No Cure for Cancer

Denis Leary struts onto the stage armed with a cigarette and an aggressive defense of his own bad behavior. The hour operates on a single frequency of high-volume cynicism, peaking with the song “Asshole,” an upbeat anthem where he happily lists out his daily offenses. The routine functions as an attack on the health-conscious trends of the era, built on the premise that being a toxic jerk is a point of pride.

Filmed at Irving Plaza in New York City in late 1992 and televised the following year, the 45-minute set was a commercial breakthrough. Directed by Ted Demme, the show catapulted the comic from the club circuit into an MTV fixture and Hollywood actor. He spends the runtime defending meat, recreational drugs, and tobacco with a rapid-fire delivery. The performance drew lasting criticism for its resemblance to the persona of contemporary Bill Hicks, but it found a massive audience eager to hear someone shout at them about their habits.