Robin Williams Down Under

Andrew Fenton reported in HeraldSun.com Australia that Australians have been chasing veteran comedian Robin Williams since 2002 to go on tour in Australia. Finally, Williams, 59, has taken Australia up on its offer.  He’ll be touring his stand-up show, “Weapons of Self Destruction,” in Melbourne, Sidney and Brisbane this November.

There is a back-story to Williams’ relationship with Australians and some Australians’ concept of Americans in the Southern U.S. Basically, Williams offended Australians and an Australian offended the South.

Earlier this year on the “Late Show with David Letterman,” Williams joked that Australian’s are “basically English rednecks.” This miffed Australians to no end. Australia’s Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd shot back that Williams should “spend a bit of time in Alabama” before calling other people rednecks. Rudd’s comment sparked anger in America’s southern states.

“That was pretty bizarre. I was like: Wow! I’ve started an international incident! I don’t want to cause a war between Alabama and Australia – please no! I was talking about the accent, not talking about a state of mind.” HeraldSun.com.au

“Weapons of Self Destruction” has played more than 100 cities in the US, Canada and the UK during 2008 and 2009, with tickets frequently selling out in a matter of minutes. The tour had to be temporarily postponed in March last year while the comedian underwent heart surgery.

An HBO broadcast of “Weapons of Self Destruction,” recorded in Washington last year, has been nominated for three Emmy awards.

Click Here To Watch Robin’s Weapon’s of Self Destruction video on YouTube!

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