High Altitude, High Comedy: Nick Swardson’s Rocky Mountain Misadventure (Video)

In an epic tale of “what not to do while high,” comic Nick Swardson recently turned a stand-up set in Colorado into a cautionary spectacle that could very well serve as a tutorial titled “If You Can’t Handle Your High, Maybe Just Don’t.” At the sage age of 47, which in stoner circles might as well be Gandalf-level wisdom (or just permanently stoned Gandalf), Swardson ambitiously mixed altitude with alcohol and edibles—a concoction even the most daring of party goers might think twice about. The outcome? A headlining act at the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek that swapped standing ovations for a guided march off stage, courtesy of stage management.

Swardson’s Sunday night endeavor to deliver laughter instead spiraled into an incoherent babble-fest, featuring a special appearance by “Jason Statham as The Beekeeper.” Yes, that was the actual act. No, it doesn’t get any clearer with a second read.

https://youtu.be/pBHz6s_uq7Y?si=TtNlMNXzNZLy0txR

By Tuesday, Swardson turned his onstage debacle into social media fodder, casually noting on X, “Just woke up on TMZ.” He then offered up advice that screams of hindsight, “Travel tip: don’t drink and take edibles in high altitude. F—ing brain diarrhea.” Insightful, Nick, very insightful.

One can only speculate about the form of his promised redemption to Beaver Creek. Perhaps another comedy set? Door prizes of responsibly dosed edibles (with a stern altitude warning)? Or maybe an exclusive performance featuring more coherent musings of Jason Statham?

Meanwhile, the stage manager at the Vilar Performing Arts Center had the unfortunate duty of soothing a crowd that had just witnessed their plans for a fun evening dissolve into bewilderment. “We apologize for what you’ve seen tonight,” he stated, in what might be the biggest understatement of the year. Offers of refunds and credits were extended, but can you really compensate for the experience of shared perplexity and vicarious embarrassment?

As fate would have it, Swardson is scheduled for another performance in Aspen, Colorado. Here’s hoping he heeds his own advice this time around—or at least that Aspen is equipped with a formidable stage management squad.

Got your own high-altitude hijinks or comedy show gone sideways? Share your stories with us in the comments below or on our social media @PotCultureMag. And for all the latest updates on how our high-flying comedian plans to redeem himself, make sure to follow us. Don’t miss out on our next deep dive into the world of comedy chaos!