In late 2015 Gilbert went through a series of personal and medical issues, including a brain aneurysm shortly followed by a stroke, which has left him unable to work in the near future, and possibly not ever again. To help him out financially and as a show of support, on July 17 some of his closest friends and Australia’s funniest people are putting on an event, with all proceeds going to Gilbert.
Some of the superstars on the lineup are Dave Hughes, Wil Anderson, Judith Lucy, Denise Scott, Shaun Micallef and Brian Nankervis. Mick Molloy, one of Gilbert’s closest mates, will MC the night. “Russell Gilbert is like a big brother to me. He is one of the funniest blokes I’ve ever met, on or off the stage and he’s coming off a pretty bad year that has involved some pretty major battles,” says Molloy.
“Gilbo has always been there for many of us when we needed him and now it’s our turn to help out a mate… Not one person we asked to be part of this show said no … I think that says a lot about the man.” In typical style, Gilbert says of the event, “It’s so great to know you have such amazing support from your friends. What a line-up of comics! The best in the country. And Mick as well.”
For more information, visit: frontiertouring.com/gilbo
