John Bishop reveals the sad reason that inspired his comedy career
He's celebrating 25 years in the industry
Last updated 7th Nov 2024
Comedian John Bishop is celebrating a massive 25 years in the industry, with a brand new tour coming up next year. The 57-year-old joined Ken Bruce on Greatest Hits Radio for Golden Years, choosing 2000 as his special year, with songs by David Gray, U2 and Gabrielle all making the list.
Although it's been a massive 25 years working in comedy for John, he revealed he didn't give up his day job straight away. "It's interesting because it's 25 years since my first ever open spot, walking on a stage in a comedy club, in Manchester called the Frog and Bucket," he explained.
"It was then a further five or six years until I left my job and then a further five or six years before you could say I broke through. So in terms of being around, I think I've been around if you like on tele and stuff like that just 10 or 12 years. But it's 25 years since that journey began."
As the comedian revealed his choice of Golden Year songs, which are from the early days in his career, he explained why he chose Gabrielle's song 'Rise'.
"The reason I started comedy is that I'd split up with my wife, and so I was depressed and down," he explained. "And this song was the 'have a glass of wine, have a cry', it was the 'have a cry song'!"
He went to say: "We got back together, so in the end it was OK. It was such a great song."
John is currently on a massive tour which has taken him around the world, but he confirmed when he starts his 25th anniversary tour next year, that will be completely new material. He told Ken: "The next tour to celebrate 25 years will be a complete new show, complete new material and I'll be doing that next October. Never stop, you've got to keep going!"
How to listen to Ken Bruce on Greatest Hits Radio
You can hear Ken Bruce every weekday on Greatest Hits Radio between 10am and 1pm, or on air or on the free Rayo app.
Take a look through Ken's previous guests:
Ben Elton reminisces about the kindness of George Michael with moving story
Ken Bruce spoke to Ben Elton, when he joined us for Golden Years. Ben chose 1987 as his Golden Year, which was the year he started dating his wife Sophie.
Ben also told us about the incredible kindness George Michael showed the couple after the birth of their twins.
Björn Ulvaeus reveals how he felt when he watched ABBA Voyage
Björn Ulvaeus joined Ken Bruce to talk about ABBA Voyage, as it celebrated its one year anniversary. He explained what it was like to see a hologram version of himself on stage saying: "I feel it's HIM from the 70s. I've felt that for a long time, because I've been exposed to him almost daily for the past 40 years. It was easier to do it if I looked at myself as a kind of historical figure, as 'him'."
Noel Gallagher on how the pandemic impacted his album 'Council Skies'
Following the release of his album 'Council Skies', Noel Gallagher spoke to Ken Bruce, revealing how the Covid Pandemic affected it.
Explaining that it wasn't all bad, Noel said: "My plan in 2019 was to always put a record out in 2023 anyway so I've not kind of lost any ground but it is a reflective album."
Ruby Wax opens up about the key to good mental health
Ruby Wax joined Ken Bruce to talk about her new book called I'm Not as Well as I Thought I Was. The book was supposed to be a travelogue of experiences that allowed Ruby to explore the meaning of life. However, it ended up with her checking herself into a hospital after her depression returned.
During the interview, Ruby revealed the key to good mental health, saying: "I know this sounds corny, but be generous and be nice to people. We work as a community, but we've lost that, so if you can even pick up a piece of paper and say 'you dropped this' it's a tiny thing, but it releases a hormone in you that is so good for your health."
Elton John opens up about what the future holds beyond his final tour
As Elton John neared the end of his epic 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' tour he joined Ken Bruce to talk about what's next for him, and also revealed that he doesn't actually need to wear glasses!
Elton launched a new eyewear range in 2023 and said: "I just love wearing glasses, and even though I've got 20/20 vision, I still wear glasses because I feel naked without them."
Martin Kemp on the 'fatal mistake' he made at Live Aid
Greatest Hits Radio presenter and Spandau Ballet star, Martin Kemp joined Ken Bruce to talk about his Golden Year which was 1985.
1985 was the year that Spandau Ballet performed at Live Aid, and he revealed the terrible moment they decided to perform a new song on stage.
Sharleen Spiteri reveals how fate led to Texas' second ever gig supporting Fleetwood Mac
Texas singer Sharleen Spiteri joined Ken Bruce for the Golden Years, and chose 1977, when she was just 10 years old.
The first song Sharleen chose was 'Dreams' by Fleetwood Mac, she explained why she chose that song saying: "Texas' first ever gig... the first gig we played was Dundee University in the bar," she reminisced, continuing: "The second gig we played was opening up for Fleetwood Mac at the Edinburgh Playhouse, because the band that were supporting them had got Top of The Pops!
Rob Brydon addresses the Gavin & Stacey reunion rumours
Actor and comedian Rob Brydon joined Ken Bruce for Golden Years, as to be expected some of the questions were about the hit show Gavin & Stacey.
When asked if there are plans for a reunion, Rob admitted: "It's a lovely thought but I don't know that there are any plans for it at the moment - but then I wouldn't necessarily know. When they did that big Christmas special a few years ago they'd written it without any of us knowing – James (Corden) and Ruth (Jones) had got together and secretly written it."
Dolly Parton says she has no intention of retiring ❤️
Ahead of the release of her album 'Rockstar' and her book Behind The Seams My Life In Rhinestones, Dolly Parton joined Ken Bruce, admitting she never wants to retire.
Shirlie Kemp recalls the moment she met Andrew Ridgeley and George Michael
Shirlie Kemp joined Ken Bruce for Golden Years, where she talked about growing up with Andrew Ridgeley and George Michael from Wham! and the music she loved as a youngster.
ABC's Martin Fry reveals how the band's merchandise has changed over four decades
ABC's Martin Fry joined Ken Bruce for Golden Years to talk about David Bowie, Top of The Pops and his upcoming tour.
Paul Carrack on why 1974 was a special year for him
Paul Carrack, the Ace, Squeeze and Mike + The Mechanics singer, joined Ken Bruce to talk about his Golden Year which was 1974. It was also the year that Paul sang on the hit 'How Long' as part of Ace.
Davina McCall opens up on why her new show My Mum, Your Dad is so relatable
Davina McCall opens up on why her new show My Mum, Your Dad is so relatable. The show sees middle-aged singletons with grown-up children, looking for love. The parents spend two weeks in a retreat, where they get to meet the others taking part, and go on dates.
Richard Osman shares why 1987 was a pivotal year for him
Richard Osman opened up about his pivotal Golden Year, which was 1987. Richard also chatted about his fourth novel, The Last Devil to Die.
Carol Vorderman discusses her podcast and the first record she bought
Carol Vorderman joined Ken Bruce for Golden Years, where she shared some fun memories from her chosen year of 1974 and spoke about her Perfect 10 podcast.
Rick Astley describes his Glastonbury performance as an 'out of body experience'
Rick Astley joined Ken Bruce to talk about his Glastonbury performance, and what it was like to perform ahead of Elton John at the iconic music festival.
Take That reminisce about their early days as they join Ken Bruce for Golden Years
Take That joined Ken Bruce for Golden Years, where they reminisced about their early days in the music business, and how times have changed for the band, choosing 1992 as their year.
1992 was the year that Take That really started to make waves, and as Gary Barlow explained, it wasn't as easy as just posting something on social media, to promote their music.
How Annie Lennox and Tori Amos inspired Emeli Sandé
Emeli Sandé joined Ken Bruce to talk about her inspirations who are Annie Lennox and Tori Amos. She also reminisced about how she used to listen to music when she was just five-years-old.
Boy George reveals his favourite part of being in the I'm A Celeb jungle
Boy George spoke to Ken Bruce about his experience in the I'm a Celebrity jungle. Boy George also gave Sam Thompson, a presenter on our sister station Hits Radio, a pep talk before he headed into the jungle.
Jason Donovan reminisces about 1989 - a pivotal year for the singer
After 35 years in the entertainment industry, Jason Donovan told Ken why 1989 was a pivotal year for him, and how he became "obsessed" with wanting to be a pop star.
Pete Waterman reveals the unusual connection Lenny Henry has to Kylie Minogue's success
Pete Waterman joined Ken to talk about one of the biggest hits he wrote for Kylie Minogue, 'I Should Be So Lucky' and how Lenny Henry had a part in that being a huge hit.
Gabrielle opens up about her overnight success with her 1993 hit 'Dreams'
The wonderful singer Gabrielle joined Ken Bruce to talk about her brand new album 'A Place In Your Heart', her 2025 tour and what it was like getting overnight success with her debut hit 'Dreams' in 1993.
Colin Blunstone admits he had no ambitions to sing in public when the The Zombies started out
Lead singer of The Zombies, Colin Blunstone, joined Ken Bruce to talk about the band's brand new tour, and how he didn't have ambitions to be a singer.
He also revealed how the band formed back in 1961, as a group of teenagers, who weren't even old enough to go inside the pub they met outside!
KC and the Sunshine Band's Harry Wayne Casey reveals how the band's distinctive sound was created
Speaking to Ken, Harry Wayne Casey, the KC out of KC and The Sunshine Band where the band got their distinctive sound. He explained that he wanted to make happy music because the music in the early 70s had got quite dark. There were two events that lead to the band's sound, a wedding and a gig in Washington.
Chaser Paul Sinha reveals why 'Two Tribes' 'represents so much' to him
The Chase quizzer Paul Sinha joined Ken Bruce to talk about being a stand-up comedian, his book, and his sexuality. Paul also revealed his Golden Year was 1984, a significant year for him because it was his "big blockbuster year as a teenager", aged just 14. He also explained why Frankie Goes To Hollywood's 'Two Tribes' 'represented so much' to him.
Marc Almond reveals why he likes The Kinks better than The Beatles
Marc Almond joined Ken Bruce, choosing 1970 as his Golden Year. With songs such as 'Witches Promise' by Jethro Tull, 'Ride A White Swan' by T Rex and 'Lola' by The Kinks, he revealed why he likes The Kinks better than The Beatles.
Billy Ocean reveals the unusual gift Cyndi Lauper gave him in his 'early days'
'Caribbean Queen' singer Billy Ocean joined Ken Bruce on Greatest Hits Radio to talk about the 40th anniversary reissue of his album 'Suddenly', as well as choosing his Golden Year of 1986. He also revealed the unusual gift Cyndi Lauper gave him.
Anton Du Beke reveals one of the 'most extraordinary' things he's seen on Strictly
Strictly pro Anton Du Beke chose 1979 as his Golden Year with songs from Sister Sledge, The Jam and Gary Numan. He also revealed what to expect from his seventh novel, A Dance for the King, and what is the most extraordinary thing he's seen so far on this year's Strictly Come Dancing.
Status Quo's Francis Rossi admits to being a fan of pop music
Status Quo's Francis Rossi chose 1979 as his Golden Year on Greatest Hits Radio. His songs included ones by Cliff Richard, The Crusaders and ELO, telling Ken that he is a fan of pop music! "In that period he (Cliff Richard) was having this renaissance, and particularly good records. From 'Miss You Nights' and all those other records," Francis explained
John Bishop reveals the sad reason that inspired his comedy career
John Bishop has been a comedian for 25 years, and revealed the sad reason that inspired him to start his career in comedy. The 57-year-old explained he'd split up from his wife and and down. Thankfully however they pair reunited.
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