Page 34 - the NOISE December 2013

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sh*tfaced with their new neighbors. There were no secrets around Doug and Bingo. Ev- erything hidden was drawn out and mocked until you had to laugh at yourself.
Doug Stanhope’s career took its unique shape. He refused to tone down his crude language and radical ideas to gain main- stream acceptance. He was a hit in England and Europe. His shows could be confronta- tional and people would often verbally chal- lenge him or just walk out. He polarized his audience: you either loved or hated him. He released over a dozen CDs and DVDs.
A dedicated Libertarian, Stanhope decid- ed to run for President in 2008. He withdrew when he was told he could not make any money from his standup or website while in the race. He supported Ron Paul, but ended up voting for Barack Obama.
Fellow jokester Louis CK had landed a show on FX, and Doug starred in Eddie, a second season episode which garnered much acclaim. He played the title character, a down-and-out comedian with nothing to live for. He confesses he is going to kill himself. Louie tries to talk him out of it, but in the end just says goodbye and watches Eddie leave.
Shortly after her tryst with Doug, Amy Ross contracted the degenerative blood dis- ease lupus. It lay in remission for over a de- cade then struck her kidneys. She had renal failure and a tube was surgically implanted through her stomach. She had to do kidney dialysis three times a week. This had effec- tively ended the duo’s ability to tour, which was their main source of money.
The doctors had given her four years to live back in 2006. In early October 2013 she caught a blood infection and was hospital- ized for a week in preparation for open-heart surgery. The date scheduled was October 14, a Monday.
On Friday, October 11, Derrick Ross ap- peared on Doug Stanhope’s podcast, re- corded at Doug’s home in Bisbee with Bingo sitting in. The three recounted the series of events which had brought them together. Derrick discussed Amy’s illness and con- fessed he didn’t think he could handle a life without her. His pain was leavened with some sick gallows humor, egged on by Doug and Bingo.
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Stanhope called the podcast his “cliffhang- er” episode. Will Amy survive or won’t she? Tune in next time ...
She didn’t. On Monday morning, her doc- tor sadly informed Derrick he had a decision to make. He made it. The nurses turned off the machines keeping Amy alive and left Derrick alone with her. She passed away in his presence. Amy Ross was 40.
Doug Stanhope had some East Coast dates planned to promote his new special. He and Bingo were just about to leave on Monday morning when Derrick called from the hospital. Distraught, Bingo canceled her trip. Derrick wanted to come back home, and Bingo said she would be waiting for him. With this news hanging heavy, Doug drove to the airport and started drinking.
A short time later, Derrick arrived in Bisbee and he and Bingo did the same. They laughed and cried all afternoon. Derrick went outside and spoke to Amy in the sky. He told her he was glad she was finally out of pain.
There was a slight problem. Derrick had left the hospital without telling anyone be- sides Doug and Bingo about Amy’s death. Friends and relatives had called, inquiring about Amy’s condition, and Derrick had stopped answering his phone. He didn’t know what to do.
The two brainstormed for hours without finding a solution. Out of desperation, Bingo suggested they post something on Amy’s Facebook page. Derrick jumped on the idea, but he wanted Doug to write the obituary. Bingo started calling Doug’s phone.
Finally, during a layover in Atlanta, she got through. Stanhope was drunk, but agreed to do it. Derrick gave him Amy’s password. There, in the Atlanta Airport lounge, Doug Stanhope composed a short message and posted it to Amy Ross’ Facebook page at 6:49pm:
“Hey kids! Bad news! I died this morning and Derrick didn’t know how to tell you. I love you all and hope you go out and be nice to some- one. Funerals are a bore so hopefully I won’t have one. Give Derrick some space ... He stinks at this stuff so leave him be for now. Thanks for all the kindness ... Please spread it around.”
34 • DECEMBER 2013 • the NOISE arts & news • thenoise.us