, struggled as a teen, or had young children. If I wanted anything different from this novel it wouldn't be more KiTH details, it would be Bruce's own Ham On Rye style retelling of his childhood.
March 25, 2019
When I started this autobiography I wasn’t sure I would enjoy it got quickly hooked. McColluch opens up about his childhood in Alberta, working with Mark McKinney and eventually forming The Kids in The Halls and being a husband and a parent in a funny and poignant way. He avoids annoying name dropping or talking endlessly about his post Kids accomplishments. Instead he spins some great tales like doing TheatreSports for violent offenders, having a sex weekend with his Pretty Wife and the two times he tried to fight his dad. McColluch was always the punk rock odd ball of the Kids and this book offers a glimpse behind the plaid curtain. Admittedly, I did skip the poems.
April 30, 2019
I had no expectations for this book when I started it. All I really knew about Bruce was that he was adorable and hilarious and wrote some of my very favorite KITH sketches. So imagine my delight upon discovering that not only was he adorable and hilarious, but that he also had some very wise things to say--things that I actually highlighted and underlined and imagine that I'll come back to several times. I wasn't expecting it to be as poignant as it was, and I think that was my favorite thing about it--that he wasn't too cool to be vulnerable.
June 4, 2015
I was so psyched for this book because I grew up watching Kids in the Hall... this book had so much potential!!!! It hopped all over the place and didn't really follow much of a timeline, which I hate. I wanted to know more about his days doing KITH but it fell short on that. And I didn't really get the poems... I wish I could have found this on audiobook, it probably would have been funnier that way.
May 2, 2015
I would like to give this 4.5 stars but unfortunately that's not an option.This book was a unique read. Having been a KITH fan number of years I knew it was going to be a bit odd going in. There was a good mix of anecdotes, poetry, and biography. It was like reading a lot of the skits written by Bruce for the TV show. The writing was insightful, funny, and heartwarming. A definite must for anyone who is a fan of Bruce and the Kids.
January 29, 2019
A cross between a memoir and a collection of funny (well, sometimes serious) essays. This was a nice companion piece to the KITH biography "One Dumb Guy", with a couple overlapping stories that were still reading from different vantage points. It didn't have the feel of an "autobiography" but covered the same kind of ground, and was probably better off for the approach it takes rather than a more "normal" autobiographical feel.
October 5, 2015
Loved this! Actually laughed out loud a few times. One of my favorite comedy books ever (not a huge surprise, maybe, given my huge love of Kids in the Hall). He actually pulls off simultaneously being pleasantly cynical and sweet. I'd love more from him, and some books from his fellow KITH members.
June 9, 2015
Even if you're not a Kids in the Hall fan, even if you're not a dad, this book is a great read (and a fantastic gift for Father's Day.) Bruce McCulloch does what David Sedaris does so well--weaves together self-deprecation and humor and in doing so ends up poignant. "Heartbreakingly funny" is probably on of the most over-used phrases, but this book is heartbreakingly funny.
December 18, 2016
What to make of the fact that I know now what two out of five KITH think about women's pubic grooming? Bruce in here and Dave in some stand-up I watched on youtube or something.
I am not sure why "Vigil" is included almost verbatim here, but reading it with the spoken word version in mind made me think that this whole thing would be better as an audiobook.
I am not sure why "Vigil" is included almost verbatim here, but reading it with the spoken word version in mind made me think that this whole thing would be better as an audiobook.
February 1, 2015
I knew it would be funny, but I didn't know there would be moments that brought me quickly and deservedly to tears. Great writing, wonderful revealing stories that really show Bruce's heart. Worth reading!
June 6, 2015
Some very funny stories and then a bunch of boring shit about drinking a lot and raising kids. Bruce clearly married the wrong woman. But I guess when you get old you get desperate and settle down with anyone you can find.
May 4, 2015
I wish he hadn't recycled so many pieces he has previously published, and jokes from his one man show, especially in a book that's under 300 pages. The pieces that were new, and a from the heart were pretty touching.
November 28, 2015
I've always loved Kids in the Hall and particularly Bruce's sense of humour. He looks at the world through a unique and funny pair of glasses. I'm also watching Young Drunk Punk and can see where he's drawing some of the funniness from his own life. Thanks, Bruce!
August 5, 2015
This was like reading KITH Bruce monologues that never aired, aka AMAZING
January 3, 2015
I love, love love this book. did I mention I love it? he is so heart-felt and his voice is loud and clear: it's him through the whole book.
January 9, 2015
Laughed. Cried. Absolutely adored this book.
May 15, 2015
One day, I will remember to get comedy books in audio format.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews