Almost famous

The memory plays tricks. Every time I see the comedian (and "Rescue Me" star) Denis Leary, I find myself wondering, "Is he that Irish comedian I gave a horrible review to a million years ago, when I was comedy critic at the New York Post?"

The other night I was reading the new issue of New York magazine and there was a piece about the old Baggot Inn, a hangout for comedians. Eddie Brill, who now books comedians for the Letterman show, was recalling one of the worst nights of his life:

"July 27, 1984 -- I'll never forget the date -- I started a comedy night. I would import in all these great acts to do hour-long sets -- acts like Dennis Miller, Bobcat Goldthwait, Susie Essman and Jake Johanssen. A guy from Post came to review us, and Dejnis Leary goes onstage, not knowing the guy is reviewing and proceeds to trash him. Then the spotlight breaks and falls, so it is shining right on the reviewer, and Leary just keeps trashing the guy."

I sent an email to Eddie on Friday and he replied a short time later. (Ain't the Internet grand?) I hadn't seen him in ages. I told him I had only vague memories of that night. But perhaps that was because, as he wrote, "the light came down on you."

I guess that explains the memory loss and, possibly the lack of hair.

Over the years, I came to like Leary a lot. Funny guy and I have a deep appreciation for what he does for firefighters.