Cook Blasted For
Charity Stream Ban

As numerous performers brought Americans together May 30 during the Boston Strong Concert at the city’s TD Garden, comedian Dane Cook instead managed to piss people off.

Millions watched the concert online, featuring Aerosmith, New Kids On The Block, J. Geils Band, Godsmack, James Taylor, Jimmy Buffett, Jason Aldean and many others to raise funds for the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings. 

But only the TD Garden audience was privy to Cook’s contribution.

The Massachusetts native banned organizers from streaming his set, claiming he didn’t want any new material he performed out on the airwaves yet. That left web viewers with a blank screen – along with other technical problems with the stream during the concert – until the comic exited the stage.

The performer confirmed via Twitter it was his choice not to let his set air.

“Hey everyone sorry my set was not a part of the live stream or televised! I didn’t want any of the new material to hit the airwaves yet!”

The Twitter response to this was mostly scathing, criticizing his choice to use any new material at a charity event to further himself, while others defended Cook’s actions as business as usual for stand-up comedians trying out new material.