Andrew Dice Clay’s 1993 pay-per-view special No Apologies, filmed at the Westbury Music Fair (now NYCB Theatre at Westbury), further anchored his career in Long Island’s entertainment scene. The event, reportedly one of the highest-grossing non-sports PPVs of the year, marked a symbolic homecoming for Clay, a native New Yorker who had moved to Los Angeles to find success as a comic and actor.
Andrew Dice Clay's ties to Long Island go beyond performance venues, as they extend to key figures who helped shape his career, many of whom also share roots in the region. Notably, Rick Rubin, the legendary producer and co-founder of Def Jam Recordings, hails from Lido Beach. Rubin was instrumental in launching Clay’s career on a national scale. He produced Clay’s breakthrough double-platinum comedy album, The Day The Laughter Died, as released in 1990. The album, recorded at Dangerfield’s comedy club in New York City, captured Clay’s unfiltered style in an experimental, largely improvised setting. Rubin’s minimalist, stripped-down production style allowed Clay’s raw persona to shine, and their collaboration marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of comedy albums. Their shared Long Island upbringing helped forge a mutual understanding of Clay's aggressive, working-class appeal.
Another vital influence in Clay’s rise was Rodney Dangerfield, the namesake of the aforementioned Dangerfield's, and a fellow Long Islander (from Babylon). Dangerfield gave Clay his first national exposure on the 1980s HBO special Rodney Dangerfield’s Young Comedians Special, which also helped launch the careers of other stars like Sam Kinison and Bob Saget. Dangerfield, known for supporting up-and-coming comics, took a liking to Clay’s brash, leather-clad character and featured him prominently. This appearance helped catapult Clay into the comedy spotlight, leading to sold-out arena tours and TV specials.
Researched by Darren Paltrowitz on July 3, 2025.