I recently rented Billy Connolly’s 30 Years Erect DVD. It was as cramp-inducing funny as I had known it would be, and I can’t imagine trying to watch him without a pause button - you’d miss so much from laughing so hard!
But the main reason I rented this was in hopes of playing his routine explaining th origins of the game of golf. I’ve only heard it once, a long time ago, and I remember being in tears throughout the whole thing. I’ve tried to repeat some of it for Mr. singular, in my pathetic attempt at a brogue, but I’m obviously no match for the master. Does anybody know if this performance has been transferred to DVD, or even VHS (if necessary)? I’d love to see it again!
I know much too little about Billy Connolly. I really do need to pick up some of his stuff and give it a listen, because I think I’d enjoy it.
But I do know that Robin Williams had a bit in one of his concerts (Live On Broadway, I think) about the origins of golf, delivered in his own over-the-top Scottish accent. Perhaps that’s what you’re thinking of.
Or maybe Robin stole the routine outright from Connolly. Comedians I’ve known say Robin Williams, talented as he is, is a notorious joke thief.
Robin Williams couldn’t lace Billy Connolly’s golf shoes.
Anyway, I’ve put my Bill Connolly expert on the case so if he gets 5 minutes off from work this week (sadly not a certain thing) to get back to me we should have an answer.
Quite right, astorian. It could go either way.
Hmmmmmm, now you got me thinkin…
No, I’m pretty sure it was Connolly - I can see his gestures and hear his voice in my head. But I do think Robin Williams has ripped this routine off and performed it on Broadway - I remember seeing that. But betenoir’s absolutely spot on - Robin Williams couldn’t lace Billy Connolly’s golf shoes. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a comedian enjoy himself as much as Billy!
One of my favourite BC lines, which I use as a sig on another BB:
If yer gonna be shankin’ a sheep, ya best be takin’ her to the edge of a cliff … ‘cuz she pushes back better that way… – Billy Connelly
I found this, but it’s by Robin Williams.
Ooops, try this instead, (still by Robin Williams).
That’s very close to the routine I’m thinking of. I still believe I heard it from Connolly - the version I was thinking of wasn’t anywhere near as sweaty!
Ok, my Sources say it might be in his Visting Scotland bit at the Royal Albert Hall from about 1989. And he says it’s on DVD somewhere.
If that helps 
Billy Connolly and Robin Williams are good friends. In fact they both regularly meet up together with Eric Idle and Steve Martin and shoot the breeze.
I sooooo want to be a fly on the wall at one of those get-togethers!!
Thank you! I now have a goal in life - find that DVD!
And thanks to GuanoLad, now I what heaven is like!
I don’t really have much to contribute to this thread except to say that if you like Billy Connolly, you should check out his performance in The Boondock Saints. He plays the most badass hitman in the world. His role is not comedic by any means but if you’re a Billy Connolly fan, you have to see him as Il Duce.
Sorry to put a damper on things, but it’s not on that DVD. By all means, get that DVD and watch it, it’s great. But it doesn’t have anything about golf on it.
In fact, I’ve had a quick buzz through my Connolly collection - audio and video - and I’ve not come up with anything like the routine you’re describing.
Items I’ve checked:
Billy & Albert
Brooklyn Academy Of Music
Classic Connolly In Words & Music 1
Classic Connolly In Words & Music 2
Cop Yer Wack For This
One Night Stand Down Under
Pale Blue Scottish Person
Raw Meat For The Balcony
Wreck On Tour
Hopefully this helps you narrow your search a bit.
Thanks,
thwartme