Thanks to Louis CK

American alternative comedy legend Barry Crimmins is to release his first ever stand-up special – thanks to Louis CK.

Crimmins was a leading figure in the influential Boston comedy scene in the 1980s, giving it a sense of political purpose. He then became a pioneering campaigner against online child pornography, driven by his own childhood ordeal at the hands of a paedophile.

Last year he became the subject of the documentary Call Me Lucky, available now on Netflix, and last month made his first UK appearances in 30 years. (Review)

Now his special, Whatever Threatens You, has been produced and directed by Louis CK, who first encountered Crimmins when he started performing comedy in Boston in 1985.

CK wrote to his mailing list: 'Barry is a legend. A great mind, an author and activist and political satirist. He has been an important voice of passion and reason since the 1970s. He has stood before thousands of audiences of every size and type and told them the truth with wit and wisdom, with anger and compassion.

'Barry was a towering example to me when I started doing standup at age 18. He fostered the comedy scene that I cut my teeth on and later became my friend. More than all of that, I am his fan. I love his voice. He makes me laugh. He's always right. There has NEVER been another comic like him. 

'The great thing about comedians is that they get better with time. And I feel very lucky to be bringing you Barry's first standup special.... You'll see a comedian who cares about what he is saying and who brings integrity and experience and an unmatched skill as a writer to his performance. 

'There are a lot of stand-up specials out there right now. On Netflix, on iTunes, HBO, whatever. But you won't see another like this.'

CK is now selling Whatever Threatens You – shot in Kansas in June last year – on his website for his usual price of $5 (£4). Click here to buy as a download.

Published: 24 Oct 2016