Joe Rogan returns to live comedy in surprise appearance at Austin venue

Joe Rogan unexpectedly ended up on an Austin stage for a surprise appearance at Big Laugh Comedy's show last week.

Big Laugh Comedy had billed Los Angeles comedian Tony Hinchcliffe as the night's main attraction. But Hinchcliffe, a frequent guest on Rogan's podcast, shocked audiences when he brought his buddy Rogan on partway through.

"When he brought out Joe, everyone erupted," said Big Laugh Comedy CEO Brandon Lewin.

Rogan's appearance was a surprise to Lewin too, who said he only found out about two hours before the show. Lewin said an even bigger surprise was the appearance of comedy legend Ron White.

White has not performed any live comedy in months, and had previously suggested he was retiring from comedy in a September episode of Rogan's podcast.

Rogan's performance for the audience included jokes about his family life and his experience with "cancel culture."

After teasing on his podcast for months, Rogan moved from Los Angeles to Austin in August. The MMA enthusiast and comedian recently teased he wanted to open his own comedy club in Austin. Rogan had performed years earlier at iconic Austin comedy spot Cap City Comedy before it closed due to the pandemic

Just when it looked like there were no comedy spots left in Austin, Big Laugh Comedy began doing downtown live shows at the Vulcan Gas Company last month. Lewin has told Austonia that COVID safety is a priority for the event. For the shows, the venue operates at 25% capacity and has assigned seating, among other safety measures.