Does Anyone Remember When Joe Rogan Performed At Jay’s In Pittsfield?

Joe Rogan is one of the most recognizable names in bro culture. He has the number one podcast in the world, remains prominent in the UFC world, is besties with Tony Hinchcliffe - but before he was on "NewsRadio" in 1995, he was trying to breakout as a standup comic.

Back in 1989, Rogan performed at Jay's Nightclub in Pittsfield. Where was Jay's located? Jay's was located where Franky's Liquor and Latin Market is now across from Domino's on upper North Street. I was able to snap a picture of the door (it had the old Jay's logo on there!) after K&K liquors closed before it became Franky's.

Back then, you could make a decent living as a comic in the Boston area, but you had to do a lot of driving, and much of what I did was way out in Western Mass. As a matter of fact, I did my first paid gig out that way when I opened for Lenny Clarke at a nightclub called Jay’s in Pittsfield. -stagetimemagazine.com

Rogan mentioned this again on an episode of his podcast, "The Joe Rogan Experience", with Boston comic legend Lenny Clarke, whom he opened up for that night in 1989.

Rogan goes on to say that Jay's in Pittsfield was "one of the best road gigs" where "everyone would get excited". Lenny Clarke gave Rogan high marks that night.

Rogan, 58, was born in Newark, NJ but attended high school in Newton, MA. He eventually dropped out of school while attending UMASS Boston.

He is not the first famous person behind the microphone with ties to Berkshire County, Massachusetts. Howard Stern said one time on his radio show that a small station in Pittsfield, MA had turned him down. I have yet to figure it out!