Bill Maher says touring isn’t safe anymore: ‘Could get shot’

Bill Maher says it’s no longer safe for him to tour as a stand-up comedian.

Speaking on his Club Random podcast with comedian Patton Oswalt, Maher said it was ultimately “a great choice” to stop touring.

According to the host, the current political climate played a major role. 

“I don’t want to be out there in this country, in this political atmosphere,” he said, adding that he worries he “could get shot by the left or the right.”

Maher, known for his sharp contrarian commentary, said the tension around politics has made the road feel less safe. “It’s a good time to not be out there,” he said.

But he also pointed to a more grounded factor: ticket sales. Maher insists the numbers never reflected his ability on stage.

“I just got tired of being twice as funny as people who were selling twice as many tickets as me,” he said.

“I’m on TV every week. … I didn’t sell arenas. And some people did, who, frankly, are not that great,” he said.

Maher confirmed he officially stopped touring at the end of 2024.