Chris Rock to embark on first stand-up tour in nine years

Funnyman Chris Rock is heading out on his first major stand-up comedy tour in nine years in 2017.
The veteran comedian announced the Total Blackout world tour in a Facebook Live video posted on Monday night (05Dec16) from The Comedy Store in Los Angeles.
In the clip, Rock begins on the sidewalk outside the venue before walking up the stairs and stopping at his framed photograph on the wall before revealing his news.
“Tonight, I am announcing that I, Chris Rock, am going on tour,” he said. “That’s right, the Total Blackout tour is coming to your town in 2017… world tour… First time in nine years, haven’t done it in a while.”
He then poked fun at the poorly-received 2001 comedy flick Pootie Tang, which he starred in, by adding, “Been a little busy, you know, writing Pootie Tang 3 and everything. But hey, it’s time, OK.”
He pointed to his framed photograph and continued, “See this guy right here? This guy is going on tour. I’m going on tour, I’m coming to your town. I’ve got all new material. I can’t wait to see you b**ches.”
Only 28 North American tour dates have been announced so far. The trek is due to begin on Valentine’s Day (14Feb17) in Durham, North Carolina and the listing currently ends on 3 June (17) in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
It was previously announced in October (16) the 51-year-old had signed a $40 million (£31 million) deal with Netflix for two comedy specials, but it isn’t clear which shows he will be taping for the video streaming service.
“Chris Rock is a beloved actor and director, and his remarkable stand-up makes him comic royalty,” Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos said at the time. “There is no one like him, and Netflix offers the global platform and creative freedom that will serve as a perfect home for someone with his incredible talent.”