By Nick A. Zaino III Globe correspondent, Updated November 30, 2023, 1:55 p.m.
Eric Andre has made a living out of being unpredictable. On “The Eric Andre Show,” now in its sixth season on Adult Swim, he’ll ask guests embarrassing or uninformed questions, then unsettle them with odd situations. “You worked with Michael Jackson and Bill Cosby,” he said to Raven-Symoné. “Tell me what it was like to work with two completely unproblematic men.” When Jaleel White appeared on the show, Andre’s desk opened up to reveal a cooking turkey.
He brought that same vibe to his 2021 Netflix movie “Bad Trip,” and in their new book “Dumb Ideas,” Andre and longtime collaborator Dan Curry offer a behind-the-scenes look at — as the subtitle states — “pranks and other stupid creative endeavors.”
Ahead of “The Eric Andre Explosion” live show at the House of Blues on Tuesday, the Globe caught up with the comedian to dive into thechaos he loves to create, and to look back on his earliest days in stand-up, when he was a Berklee College of Music student moonlighting at Boston comedy clubs.
Q. For the uninitiated, what should people expect to experience at the show Tuesday night?
A. It’s a live version of the talk show. I come out, I destroy the stage. I throw groceries everywhere. I attack the audience. I do a monologue. We show videos. I interview people. I’ll call people’s ex-girlfriend or ex-boyfriend on FaceTime during the show and try to get them back together.
Q. The reviews I’ve read of the live show describe the audiences as terrified. Would you say that’s accurate?
A. Yeah. And they shouldn’t be. It’s a dangerous show. It’s the most dangerous comedy show I think that’s ever been. I think I’m the first comedy show to have a mosh pit break out during the show. So it’s gonna be a fun time.
