Meaning: Adrian Edmondson, a British actor, comedian, and musician, made this statement about his approach to performing on stage. In this quote, he expresses a focus on creating an intense and exciting experience for the audience, rather than being concerned with maintaining a particular image or projecting a sense of coolness. This approach reflects a desire to connect with the audience on a visceral level and elicit a strong emotional response through the performance.

In the context of live performance, especially in the realm of music and comedy, generating hysteria can be interpreted as creating an atmosphere of excitement, energy, and enthusiasm among the audience. This can be achieved through dynamic and engaging performances that captivate and thrill the audience, often leading to a sense of collective euphoria and intensity. By emphasizing the desire to generate hysteria, Edmondson highlights the transformative power of live performance and the ability to create a memorable and impactful experience for those in attendance.

The statement also conveys a sense of authenticity and rawness in performance. By asserting that he and his colleagues "don't care about looking cool or posing," Edmondson emphasizes a rejection of pretense and a commitment to genuine, unfiltered expression on stage. This approach aligns with the tradition of punk and alternative comedy, which often prioritizes raw emotion and uninhibited creativity over polished or calculated presentation. By eschewing the need to conform to a particular image or demeanor, Edmondson communicates a commitment to staying true to the essence of the performance and prioritizing the emotional impact on the audience.

Furthermore, the quote reflects a rejection of the notion of performance as a self-conscious display of image or ego. Instead of focusing on projecting a carefully curated persona or maintaining a sense of detached coolness, Edmondson emphasizes the primacy of the audience's experience and the emotional connection between performer and spectator. This perspective underscores a humble and service-oriented approach to performance, in which the ultimate goal is to create an immersive and exhilarating experience for the audience, rather than to assert one's own status or identity.

In the realm of live performance, the ability to generate hysteria and provoke a strong emotional response from the audience is a testament to the power of the performer to captivate and inspire. This approach can be particularly effective in settings such as concerts, stand-up comedy shows, and theatrical performances, where the energy and passion of the performers can ignite a similar response in the audience. By prioritizing the creation of hysteria, Edmondson highlights the transformative potential of live performance to transcend the ordinary and transport both performers and audience members to a heightened state of emotion and excitement.

In conclusion, Adrian Edmondson's quote encapsulates a passionate and unapologetic approach to live performance, emphasizing the desire to generate hysteria and prioritize the emotional impact on the audience. By rejecting the need to appear cool or pose for the audience, Edmondson underscores a commitment to authenticity, raw expression, and a genuine connection with the audience. This perspective resonates with the transformative power of live performance to create a collective experience of exhilaration, intensity, and emotional resonance.