Matt Rife’s Journey to Comedy Stardom
Matt Rife’s rise to success is nothing short of remarkable. After nearly 700 shows, his ‘overnight’ success is a true story of perseverance and hard work in comedy. Very few comedians achieve the level of fame that includes performing in some of the biggest venues in the world, and even fewer do it before turning 30.
Rife, now 29, is living that dream. His Stay Golden Tour kicks off with a performance at Houston’s Toyota Center on Sunday, March 9, and he’s already set to perform two nights at Madison Square Garden this summer, one of which is already sold out. He says, “It’s unbelievable. This is about as big as a comedian can get. There have only been a few comedians who have performed in stadiums instead of arenas. Even if it’s not Madison Square Garden, playing at the Toyota Center is a dream! To perform at MSG on top of that – it feels like all my bucket list items are checked off.”
From MSG to Toyota Center: Rife’s Special Connection to Big Venues
For most performers, selling out an iconic space like Madison Square Garden would be a major milestone. However, this is not the first time Rife has been at MSG. He remembers, “It was actually the first arena I ever got to perform in when I opened for Dave Chappelle on his 50th birthday. That was just a taste, and I thought, ‘Wow, I want to do this on my own someday.’ Two years later, it’s happening, and I’m so excited. New York has always been good to me; it’s a hub for stand-up.”
Comedy in Big Arenas: Rife’s Unique Approach
Matt Rife is not intimidated by performing in huge venues. While it can be difficult for some comedians to maintain intimacy in large spaces, Rife embraces it. “I perform the same show in a 300-person club or a 20,000-seat arena. It’s about the energy. Even with 15,000 people, it feels like we’re just hanging out together. Some comedians may feel out of their comfort zone, but I just treat it like a regular show.”
He adds, “The energy in an arena is unmatched. It’s like the adrenaline rush of a game-winning touchdown. It’s so much fun, and you can feel everyone having a good time. It’s like a wave of positivity – kind of like how a porn star might describe it, but with laughs!”
The Unique Experience of Live Comedy
Matt Rife’s huge online following means that many fans will be attending a live comedy show for the first time. He welcomes the newcomers and explains what they can expect. “Comedy online is often just a teaser, so when people come to my show, they’ll get an hour of material plus an interactive experience. I always talk to the audience and have fun interactions. It’s a whole different vibe when you’re experiencing it live. It’s like going to a music concert – you have to feel the energy in person.”
Crowd Work: A Signature of Matt Rife’s Shows
One of Matt Rife’s trademarks is his crowd work – his quick wit and energy during interactions with the audience. However, he doesn’t want people to judge him solely on this. “Crowd work is just a fun addition to the prepared material,” he says. “I’ve been fortunate to be many people’s introduction to comedy because of my online success, but there’s a lot of work that goes into crafting my material. Don’t expect every comedian to do crowd work like I do. I enjoy the spontaneity, but I don’t force it.”
The Challenge of Writing New Material
With his packed schedule, Matt Rife finds it challenging to create new material. “It’s hard to find time to sit down and write. Over the last year and a half, I was doing 40-50 shows a month. It’s non-stop! But when life happens, that’s when material comes. I don’t sit at a desk for hours writing jokes; something happens in my life that makes me laugh, and that’s when I know I have the foundation for a new joke.”
Rife’s Global Rise: A Humbling Experience
Rife’s success has taken him to global heights, and he remains grateful. “It’s insane,” he says. “I forget every day that people recognize me now. I’ll wake up thinking no one knows me, but then I go to a restaurant or store, and people thank me for the videos I post. It’s surreal. I’m so lucky and blessed that people enjoy what I do and that I’ve been able to make people laugh when they needed it most. Comedy is a very giving job.”
Matt Rife’s Performance Details
Matt Rife’s show at the Toyota Center in Houston is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 9. For more information, visit houstontoyotacenter.com or call 713-758-7200. Tickets are priced between $39 and $60.
