Ladies, gentlemen, and degenerates of all persuasions, San Diego is in for a filthy little treat. John Waters—The Pope of Trash, the Sultan of Sleaze—is coming to Lou Lou’s at the LaFayette for two shows of heavy-handed holiday smut.
Whether you first fell in love with his twisted brilliance during the dadaist Pink Flamingos debauchery or swooned over the campy ingenuity of Hairspray before it went mainstream, one thing’s for sure: John Waters is the trashy uncle we all wish we had.
The 78-year-old isn’t just a filmmaker—he’s a provocateur, an oracle, and for decades has proven the ultimate champion of weirdos everywhere. He’s the man who told us, “To me, bad taste is what entertainment is all about.” From his pencil-thin mustache to his sharp tongue and sharp suits, Waters has spent decades breaking boundaries, offending sensibilities, and making Americana a little more fabulous. So buckle up and clutch your pearls as we talk Christmas witchcraft with Waters ahead of his visit to SD.
Let’s talk about your new record—not really a typical holiday album, is it?
Not at all. The first side is certainly a parody of one of the most hated Christmas carols ever: a barking dog singing “Jingle Bells.” I’ve always wanted to do it. It kind of joins the line of my other obscure records. Last year, I did a novelty song from the ’50s and even a spoken-word piece called “A Prayer to Pasolini,” which I recorded at the site where [the Italian poet and film director] was murdered.
But this record? It’s the worst cover record ever made! On the other side, it’s a spoken-word punk rock Christmas manifesto. It’s for people with a sense of humor. Right on the cover it says, “Please don’t listen to this record.”
Okay, so who are you hoping to reach with this project?
People who like to have fun at Christmas. People who don’t let it drive them crazy. Christmas has extremes—some people love it, others hate it. My spoken word and this record are for people who can laugh at it all.
What can audiences expect if they see your show this year?
Oh, I talk about everything. Being naked on Christmas. Drugs at Christmas. Santa creeping around children’s bedrooms—how he might be so politically incorrect now that he’d be canceled. I have a “good little boy and girl” list of what you can do to be good or bad at Christmas, and I even cover what not to give people as gifts. It’s all part of the fun.
What’s it like to put together a show like this every year?
I rewrite the show completely every year. So, even if you come annually, it’s a whole new show. The most amazing part? I memorize it. It’s 70 minutes, every year, brand-new. That’s my anti-Alzheimer’s exercise.
What do you hope audiences take away from your performances?
I think that everybody has stories. Everybody can entertain someone. There’s no reason to ever say you’re bored if you just watch human behavior.
Seems like you’re juggling a good amount—the record, the tour, your other shows. How do you keep going at this pace?
People always say, “I don’t know how you do it,” and I say, “I don’t know how I wouldn’t.” If it’s offered, and I’m alive, I’m going to do it. I’m busier than I’ve ever been. Santa keeps giving me new jobs!
Any message for your fans—or your haters?
To my fans, I’d say, thank you for making me never have to get a real job. Even though my hours are worse than yours. And my haters? I wish I had some! Respectability can be such a bore.
You know, when the Library of Congress made Pink Flamingos one of the Great American Films, I was amazed. I mean, imagine the screening where they decided that. I’m still picturing someone saying, “Yes, the singing asshole scene—this is art.” It’s astounding!
You’ll be performing at Lou Lou’s, which is a relatively new venue in San Diego. Have you been there before?
Not yet, but I’ve heard it’s gorgeous—like a 1930s supper club. I think it’s going to be great. And I love San Diego! We had all the Hairspray tryouts for the musical there before it went to Broadway, so I’ve spent some time in the city. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone!
A John Waters Christmas comes to Lou Lou’s Jungle Room at the LaFayette Hotel on December 8 and 9.
Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the show starts at 8:00 p.m.
