Rocky Horror Creator At 84: Fame, Money & Being “70% Male”
Episode Description
Even if you don’t know the name you most definitely know this guest’s work! I’d almost guarantee you have sung or danced to his song, The Time Warp!
Richard O’Brien is the creator and writer of The Rocky Horror Show. A show he wrote more than 50 years ago that is still an international cult classic.
This is Richards first ever long form podcast and it was an absolute honour that he chose mine.
Richard is 84. He is sharp as ever, funny, opinionated, occasionally outrageous - and completely comfortable saying exactly what he thinks
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Timestamps 00:00 - Childhood Origins & Early Family Life 00:24 - The Rocky Horror Show & Creative Success 05:48 - Love, Happiness & Human Connection 11:43 - Growing Up Between England & New Zealand 24:44 - Music Influences: Jazz, Blues, Rock & Classical 37:18 - Writing, Songwriting & the Creative Process 48:44 - The Origins of Rocky Horror 58:14 - Film, Theatre & Early Performing Career 1:00:00 - Making Rocky Horror 1:09:00 - Rocky Horror's Cultural Impact 1:14:00 - Career Choices, Royalties & Creative Freedom 1:34:18 - Friendship, Home & Personal Memories 1:36:17 - Hollywood, Television & Industry Connections 1:38:24 - Fame, Family & Life Behind the Scenes 1:40:20 - Science, Evidence & Creationism 1:42:05 - Religion, Politics & Social Division 1:43:22 - Trump, Blair, Bush & Modern Politics 1:45:18 - Mental Health & Political Frustration 1:47:11 - Rocky Horror's Success After Failure 1:48:42 - Inclusive Storytelling & Community 1:50:00 - Personality, Intelligence & Self-Reflection 1:52:00 - Lessons from an Extraordinary Life 1:54:36 - Orson Welles, Screenwriting & Creative Projects
Brief Summary
Richard O'Brien discusses his life, Rocky Horror, aging, and societal issues in this engaging episode.
Key points
- Aging and Acceptance. Richard shares his thoughts on aging, expressing that it's a drag but emphasizes the importance of love.
- Cultural Evolution vs. Cancel Culture. Richard argues that acknowledging the cruelties of colonialism is a positive step forward.
- The Search for Identity. At six and a half, Richard realized he felt different and hid his true self.
- Feeling Lost. Richard shares his feelings of uncertainty about his future after leaving New Zealand.
- Opening Night Nerves. O'Brien shares his anxiety before the debut of the Rocky Horror Show, which turned out to be a success.
- The Journey of Rocky Horror. Reflecting on the initial struggles and eventual success of the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
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Episode highlights
- Aging and AcceptanceRichard shares his thoughts on aging, expressing that it's a drag but emphasizes the importance of love.“The happiness comes from knowing that you're loved, isn't it?”1:00Oct 10, 2026
- Cultural Evolution vs. Cancel CultureRichard argues that acknowledging the cruelties of colonialism is a positive step forward.“It's not cancel culture. It's cultural evolution, isn't it?”13:00Oct 10, 2026
- The Search for IdentityAt six and a half, Richard realized he felt different and hid his true self.“I wanted to be the fairy princess when I grew up.”26:31Oct 10, 2026
- Feeling LostRichard shares his feelings of uncertainty about his future after leaving New Zealand.“I was just lost. I didn't know what I wanted to do.”33:56Oct 10, 2026
- Opening Night NervesO'Brien shares his anxiety before the debut of the Rocky Horror Show, which turned out to be a success.“I was terribly nervous.”47:59Oct 10, 2026
- The Journey of Rocky HorrorReflecting on the initial struggles and eventual success of the Rocky Horror Picture Show.“We had no idea that it was going to have this kind of longevity.”1:03:09Oct 10, 2026
- The Luck of ContentmentFinding happiness in simple things and appreciating life's privileges.“I turn on the tap. I got water I can drink. That's a huge privilege.”1:06:32Oct 10, 2026
- A Musical About Julius CaesarThe speaker is busy writing a comedy musical about Julius Caesar.“I'm going to go another musical at the moment to just to please myself.”1:18:59Oct 10, 2026
