NEW YORK (AP) – As Dave Chappelle reflects on spending 30 years in comedy, he says he’s grateful and humble to still be living his dreams onstage.
“In all honesty, I mostly feel grateful that I survived it, and that I’m able to still do it, and that I have the respect of my peers,” the 43-year-old said in an interview Friday night following a show at Radio City Music Hall, where he was joined by The Roots, Dead Prez and T.I.
Chappelle’s residency at the venue in New York kicked off this week, and included guest performers such as Lil Wayne, Usher, Ice Cube and others. Saturday and Sunday’s shows were to feature Chris Rock, while Trevor Noah, John Mayer, Lauryn Hill, Leslie Jones, Chance the Rapper, Solange, Childish Gambino, Erykah Badu and more were scheduled for upcoming performances.
“Not to tip my hand, but the next couple nights are probably one of the most expensive comedy shows ever done, and everybody’s working under the fee, everybody’s works under their fee just so we can be together in this room,” Chappelle said. “It means a lot of to me.”
Darren Pfeffer, the executive vice president of MSG Live, called the 16 shows “unique” and said the company “is thrilled to have him at Radio City for the month of August.”