Steve Hughes is an Australian standup comedian and thrash metal musician who comments on culture and society.
He has embraced the title “heavy metal humourist”, as it aligns with his approach to comedy, music and life.
Steve’s comedy is often observational and self-deprecating, and he frequently tackles subjects such as religion, politics and race. He is known for his dry wit and his ability to make audiences laugh at uncomfortable truths.
He has also released a few DVDs, including Steve Hughes: Live at the Apollo and Steve Hughes: It’s Not My Fault.
Steve was an active member of Australia’s early thrash metal scene, playing drums in bands such as Mortal Sin, Slaughter Lord and Nazxul.
He first tried comedy in 1994, shortly after having joined Nazxul, and started performing at The Comedy Store in Sydney. Hughes quit the band and left Australia for Ireland in 1999, and eventually to Manchester where he stayed in a house with fellow Aussie comic Jim Jefferies.
I first came across Steve’s work about a decade ago when he appeared on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow.
The origins of modern stand-up comedy can be traced back to the Vaudeville era. This was a form of variety entertainment popular in the U.S. and Canada, featuring a mix of specialty acts like comedy, song and dance, magic, acrobatics, and more. Performers like George Burns, Bob Hope, and Jack Benny began their careers in vaudeville before making the leap to radio and television.