By 1985 Pete George had already established himself as one of Cleveland’s top lead guitarists, when he was called up to join the original alternative rock group, “Separate Checks”. Releasing two original songs and a music video during the height of the MTV era, the band used its fame to start the petition drive that succeeded in bringing the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and Museum to Cleveland. Around the same time, Pete’s quick wit and onstage banter, prompted for calls for him to try his hand at stand-up comedy. He has taken his love for Rock ‘n’ Roll and launched Pete’s Rock n’ Shop filled with creative guitar pick necklaces and merchandise for Rockers of All Ages. petegeorge.tv/shop
You were one of Cleveland’s top lead guitarists for the alternative rock group, Separate Checks during the height of the MTV era. How did this lead you to stand-up comedy?
I’m proud to say I was one of many guitar players coming out of Cleveland. A couple of greats were Joe Walsh and Neil Giraldo (Pat Benatar). When I played with Separate Checks, we were an original, alternative band before alternative became mainstream. We were also one of the groups that got the petition drive started to have the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. I was there for opening day with all the festivities. I think there was a famous band in every night club. We walked into a little bar and there was Funkadelic playing right next to the front door. That was epic. My uncle Don was a record rep for MCA out of Cleveland. There were hundreds of radio stations from around the world doing live remotes and it seemed like everyone knew my uncle. He passed from COVID this past February and my cousins had his memorial in August at the Rock Hall.
Around this same time, I entered a stand-up competition at the Cleveland Comedy Club. It was sold out and I didn’t invite anyone just in case I bombed. As it turned out, I won that Sunday night, my first time up and terrified. I entered two more contests consecutively and won both of those as well, so I had a very good starting point. I began getting gigs after that and of course I bombed many times. You can’t escape it. Yea… that was fun. Lol. Two years later I toured for a long time opening for a comic/magician and that’s where I really got my comedy chops down.
Where do you draw your material from?
Mostly from my personal life experiences like school, family, marriage, divorce and more marriage, divorce. Ha. I do stay away from politics, although social issues can be a lot of fun. I like getting under people’s skin sometime and pointing out absurdities in a humorous way. I use my electric guitar in half of my show. It’s part of my self-expression, its unique and people love it. My parents are in their 80’s and they have very little filter. Some of the things they say out loud, knowing Ill talk about it in my show. My mom has that New York-Brooklyn sarcasm, and my dad was the first accordion soloist in the Army at West Point so the accordion is easy comedy prey.
What does it take to be a successful comedian?
I think the biggest lesson for me was the switch of getting laughs to feel better about myself to being a contribution and making a difference for others. I really enjoy seeing people laugh and making their day a bit better. I’ve had people dealing with cancer and hugging me after my show and telling me it was the first time they laughed in months.
In our current social media pop culture, being funny is no longer the primary factor to get work, it’s more like how many followers do you have. Good news is, if you want great success, being funny takes precedence. “If it comes from the heart, it lands on the heart” I often think of this when I am performing stand up, acting or playing music. We are emotional beings so in the end, of course this makes perfect sense. Fluff may get you in the door, but substance and depth will keep you there.
You are also an actor. Your first film was Shawshank Redemption where you worked alongside Hollywood heavyweights Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins. What do you enjoy the most about acting?
Doing shower scenes… lol. Seriously, in Shawshank, over two hours, naked in front of the camera. Sheesh… reminds me of my wedding night.
I really enjoy working with a team of people on a film, commercial or television show. Every person on set is there to support the acting performance so I have a lot of respect for the entire crew. I’m looking forward to doing much more of it, especially a starring role on a TV series.
You have more than 8,500 comedy shows during your career. Can you share a few memorable experiences?
I would say performing four shows on a 40-seat turbo-prop commuter flight for Continental Airlines. We hit massive turbulence and they still made me perform. That was about the most stressful because if you suck, you’re stuck with everyone on the plane. Fortunately, I did well even with hitting the ceiling a few times. There was a writer for Just for Laughs magazine who was on one flight, and she was very generous with her write up about the experience. Everyone was talking about those shows. The Tonight Show, Letterman, Entertainment Tonight. We got a ton of press.
I also performed at a prison in Alabama. Another “captive audience”. I’m just happy it wasn’t in the shower. The inmates were a lot of fun and really appreciated the show.
One of my worst experiences was when I was starting out, I was performing at a small bar in the mid-west. When I went to get paid, the owner pulled a gun on me and said he wasn’t going to pay what the agreement was. I was pretty intimidated and, well, Let’s just leave it at that.
Tell us about Pete’s Rock’n Shop.
Pete’s Rock’n Shop is my on-line store where we sell custom guitar pick necklaces and guitar flash drives. They are also available after my show and are extremely popular. You can check out my store and order here: https://www.petegeorge.tv/shop
The holidays are around the corner. Why are your guitar picks the perfect gift?
They are great stocking stuffers! Kids love them, teens love them. I’ve even had people in their 90’s wear them. We have many styles including a few glow-in-the-dark guitar picks so you can find each other. A portion of every sale goes to the Dream Street Foundation.
Tell us about the Dream Street Foundation. Why is giving back so important to you?
Dream Street provides camping programs for children and young adults with chronic and life-threatening illnesses”.
I had a close friend pass away from cancer in her 40’s. She meant a great deal to me. When I send the donations to Dream Street, I always send it in Robin’s name. This is a way for her memory to live on and it makes a difference for the kids in the Dream Street Camp. I love making a difference for others. Its so important to lift people up who maybe struggling. Most of us have been through some very tough times and its nice to know you’re not alone.
Where can we see you next?
November 5th I will be at the Elsinore Comedy Club in Lake Elsinore, CA. December 10 & 11 I will be in Pittsburg, PA. December 17 & 18 I will be headlining Keller’s Magic & Comedy Club in Erie, PA. All info available on my website: https://www.petegeorge.tv/tour-dates
Because of COVID and so many things shut down I have picked up a few guitar students either in-person or on Zoom. Also, coaching stand-up so if anyone is interested, you can email me.
Please share your website/video
Website: https://www.petegeorge.tv/
Stand Up Sizzle: https://youtu.be/0EZDgfeqxJI
Acting Info: https://www.petegeorge.tv/actor
Facebook Fan’s: https://www.facebook.com/ThePeteGeorgeFanClub
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petegeorgetv/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PeteGeorgetv
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@petegeorgetv?lang=en
Don George Memorial: https://www.petegeorge.tv/post/don-george-record-promoter
Email: [email protected]