10 Times Musicians Owned Interviewers
3. Tom Waits - Every Early Interview He Ever Participated In.
In the early days of Tom Waits' career people didn't really know what to make of him, the constant stream of cigarette smoke and guttural sounds he exuded while performing, both confused and transfixed crowds.
And, when it came to talk show hosts it was the same story, they would often focused on his unique approach to singing, or draw attention to his quirky mannerism in a way that often seemed to be making fun of the trilby toting singer.
But, it seemed Waits didn't mind this, he made frequent appearances on a number of shows, all of which resulted in awkward but hilarious interactions between him and the various interviewers he came up against.
It's clear there was a bit of good natured ribbing involved, but Waits always knew how to handle it, often playing up to the ramshackle demeanor he gave off, and more often than not, beating the interviewers at their own game.
Wait's various mannerism and his unique speaking voice were said to be the inspiration for Heath Ledger's Joker in the 2008 Batman movie The Dark Knight. And, after watching several early television appearances by Waits, it's clear why people have come to that conclusion.
This guy certainly liked to cause a bit of chaos...