Bert Kreischer is a legend in his own mind, so it’s a good thing he has a documented history to back up the personal mythology. Active comedy fans know Kreischer was the subject of a Rolling Stone story during his college days that determined his destiny. Casual fans recognize the bearded, bear-sized, often-shirtless extrovert due to his relentless pace of starring in specials, podcasting and generally drawing attention to himself.
While often falling in the crosshairs of online comedy critics for his excesses (drinking, self-referencing, emitting high-pitched squeals when he’s excited), his audiences fully embrace their hero from the moment he steps onstage and bares his burliness. Kreischer knows it, but he never phones in his act. Foes have to admit he’s a force of nature and a wild success in the contemporary comedy universe.
“Wilder Success” might have been a good headline for a story about him earlier in his career, as the 1997 article about Florida State University’s party scene focused on Kreischer and wound up inspiring National Lampoon’s Van Wilder, a hit at the box office that made Ryan Reynolds a star and gave the Alpha Tau Omega brother a leg up when he embarked on a stand-up career.
Kreischer’s great skill that made him popular at FSU and with comedy crowds is his ability to tell stories. His onstage persona shares traits with Tom Segura’s co-host on the 2 Bears, 1 Cave podcast, but performing solo is different than interacting with peers in Joe Rogan’s circle of influence. (Although it should be noted that comedian, podcaster and actor Bobby Lee will open for Kreischer this weekend, and fans of his podcasts like Bad Friends and TigerBelly know that he’s the perfect foil for the main attraction.)
Last year, Netflix released his fourth special, Bert Kreischer: Razzle Dazzle. He’s like the endlessly energetic guy at the party who holds everyone’s attention with his stories, except on a massive scale. Nowadays he regales with tales of family, having an outspoken spouse (LeeAnn Kreischer’s own Wife of the Party podcast) and a daughter who’s becoming a co-conspirator in mischief-making.
It seemed for a minute there like the Rogansphere was waiting for Kreischer to burn himself out, as he faced skepticism from peers about the potential of his post-pandemic commitment to working out to balance out his beer consumption. Kreischer insists he feels great, and was on point when he filmed Razzle Dazzle before audiences in Omaha.
Kreischer was performing in arenas by the time of his last Las Vegas appearance in July 2023. Now he’s making connections at Resorts World Las Vegas with his first back-to-back headlining dates in Vegas, Bert Kreischer: Double Down. Vegas and Kreischer have the incendiary potential of fire and gasoline, with the flame burning straight through two shows. Who knows what sleepless shenanigans Kreischer will get into before the second night?
Regardless, Kreischer will survive. He has familial obligations, a burgeoning Berty Boy Productions podcast empire and Por Osos vodka with Segura. He has to maintain momentum, even if he can’t keep his shirt on.
Resorts World Las Vegas, 8 p.m. Sept. 27-28, starting at $49 plus tax and fee. axs.com
Click here for your free subscription to the weekly digital edition of Las Vegas Magazine, your guide to everything to do, hear, see and experience in Southern Nevada. In addition to the latest edition emailed to every week, you’ll find plenty of great, money-saving offers from some of the most exciting attractions, restaurants, properties and more! And Las Vegas Magazine is full of informative content such as restaurants to visit, cocktails to sip and attractions to enjoy.
