Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead: The Story of the National Lampoon Clip - Belushi

About NME

New Musical Express (NME) is a British music, film, gaming and culture website, bimonthly magazine, and brand. Founded as a newspaper in 1952, with the publication being referred to as a "rock inkie", the NME would become a magazine that ended up as a free publication as well as a webzine, and the brand has also been used for their NME Awards show, the NME Tours and the former NME Radio station. As a "rock inkie", NME was the first British newspaper to include a singles chart, adding that featur...

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The National Lampoon Legacy Lives On

A rare gem has surfaced from the 1970s archives of NME, one of the most iconic music publications in history. The clip, "Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead: The Story of the National Lampoon Clip - Belushi," is a tantalizing snippet from the documentary "DRUNK STONED BRILLIANT DEAD: THE STORY OF THE NATIONAL LAMPOON." This film, directed by Douglas Tirola, delves into the fascinating world of the National Lampoon, a groundbreaking humor magazine that pushed the boundaries of taste and acceptability.

The National Lampoon's impact on comedy cannot be overstated. Launched in the 1970s by two Harvard students, the magazine quickly gained notoriety for its outrageous parodies of politics, religion, entertainment, and American lifestyle. Its influence can be seen in the careers of legends like John Belushi, Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, Christopher Guest, and Gilda Radner, who all got their start on the Lampoon's pages before moving on to Saturday Night Live and stardom.

The clip features an interview with John Belushi, one of the most iconic comedians of his generation. Belushi was a key player in the National Lampoon's success, and his contributions to the magazine's irreverent humor are still celebrated today. The footage is rare and candid, offering a unique glimpse into the creative process behind the Lampoon's outrageous content.

The Who, one of the most influential rock bands of all time, may seem like an unlikely connection to this clip. However, their music was often featured in the National Lampoon, and Pete Townshend, The Who's guitarist, has been known to poke fun at himself and his bandmates in interviews. This snippet from the documentary highlights the intersection of comedy and rock 'n' roll that defined the National Lampoon's era.

The "DRUNK STONED BRILLIANT DEAD" documentary is a must-see for fans of comedy, music, and cultural history. With its fresh, candid interviews and hundreds of outrageous images from the magazine itself, it offers an unparalleled look at what made the National Lampoon tick. The film's release on September 25th marks a significant milestone in the celebration of this iconic publication.

In an era where humor is often sanitized for mass consumption, the National Lampoon's legacy serves as a reminder that comedy can be bold, irreverent, and unapologetic. This clip from "DRUNK STONED BRILLIANT DEAD" is a testament to the power of comedy to push boundaries and challenge societal norms. As we continue to navigate the complexities of modern life, the National Lampoon's influence remains a beacon of creative freedom and artistic expression.

The NME's archives are a treasure trove of rare and fascinating footage, and this clip is just one example of the wealth of material available for fans to explore. The intersection of music, comedy, and culture that defines the National Lampoon's era continues to inspire new generations of artists and comedians. As we celebrate the legacy of this iconic publication, we are reminded of the enduring power of humor to challenge, provoke, and entertain us.

Curated from public records and music databases.