Graffiti. From the early cave drawings to public bathrooms hasn’t changed much. It’s basically a proclamation. “I WAS HERE.” The Comedy Club Green Room is no different.
The Green Room, (Which is very seldom green) is a place where artist can collect their thoughts before bravely stepping onto the stage. A tough task in the Green Room of the Atlanta Punchline.
As I look around the room, I see a few famous names. John Witherspoon, George Lopez, Joe Rogan, John Fox. Oh look, there’s John Fox’s name again on the opposite wall, just in case I didn’t see it the first time …or maybe he was here twice?
Why are all the names that are written the largest, the ones you don’t recognize? (That sounded very Andy Rooney)
There are a lot of proclamations on this wall.
I AM GOD
BILL HICKS IS GOD
I’M THE YOUNG EDDIE MURPHY (I thought there already was one of those)
A lot of the comics seem to have an oral fixation.
I SUCK
YOU SUCK
YOU’RE GOING TO SUCK
THEY SUCK
NO, YOU SUCK. DON’T BLAME THE AUDIENCE.
Some comics use the wall as a battle ground. Read this exchange between two comics.
MY FIRST WEEK AT THE PUNCHLINE AND THE AUDIENCE SUCKS
NO, IT’S YOUR LAST WEEK ‘CAUSE YOU SUCK
OH, AREN’T WE THE FUNNY LITTLE OPEN MIC FAG
AND AREN’T WE THE UNFUNNY BITTER LITTLE FEATURE ACT FAG?
I assume this conversation took place over the span of several appearances.
Sometimes the graffiti is helpful.
POT’S YOUR FRIEND
GOD BLESS SCRAMBLED PORN
QUIT TRYING TO BE HICKS
WHY DON’T YOU USE SOME OF THIS CREATIVITY ON STAGE YOU HACKS!
signed Anonymous Real Comic
Then someone wrote under that,
CO-MIDDLE WITH NO BALLS
I remember being in one club where Phylis Diller came into the Green Room, observed the mess of scribbling on the walls and demanded the room be painted. The club owner lamented the loss of all that club history but I cheered! ALL GREEN ROOMS MUST GO GREEN! I can’t stand looking at all that juvenile, egotistical crap! It’s an assault on my moment of zen.
Hey! I’m not without sin. I’ve signed a few walls and drawn a few pictures, but in the end I’ve realized it’s all futile. Leaving my mark on a tableau of plaster and paint only to find out years later that the club has been unceremoniously torn down to make way for a bank? (Rascals, W.O.) Today’s Green Room could be tomorrow’s Olive Garden. Let the archaeologists sort it out. The mark I leave behind is my life, and in time, that to will fade.
Greg Morton’s Tribute Show in Memory of Ray Vazquez Palm Beach County has suffered a great loss in the passing of Ray Vazquez, a loving father, faithful husband, loyal friend and devoted Firefighter/Paramedic. The Improv is honoring Ray by donating all ticket and Raffle proceeds from this show directly to his family. A cowardly gunman dressed in a suit and tie walked into a Wendy’s restaurant in Palm Beach County (Florida) at lunchtime on Monday, March 3rd, killing a Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Lieutenant who was on his lunch break. The lunatic then went on shooting four others before turning the gun on himself. The Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Lieutenant was taking a lunch break from training and met his wife and child at the restaurant. The 42-year-old Firefighter and his family had just left the restaurant when he returned to retrieve a toy his child had left behind. The Lieutenant was shot in the back as he stood at the counter. Michele Vazquez has expressed her appreciation of support from the community and asked that this statement be read summing up her thoughts and feelings about the response of the community, fellow firefighters, police officers, all public safety professionals and even complete strangers. “I don’t know where to begin or how to thank everyone. The support is overwhelming and so appreciated. My children and I thank you so much. People would comment about the fact that I was a cop and Ray a Fire-Medic. We have the two strongest extended families anyone could imagine. We love you all so much. Thank you for being here with me. When Ray started the fire service, I would ask why he called people, “Brother.” ….It didn’t take long for me to figure it out. I know you are feeling my pain and confusion. He loved working with you. I don’t understand why these horrible things happen. But, no horrible thing can take away our memories. My husband was an outstanding father and the most giving husband. He was my best friend, I’m going to miss him so much. Michele Vazquez (Wife of Ray Vazquez) Michele, Our prayers are with you and your family… we love you and God Bless you. All proceeds will go to the Vazquez Family…Please join us Thursday night, won’t you? 
GREG MORTON 