‘It was an absolute pleasure to be a guest on Rich’s podcast, the wealth of knowledge he has on acts is amazing and the effort he has gone into creating his database is staggering! Take time and have a look through his archive, you won’t be disappointed! And if you get chance to do an interview or meet Rich at a gig then grab onto the opportunity, it’ll be time well spent with a genuinely lovely bloke who knows his stuff! Could have easily spent another hour talking with him just about Morecambe and Wise!’

‘Always a pleasure to have your friendly laugh in the room.’

‘Honestly Richard, your support means a lot, mate.’

‘You’re a legend of British comedy in your own right… Thanks for being such a supporter of comedy and comedians. We need more like you. You are the best. You’ve been there since the start. Thanks for making the effort to support all the comedy.’

‘It is so amazing to have someone who is so supportive and into live comedy, which makes it feel so worthwhile.’

‘I’ve done a few podcast interviews, mostly about Leicester Comedy Festival.  This is the first one to be out there since I left the festival.  Thanks so much to Richard Gill for inviting me on and for such a fun chat.’

‘Check out A Rich Comic Life blog – an incredible encyclopaedia of comedy – a priviledge to be included! Thank you for all your support and love for comedy.’

‘I just wanted to say I think what you do and how much you love comedy is utterly magical.  Thank you.’

‘Your enthusiasm for comedy is infectious and your blog and you spreading the word – if it wasn’t for people like you who tell other people about comedy – we [the comedians] would be in a much poorer state.’

‘Thank you for the interview Rich! What a pleasure it was! It really didn’t feel like a hours worth of chat, it flew by!  (Rich is an awesome addition to any comedy night, in the audience)’

‘When you’re running a new show, there’s nothing like having the rousing laughter of Richard Gill in the front row.  Legendary audiant. Raising a Theakston‘s to you Rich.’

‘Richard, I wish you were at all my gigs.’

‘You are always so kind and supportive, Thank you.’

‘Rich, Thank GOD you were here!’

‘Dear Richard, couldn’t have done it without you!’

‘The world is a better place with you, my friend.’

‘Particularly brill audience member. Big love Rich xxxx’

‘It meant a huge amount to me to have Richard Gill see me for the first time gigging last night and critiquing my set. Richard is arguably the most knowledgeable comedy critic and fan not paid for the skill and experience he possesses. He takes his holidays to see numerous carefully selected acts at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe each year. He has seen hundreds of stand ups for over 50 years and records his thoughts for his own pleasure. A true comedy aficionado…’

‘Always a pleasure to see Richard, one of the circuit’s top ten non comedians! A pleasure to be interviewed by him as well – hopefully I didn’t say anything too demented.’

‘Over the years, I have met quite a number of what I call comedy lovers – without them there would be no comedy industry.  Richard Gill is one such comedy lover and I particularly like Richard’s podcast because it is an audience member leading the interview.’

‘Rich, it was such a pleasure to see a friendly face in the crowd!’

‘It was lovely to have a friendly face in the audience.  And someone that genuinely loves comedy and is generous with their laughter really makes all the difference!’

‘If I was not a comedian, I would sit next to Richard Gill and encourage him to laugh all day.’

‘Richard is not the sort of person, he IS the person who makes comedy great. Thank you so much Richard for making me feel like what I do matter.’

‘Richard Gill is a professional comedy fan and every single comedian from open mike to big TV celebrities knows him.  There is not a comedian who doesn’t know him and he is a joy to perform to, because he geniunely loves comedy, and he is such a sweetheart.  The fact that he’s the sweetest man ever, he shouldn’t be listening to our podcast because it’s tainting him!!’

‘Thanks for being such an awesome and loyal audience member.’

‘I think Richard Gill is the greatest single audience member in the country.’

‘Love all the support you give to comedians. You’re a great inspiration Rich! Thank you.’

‘I would like to say that I was much engaged by the enthusiasm and knowledgeableness on your site, and the quotes from Bill Hicks and your thoughts on him gave me a heartening glow.’

‘To my favourite Gill! Cheers mate.’

‘Richard has attended many Sofa SoFunny! comedy events, and he’s also promoted our little night on his blog and social media outlets.  It speaks volumes about his character as most people wouldn’t make the time or effort to be so supportive.  He is a gentlemen and a true friend to comedy.  Also: that laugh!’

‘Richard’s podcast, blog and presence as an audience member makes the world of comedy a better place. And it reminds me why I got into comedy in the first place which is for the love of the craft, gigging and meeting lovely people like Richard himself.’

‘I did a work in progress hour at Always Be Comedy, the most delightful but also dangerously positive audience in London, a borderline cult operation above the Tommyfield pub in Kennington, a church of giant LOLogy whose Haribo hurling leader, James Gill, declares every guest ‘The Maestro’ and a man called Richard booms and claps so hard on the front row that windows rattle in neighbouring boroughs.

Rich, Thank you for giving me too much confidence in my material 2014 – present’.

‘Richard, I am very grateful for your kind words and support.’

‘It was a great privilege to be on your podcast. Such a wealth of knowledge!  I found you to be extremely friendly, engaging and most of all, funny.   I was not surprised of your knowledge of comedians and the comedy scene, what a guy.  Far better than Parky.’

‘Great to see you mate.’

‘Thank you so so much for having me on your podcast I really enjoyed chatting with you! I have been listening to your podcast! And I love it! Your love and passion for comedy is unmatched – amazing!’

‘So fun to see you Rich!! That was brilliant and unhinged!  You were as always a delight. So many fun moments.’

‘Richard is a wonderful and lovely man who as a truly diehard comedy fan with over 50 years of watching lives comedy.  His interviews feature a range of comedians all at different levels, including the likes of Nick Helm, Josh Pugh, Sikisa, so to feature alongside such names is a great honour.’

‘I think music and bands – they get real followings and I don’t think there are many people that out-and-out love comedy but it is clear that you do.  I think you’re brilliant!’

‘I have nothing but love and respect for you Rich my friend, and I’d happily listen to you all day. What a life you’ve had! Can’t wait to see you and hear that magical laugh! Always a pleasure seeing you and thank you for always being so incredibly supportive.’

‘Always good to have you in the audience, Richard.’

‘You are always a divine audience member.  Mum listened to our podcast and said she really enjoyed it and that you were very knowledgeable and a good host.  Thought you should know!’

‘Rich is one of the most passionate and informed people I’ve met on comedy and an integral part of the British Comedy furniture.’

‘Richard is a great listener and I really wasn’t aware of the time passing during our podcast recording. His enthusiasm for all thing comedic is legendary and, as so many have said before, he’s a fantastic laugher. He’s a real asset to have in an audience, as well as a catalyst for other more retiring audience members! Bravo, Richard Gill.’

‘Richard is the nation’s favourite comedy fan, is the best laugher in the business and a very nice man.’

‘Richard, love you, mate!’

‘This man, Richard Gill, has seen over 700 comedians [and counting]. 700!! We should be clapping for HIM every Thursday night!’

‘Nicest man in comedy. Check out his blog!’

‘Rich is a lot of fun. His blog is smashing.’

‘Mate, you’re the best! Loved having you in the crowd last night’

‘Arguably the audience are equal to or even more important than the acts in creating a fun comedy night, and when it comes to contributing audience members, Richard Gill is king of the hill. He listens intently, laughs infectiously, always encourages, is very knowledgeable and really helps to make a lively and fun atmosphere. A very funny, genuine and warm man – put it this way, if Carling did audience members they would not be anyway near as good as Richard Gill. Richard brings great energy and attitude into a room. He has a huge impact on the night. The audience are the biggest factor in a show. He leads by example and it is great. He really does give a turbo boost to a comedy night and should be rightfully acknowledged for his great and encouraging fun contribution and his extensive knowledge of comedy.’

‘Richard Gill should run courses on being the best audience member. When you see him in the crowd you know it is going to be a good night. He is quick and generous with his praise and a huge asset to the comedy community, as well as one of the nicest people you could hope to meet.’

‘Great to see you mate! Always such a welcome face on the front row.’

‘Always an absolute pleasure to see you mate. I wish you were at every gig.’

‘Thank you so much for coming to the show! I was so happy to see you and so pleased you enjoyed it.’

‘You’re a champion mate, thanks so much for the support.  Means the world.’

‘Richard Gill is the king of comedy and has become as synonymous with British comedy as many of the great names he so clearly idolises. The comedy world is that much richer (pun absolutely intended) for having him in it. We’re not related, although I wish we were: Richard is the best. So many acts love the guy. What a tonic he is.’

‘Rich lives, breathes and, most importantly, loves comedy with every fibre of his being. He is endlessly supportive of everyone giving it a go on the comedy scene, from the first timer to the stadium filler. When you look out and see Richard Gill in the crowd (you won’t have far to look as he’s normally front and centre!), you know you’re about to be the recipient of the best audience laugh in the business. The comedy world needs more Richard Gills but, really, there’s only one Richard Gill!’

‘Richard Gill is the most prestigious audience member an act could hope for.  It’s people like him that make comedy what it is.  And if I can do anything to help repay that I will.

Rich is Comedy Royalty. He has watched every comedian you can name. Been all over the shop to watch them too. It was an HONOUR to have him as a guest at Epic Comedy tonight. Rich, we salute you, sir!

Check out Rich, and his magnificent blog www.arichcomiclife.blog’

‘An absolute tonic to see your face and hear your laugh as always Richard!’

‘One of the most respected bloggers and reviewers in the UK, Richard Gill knows a quality show after [almost] 50 years of attending gigs.  He also complimented me personally for putting on a superb show at Monkey Business Comedy Club.’

‘Rich is the audience member every comedian wants. He listens, he plays along and he LAUGHS (it needs the capitals, trust me.) He’s also just an absolute top bloke and a joy to be around. I’m so pleased I finally got to be a guest on the podcast!’

‘What a brilliant podcast, archive and treasure trove of comedy crystals! Absolutely love this, keep up the good work Rich.’

‘Always lovely to see you. I love hearing about your comedy journey. Keep being a brilliant person mate!’

‘Amen to that! What a hero!’

‘You’re a comedy hero, Richard.’

‘Richard is a comedy audience legend. He has seen them all from Les Dawson to Bill Hicks to Chevy Chase. He also supported me at the start of my comic journey.’

‘Thank you Richard! You’re a legend!!’

‘Doing Richard’s podcast was one of the quickest hours I’ve ever spent doing an interview. His joy of comedy more than matched mine which is a very rare thing. I love hearing his laugh at any gig and can’t wait to hear it again.’

‘You are the heart of Always Be [Comedy]! Thanks for all your support.’

‘I really enjoyed this [chat].  Rich is so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about comedy.  I had to check afterwards that I’d actually done some of the things he asked about!’

‘Every comedian’s dream comes in the form of Richard Gill. A proven long love affair with the comedy industry stands Rich as the ultimate comedy fan, who cares about comedy in the same way David Attenborough cares about the planet. A remarkable audience member and a wonderfully interested and important member of the comedy community.’

‘As you’d expect, I went straight to my entry and I loved it! I don’t clearly remember those gigs from way back, so it was nice to be reminded of them. Thanks.’

‘Delighted to have the chance to chat with charming and insightful Richard Gill about this and that (well, comedy really). If you can’t be arsed to listen to me banging on (don’t blame you), please follow Rich and A Rich Comic Life. Some brilliant interviews on there.’

‘Richard Gill is probably the UK’s top comedy superfan, and his blog (and podcast) A Rich Comic Life is a rare and wonderful thing – a fan’s eye-view of comedy, documenting 50 years of comedy-going in obsessive detail.  But it really goes beyond mere obsession.  It’s driven by love – the love of laughter.’

‘So great to meet the legend that is Rich Gill!!’

‘Could hear your wonderful laughter in the stalls.  Richard, you’re such a good human! Thanks for all your support.’

‘Your laugh brightens up any gig!’

‘You’re the nicest all-time audience member.’

‘We were honoured with the presence of the awesome Richard Gill who needs to be cloned to keep live comedy alive! Not all heroes wear capes! Some have an infectious loud laugh that helps fill a room with joyous enthusiasm and support live comedy like their life depended on it! Thanks so much for bringing your much needed love & laughter buddy!’

‘I finally met comedy royalty Richard Gill and he was a perfect audience member as you’d expect!’

‘So lovely to have you in the audience.’

‘Richard is always such a joy to have in the audience.  He is the comedian’s friend and my own lucky charm, whenever I see him in the front row I can breathe a sigh of relief that I’ll be hearing his laughter and feel his joy at being there radiating happiness.  He’s got so many comedy anecdotes he’s also the best person to hang out with after the show!  Many congratulations for 50 years of watching comedy. Here’s to many more years watching comedy and hearing his stories’

‘Richard has the best laugh in comedy!’

‘It was lovely to see you and hear your laugh again.’

‘If you ever see Richard Gill in your audience, you can say a prayer of thanks. You are about to have your greatest gig. He is the living embodiment of the perfect audience member.’

‘A full circle moment to be included on Richard’s blog.  I watched a lot of Always Be Comedy gigs during lockdown.  Richard’s loveliness as an audience member is one of the reasons I was able to get over my stage fright and start performing.’

‘Can you be at all my gigs as cheerleader! Genuinley, please come to all my gigs!’

‘I really enjoyed our chat.  Your relaxed, joyous attitude and great love for comedy shone through.  It is important that someone documents, as you are doing, a fascinating and important part of this aspect of  our cultural life…   Anyone who shares time with you on this podcast will really enjoy it, because you have a deep respect for and unrivalled knowledge of the clubs and performers.  Many miles travelled, many entrance fees paid, and I am sure  now  that you are a welcome guest at clubs the length and breadth where your unmistakeable laugh leads the way.   Good luck with future interviews.’

‘Thanks for continuing to champion good comedy.’

‘Richard Gill is the biggest audience legend on the British comedy scene.’

‘Always lovely to speak to one of the most enthusiastic supporters of comedians the length and breadth of the business.  Tirelessly and selflessly this chap champions the world of clowns and it’s all the better place for him.  Cheers Rich.’

‘Some commitment there Richard. Keep up the good work.’

‘Top comedy fan. Lovely bloke.’

‘Thanks for coming along and setting the audience bar so high.’

‘Richard, it’s always a joy to see your smiling face in the crowd.’

‘I love Richard Gill – the biggest comedy super fan in the world.  Sees more live comedy than any human being I’ve ever met and only exudes love and warmth after a show.  What a wonderful man! I need Richard in the front row at every gig if it’s going to fly! You’re my favourite audience member ever!! Lovely to see you.’

‘Last night I bumped into the happiest man in town, Richard Gill. Love you mate. Fun night as always. Take care.’