Denis Leary: No Cure for Cancer (1993 TV Special) User Reviews

Non stop (madness)

[kosmasp · 8/10 · 4 August 2021]

You have to like Denis Leary and his foul mouthed quick fire comedy. You also cannot be easily offended. Well if you want to watch this stand up routine that is. Because he doesn't take prisoners! He does not care about PC culture or woke culture or any of that. He is relentless like that.

Having said that and while I like what he's doing, I would not have attended this particular routine. Smoking was not only allowed but he's doing as many legal drugs in this as are humanly possible (especially considering all the talking he does). Dig the jokes and have no issue with his "stance" on the issues he brings up. Also am not offended by the language he uses ... as you can tell, I enjoyed the mayhem he created and told us about. It is a persona he is playing - there is more to him that this routine. Be aware of that and try to remember: while telling jokes almost anything was allowed back in the day ...

Funny, But Should Credit Bill Hicks

[victor_redlick · 7/10 · 28 April 2018]

This is one of my fave comedy albums of all time. When it came out I had it on tape and would have worn it out if I had not lost it. I then replaced it on CD and still love it even today. Unfortunately somebody told me about Bill Hicks and when I checked him out I was so sad and disappointed. Leary absolutely lifted parts of Hicks' persona, routine, even flat out some of his jokes. It is too bad. It is still a funny album if you take it for what it is.

Justice appears to have been served

[inaneindamembrane · 1 November 2004]

I love the way that this site have given Bill Hicks and uncredited writing "credit" for this - seems like they know the score and have bigger testicles than I ever game them credit for - I wonder how many packs a day they smoke :-)

for those of you who don't know, before Leary became a corporate sell out and did beer commercials, he lifted his style, delivery, and most of his material (often verbatim) from a fellow comedian called Bill Hicks.

He does it quite well though and No Cure for Cancer is worth a chuckle, and its easy to see why Leary's watered down, corporately acceptable, and mass marketable versions of Hicks' style and material earned Leary the success that it did - the same success and recognition that eluded Hicks during his lifetime.

If you want your ranting and non-conformist comedy of a ultimately non challenging variety then Leary will probably do for you.

Otherwise I suggest you try the originator of Leary's work first

Drugs, smoking, alcohol, rehab and meat, just to name but a few...

[paul_haakonsen · 9/10 · 25 April 2020]

It is hard to grasp that this stand-up show is dating back to 1993. I just sat down and watched it again this week. I have seen "Denis Leary: No Cure for Cancer" about five times, I think, since it was released. And believe you me, it is as funny as it was the last time every time I sat down to watch it.

This 1993 stand-up comedy special is unique, solely because of Denis Leary, of course. The contents in the show is just to die for. He is hilarious, and he even shows a serious side as well, though it quickly gets turned into something funny.

I like this stand-up comedy show a lot, and the fact that it can be seen over and over again just stands to prove that Denis Leary was on to something with his particular style of in-your-face-attitude comedy. And he holds nothing barred, no filter (even though the filters are the best part, hint hint), so you're in for quite a treat in the company of Denis Leary.

This show is packed with an abundance of good comedy material, and it is well-delivered by Denis Leary, whom is sparkling with energy and just does what he does best in this 1993 special.

My rating of "Denis Leary: No Cure for Cancer" is a very well-deserved nine out of ten stars. You definitely should treat yourself to this stand-up comedy special if you haven't already seen it, because you are missing out on something truly extraordinary.

One of the most poignant and hilarious comedy specials ever

[Quinoa1984 · 9/10 · 21 June 2000]

I never knew Denis Leary was a comic until I saw this special (I just thought he was a talented actor). Now I know he is a talented comic/actor. Here, he examines how the country has changed with drugs, rehab, more drugs, smoking, meat and many other things that show he is insane in his comedy. But he is also sincere when he talks about his son and his father (though I never laughed so hard at the thought of wood paneling). Great comedian, great fun, with a very memorable song to sing along with. A+

Everything a concert movie should be and more...

[CoenSis · 10/10 · 22 September 2000]

This is one of the few stand-up performances that actually justifies "concert" movies. With just a pack of cigarettes, a microphone and his incredible talent, Denis Leary takes on an arsenal of subjects with wit, passion and scathing commentary. Why isn't this man a bigger star? If his movies could capture even an ounce of the intelligence and charisma he displays prowling the stage in this one-hour special, he should be making more money than Tom Cruise and Jim Carrey put together. Even when he turns reflective and introspective, he doesn't let sentiment get in the way of his hilarious act. The next time you're complaining there's no funny movies to rent, take this home--no excuses!

I don't care if he "stole" from Bill Hicks; it's damned funny.

[MovieAddict2016 · 9/10 · 30 November 2005]

Only recently have I heard that Denis Leary allegedly "stole" from the late comedian Bill Hicks. What is ironic is that Hicks stayed out of the spotlight until his death, and now that Leary has become more popular Hicks is, in essence, becoming more famous AFTER his death due to the "Leary/Hicks" controversy.

I haven't heard enough Hicks to be able to intelligently debate whether or not one "stole" from the other - all I know is that Denis Leary makes me laugh. And whether or not he stole from Hicks, he's since gone on to do his own acts and form his own style and appear in films - "The Ref," for example (one of the most underrated comedies ever), is great largely due to Leary. His fierce attitude and energy and rough attitude are all him. He may have stolen some tricks from Hicks but Hicks is dead now, and he's been dead for a while, and Leary's continued on churning out stuff that I think is very funny - and which is NOT stolen from anyone.

On the IMDb message boards a user named Tom Myers writes: "Hicks didn't write any of Leary's material. Sure, they talk about similar things, but I own all of Leary's and Hicks' albums and there is no blatant ripping-off of a joke. Yes, there are similarities in personalities, but given that the two men did not emerge until the early 1990s, there is no way to figure out which comedian originally came up with which piece of material. There is even a possibility that Hicks could have used some of Leary's material (Jim Fixx, voice boxes) as Leary mentions in his book, also titled "No Cure For Cancer," that he was doing bits about drugs and smoking as early as the 1980s. According to many Hicks biographies, Hicks did not take up smoking until he gave up drugs in 1984/85, long after Leary started doing bits about smoking." Anyway, this comedy standup act is classic. It contains some of the best rants of all time and Leary goes from one to the next like a madman. I really enjoy listening to it and watching it from time to time, and a lot of the stuff he talks about I can find myself relating to.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants to laugh. Ignore the controversy, see it for yourself and if you like it, go get some Bill Hicks and compare.

EXTREMELY UNFUNNY... Only for easily amused people. Just a really irritated guy ranting on stage....

[pinokiyo · 1/10 · 24 December 2004]

Not only was he invariably annoying to listen to, but he had NO jokes. I swear, some fobby Asian guy telling yo momma jokes would've been funnier than Leary's crap. (Well, maybe funny for a couple minutes but at least I'll be able to laugh at least once!) Leary claimed he stopped taking drugs during one of his "jokes"... apparently he was still high on something; he was just some crackhead imprecating rants mostly drug related. One of his jokes was something like, 'I wouldn't use crack, especially having the same name as between my ass' - Oh man, how did he come up with that one?! I swear the only guy that needs to shut the f**k up is Denis Leary. Thank god I didn't have to see him live. This guy totally sucks.

If you're easily amused by swearing, and "jokes" where you can come up with yourself, then waste your time with this junk.

Dennis Leary gives it his all in a fine stand-up special that delivers the laughs at rapid fire pace.

[IonicBreezeMachine · 9/10 · 28 July 2021]

The first major comedy special for Comedian Denis Leary, Leary had already made a name for himself with his rapid fire commentary's on MTV as well as supporting work on the game show Remote Control. 1993 saw the release of comedy album/set/book and of course TV special No Cure for Cancer which gave Leary roughly an hour's worth of uninterrupted time to give his takes on red meat, smoking, and family all of which delivered with Leary's signature rapid fire ranting that keeps the laughs coming. While Leary's work is certainly of the time falling well within the line of contemporaries like Sam Kinison and Andrew Dice Clay, Leary's delivery I think works better here because it's very much a merger of those delivery styles with the humanity and relatability of George Carlin's work that while crass and vulgar had strong tangible support underlining it that made funny because we saw ourselves in it. Leary's stage persona takes that idea and mixes it with the contemporary delivery style and delivered with his energy level makes for a set that's both humorous and cathartic (especially when he discusses a his childhood involving his older brother and a bow and arrow that had me laughing to near suffocation). If you're looking to get introduced to Denis Leary and his work, both this special and The Ref are the best possible introductions.

Commentary on Hicks-Leary comparison in as objective form as i possibly can muster.

[Oyaji291 · 13 November 2004]

The only thing I have to say about the comparisons between Bill Hicks and Denis Leary is this- Bill made his special, "Dangerous", in the 1980's. Leary's "No Cure For Cancer" came out in the early 1990's. I'm just saying this because I'm tired of the people who praise him saying "If I'd heard hicks first, blah blah blah." Well, there's your proof of Leary's theft.

Anyway, I happen to like Leary's style. To be honest, I think the guy's talented as hell. But, because of his unfortunate sellout to animated movies and commercials, I cannot keep myself in any state of respect for him. Not to mention his theft of Hicks' style which put him on the map in the first place. I like Leary, but what he's done is unforgivable as far as I'm concerned.

As for this special, it's a decent comedy special with enough political insight for you to get your kicks off on (if you were so intrigued by it). While he manages to get a couple of laughs (Especially with the French material) I myself could not find myself laughing merely because of the fact that was previously stated. Not a bad special, just wish he would have at least admitted to his wrongdoings.

This is the perfect mixture of sarcasm and stupidity

[stewart_1111 · 10/10 · 11 January 2006]

this show is what inspired me to try and be a more funny person from the moment it starts he is going crazy.He never picks on anyone in the audience and he is the essence of comedy if this man still did comedy today he would be bigger than ant and Dec.In the show you can see how much it is taking out of him but he still tries to be funny correction he doesn't have to try he is anyway.watching this was the funniest hour of my life. Denis Leary is comedy genius and deserves more than the 10/10 i rated him.my favourite line in the show is when he says happiness is "ciggarette a chocolate chip cookie and a five second orgasm" just from those words on the front cover i knew that it was going to be something special.this is a show that is guaranteed to have you laughing about a part of it days later it is just simply superb.the lnies he reads the back of his mind are so precise. Although to watch this stand up you need a strong stomach (or just to try and hold your insides in. Some people may find this offensive but i just fin it brilliant.

One of the Funniest Stand-up routines of all-time!!

[silverkings13 · 10/10 · 25 October 2001]

No Cure for Cancer has been a favourite of mine for years. Denis Leary's irreverent and sometime shocking observations still make me laugh out loud.

If you enjoyed his last special "Lock and Load," you'll love his first. It brings you back to the days when Leary was at his ranting best. The humour is a little more harsh than in "Lock and Load," but in my estimation that is when he is "on."

Leary gained much of his fame from his comedy special, "No Cure For Cancer." His laugh-out-loud observations include; smoking, the 70's, celebrities, life, and of course (as the title alludes) Death.

Leary's delivery and on-stage charisma are perfected, and this is one of the funniest stand-up routines of all time. He get more credit as an actor, but No Cure for Cancer is when he is at his comedic best. Highly recommended.

So funny

[chardawg666 · 10/10 · 7 July 2004]

My friend first introduced me to Denis Leary a couple of years ago. So, I decided to watch the uncut version.

Wow, is Denis Leary funny? I literally was laughing the whole way through. His jokes are mostly about smoking, drugs, alcohol, red meat and best of all....CANCER! I warn you though: if you are offended by high amounts of profanity, this isn't for you. If you wanna see something that'll make your sides split wide open and you have an open mind, watch this!

He also has two songs performed at the beginning and the end (A**hole and Downtrodden song) of the routine that are just as funny and quite good musically. Highly recommended!

Twain and Swift conjoined and resurrected!

[estellelight1 · 10/10 · 28 March 2004]

Excellent comedy of the satirical style and sharp wit of Mark Twain and Jonathan Swift. Dennis Leary's use of music and the quick pace of the delivery creates enjoyment and laughter. Stay alert for his arsenal of truths surrounded in humor. I love his style and his keen sense of pointing out human foibles. The topics are current and yet transcend time. He has the ability to express the arrogance and sense of entitlement that is shrouded in the so called "American Dream". It takes the attainment of the dream and reveals not ultimate happiness and satisfaction but discontent. The suburbanite that must continually strive to control and compete with others for bigger and better. Attempting to assuage the discontent by imposing upon other people and the environment, the "Dream Achievers" become monstrosities that turn the Dream into a nightmare. Leary is a genius. I get the point and so will you. Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!

It is offensive to some, but a clear classic never the less

[rar2 · 9/10 · 1 July 2005]

It's an eight flirting with a nine. Forget that, it is a classic, so it gets nothing less than a nine. Ted Demme, save for the coke problem that unfortunately took his life, is brilliant. I don't mean to be insensitive; however, it is fitting here. I believe the next time someone uses a quote of a movie and criticizes it they should get it correct. Leary says "I'm sick and tired of our generation getting called the TV generation. Well all you guys did was watch TV. What'd ya expect? We watched Lee Harvey Oswald get shot, live on television, one day. We were afraid to change the channel for the next 30 years. This show sucks. Yeah, but someone might get shot during the commercial - -hang on."

The point is Leary is ignorant, but brilliant. He wrote this while he and his wife were shacked up in Massachusetts and unable to move. That family part of him comes through in the movie, not the CD. There are more songs on the CD and as good is it is, the movie is better. The ending is maybe a bit cheesy, but fluent with Leary, and fair. The weakest part is his proclamation of love for New York City, when he in fact he seethes so much Bostonian love that part loses some cred. During "Comics Come Home" he says who cares that Eddie Brill won New York Comic of the year three times? Because he's from Boston. But as if Leary would really care. In addition to that the "poodle man" sequence, with regards to NYC, is out of sight. He plays to the audience, not the camera. It is a movie, not a stand-up special.

As for the Bill Hicks comments: who? I have a feeling Leary would say that. After all, during his roast he roasted Peter Gallagher for having a uni-brow and Mario Cantone for being gay and slipping it past his family. There after, he kissed Cantone on the lips (Gallagher wasn't present). Leary is sincere and honest, for the Comedy troupes, to the charities, to his new show. And like he said he is "an a--hole," but a damn funny one

IM AN A*SHOLE-LIO-LIO!

[MikeOxbig616 · 30 March 2002]

PERFECT! This was a great special. I have this on CD on I laughed my A** off. Denis is a great actor and a great comic who tells great stories....and great trash talk. his songs are full of hillarious lyrics about serious things. He is my 1st favorite comic/actor. My 2nd favorite is George Carlin. This deserves a 9/10.

Best Stand Up Special Ever!!!

[K-Slicer · 10/10 · 5 July 2003]

I saw this special edited down a while back on Comedy Central. I recently rented this special again after I bought the very funny but edited CD (the entire special wasn't put the CD, don't ask me why that happened). (spoilers) My favorite bits involved NyQuil as being "the thirteenth f****** step" and his rather personal monologue involving his father and his son (that was classic). I think the best bit was in the first five minutes and "A**H***" has become a comedy song classic. Overall, I think this the best stand up comedy special of all time and that is worth ten reasons alone. So, ten reasons give a score of ten. Watch it, re-watch it, and memorize it because it is that funny and memorable.

Here ends my rant!

Outstanding comedy for people with no morals

[Coventry · 9/10 · 18 January 2005]

Denis Leary, the greatest stand-up comedian in the history of stand-up comedy (of course, in the humble opinion of yours truly) delivers his best work with this No Cure For Cancer show. This is an unscrupulous spitfire of criticism on topics that no other normal person dares to process. The opening announcement summarizes the wholesome quite well actually: "Ladies and gentleman, due to illness, the part of Denis Leary will be played by…Denis Leary!". With the biggest disdain in his voice and body language, Leary talks (yells, actually) about out-of-the-question topics such as drug-abuse, rehabilitation programs and even cancer. Short examples include him claiming drug abuse is something you simply have to experience, or that all rock stars belong dead or even that cancer is something you should be proud of! I especially enjoyed his on-going rant on dreadful anti-smoking campaigns! He's standing there, lighting one cigarette after another, and shouting he is never going to quit! Go Denis!! The style of comedy Leary brings isn't exactly the "rollin' over the floor laughing your … off" humor but merely the kind of gags you secretly giggling with, not really knowing whether you're supposed to find it funny or not. He also goes over the top quite a few times, but you forgive him simply because he's so fanatic in what he does. For example: he nearly goes berserk when venting his spleen on the French people and, even though his lines aren't very admirable, it's still terrific amusement due to his on-stage behavior. I think every person on this planet would be offended by at least one chapter in this show. So you better leave all your morals and principles at the door before you start watching it. But, if you got any sense of sarcasm in you, this show is a must!

Meat, drugs, and irish immigrants

[Max_Doobermin · 24 August 2002]

This is one of the funniest comedies specials I have ever seen. I highly recommend it. He expresses his views on meat, drugs, alcohol, ciggarrettes, his family, and cancer. Funny stories, funny faces, funny sounds, and funny songs help along this hilarious routine.

Good "outraged" comedy but too much in common with Hicks is distracting

[bob the moo · 4 August 2008]

I was using some long journeys and my mp3 player to catch up on some audio-books and comedy shows that I had missed or not heard of for years. I was of the age at the time of this show where I was familiar with Denis Leary but not with Bill Hicks and I remember being quite impacted by the angry comedy of Leary. This time round I listened to No Cure for Cancer having listened to a few Bill Hicks shows (including Relentless)and was surprised by the similarity between the two. The boards are full of "influenced/stolen" debate so I'll not get too much into it here but I do have to say that in this show Leary is not just doing the same "themes" as Hicks but is often doing the same joke using slightly different language. The Jim Fix reference is the oft-quoted one but when you add John Lennon's murder, metal fans committing suicide, warnings on cigarette packs and so on then it is hard not to be distracted by just how much common jokes there are – not common ground, but actual jokes.

This aside though the show is still funny and enjoyable, mainly because Leary keeps the energy high by simply never stopping ranting and shouting. Some here have called him the greatest ever stand-up and, while I think they are way off the mark here, he is a good performer. His material is mostly good but not great, mostly because he doesn't inform it so much as shout it. However this shouting is what works and you can feel his anger to the point where you end up laughing along with him whether you agree or not. Sadly beyond this he doesn't have a lot in this show; time has shown him to have more range that has helped his career but he plays his strongest card here throughout.

No Cure for Cancer is not brilliant but it is a good example of "outraged" comedy. No doubt it is far too similar to Hicks' material to be of comfort but Leary himself helps by being convincingly and consistently angry, keeping the show's energy high throughout.

Insane!

[kerottes · 16 April 2002]

Denis Leary proves his insanity in this show. When he goes ballistic while talking about the French, it's like he needs professional help. He is one of the most talented comedy acts alive (a good heir to the Bill Hicks throne) and he has a way of communicating that is different from any other. When Denis jumps into the story about his brother and the Bow and Arrow set, i almost fell out of my seat, and that stone-cold father of his...unbelievably funny.

See this show. It's incredible!

No laughs, either

[pertti.jarla · 19 August 2003]

In "No cure for cancer" Denis Leary hammers some points to his viewers: He has used all the drugs there are. He loves to smoke. He hates people who whine about having it hard. This may sound great to people who agree with him, but to me Leary seems to lack an important comedy element: jokes. For example, at one point Denis Leary tells us that he hates people who whine about having a hard childhood, and they should "shut the f*ck up". This is one of his most cited pearls of comedy. I'm not kidding. Beside the lack of jokes and ideas, what irritates me about this irritated man is the way he constantly underlines the fact that he has had a really tough life and he is really rock'n'roll. He actually sounds like some damn Bon Jovi he so much hates. By the way, did you know that Denis Leary is a LIBERTARIAN? Imagine him whining "Boo-hoo, i don't wanna pay my taxes, governments are the cause of all evil"..shut the f**k up.

This comedy special kicks a**!!

[ctuagentbauer24 · 21 August 2003]

I LOVED this special. It is, other than The Ref, Denis Leary's best work. He talked about everything that bothered him, from non-smokers to vegetarians, and he was brilliant the whole way through. Even during the sentimental moments of the show, he was fantastic. And to anyone who thinks that Denis was complaining about how hard he had it....take a second and think about it. He was praising his late father, and talking about all the funny and great things that happened to him when he was a kid. I HIGHLY recommend this to anyone who enjoys Denis or stand up comedy period. 10/10

Allegation of Misconduct & Misdemeanors of Denis Leary

[tst-4-titus · 6 June 2007]

OK...I cannot believe this...but at the time (1993-1994) I first saw "No Cure For Cancer" and although I was/am a HUGE fan of standup comedy, I had never heard of Bill Hicks. When I saw "No Cure...", I was blown away by it...and so...in a way, am glad I did not know of Bill back then. I learned of Bill a couple of years ago and have since been on a mission to learn...see...hear... everything I can get my hands on about the marvelous work of the extremely talented man that was Bill Hicks.

I got my hands on a complete copy of Bill Hicks Independently Produced (Sacred Cow Productions) Standup Routine "Saneman" which was performed in Texas in 1989. NOTE: Saneman- 1989...No Cure For Cancer- 1992!! As I watched "Saneman", I was beside myself...LMFAO! Bout Near Peed My Pants! Then came the part of the routine where Bill does the "voicebox" bit. Up until this point, I still did not know of the connection...or should I say...allegations (of) between Leary & Hicks...BUT...I knew right then and there that Leary had snagged Hicks material. Leary isn't the only one...Carlos Mencia should also be considered a "snaggee". You can't really blame them though! Bill's work is so far superior to anything else being done then...or now. Only two comedienes... IMHO ...are above Bill and they are the late great Richard Pryor and the prolific and ever-producing George Carlin. Bill refused to "sell-out" and therefore his work went mostly unheard of by the masses. Leary & Mencia, I'm sure, figured...what the hell...this great stuff is just sitting here...WTF.

Every comediene uses other people's material a little...but style is another matter. Sam Kinison & Bill Hicks created the "Outlaw" or "Rock & Roll Comediene" persona. They created it together when they worked with each other in Texas. Denis Leary on the other hand was not part of those beginnings. He wasn't even a comediene and had no interest in becoming a comediene. He wanted to be an ACTOR! Which is precisely what he is...an excellent actor. He fooled us all into believing he was a comediene...twice. Once with "No Cure..." and then again five years later with "Lock N Load"...which is no where near the caliber of "No Cure..." Unfortunately for Leary...Bill died and therefore Denis had to use other writers for the task.

At this point many of you are thinking...she's crazy! Well yes, I am! Thank you for noticing. But nonetheless...Denis Leary is an actor. Then & Now! Don't believe me. Hear the words straight out of the horses mouth. Denis did an interview with NPR radio in 2002 that speaks volumes. Here is the link:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1388917

Under the title "Actor and Comedian Denis Leary" there is a little red box that says "Listen". Click it and kick back.

For those of you who have still not had the pleasure of viewing or hearing Bill Hicks...run...don't walk to youtube.com and check out the offerings there. It will give you a taste of the man's abilities. Careful though...you may find that you will hunger for MORE MORE MORE! Keep the flow...tst4titus