Comedian Marc Maron, known for his biting humor and no-holds-barred approach to comedy, has stunned fans by revealing the astronomical sum he shelled out to include Taylor Swift’s hit song “Bigger Than the Whole Sky” in his stage show. Maron, 61, didn’t hold back on the Vulture’s Good One podcast when he casually dropped the eye-watering figure, leaving fans in disbelief.

“I think it came out to $50K, around that,” Maron confessed, not flinching as he explained the price of getting Swift’s track onto his set. But why would the comedian be willing to pay such a hefty fee? The answer, it seems, lies in a joke he was desperate to get in front of the superstar herself.

Maron’s confession has set the internet abuzz, sparking speculation about the lengths people will go to in order to secure rights for iconic songs and how artists like Swift are commanding such high fees in the entertainment world. It also sheds light on the incredible pressure of balancing humor and intellectual property in the ever-evolving landscape of comedy and performance.

A Gamble for the Joke of a Lifetime

The comedian was clear: this was a calculated risk. “I did everything I could to get the joke in front of her,” Maron said, referring to Swift’s 2022 hit, which Maron wanted to spoof in his stand-up show. It was more than just a financial decision—it was a personal challenge, one that would have long-term consequences if not executed correctly.

To make it happen, Maron turned to Swift’s long-time collaborator, Jack Antonoff, for help. “I know Jack Antonoff enough to text him—he’s the co-writer on that song,” Maron explained. The comedian reached out, admitting that he wasn’t entirely sure about the process but hoping Antonoff could pull some strings.

“I said, ‘I don’t know what’s proper or how to do this, but we’re running out of money on this thing. It’s probably going to come out of my pocket. Is there anything you can do about this song or talk to Taylor?’”

Antonoff, being a seasoned pro in the music world, steered Maron toward the proper channels for obtaining a license to use the song, which was featured on Swift’s acclaimed Midnights album. “It was doable,” Maron recalled, noting that although it was tight financially, ticket sales from the televised version of the special made it all possible.

A Pricey Minute

Here’s where the shock factor kicks in: the eye-popping $50K wasn’t for a full performance of the song—it was for just one minute. Maron didn’t have the luxury of playing the song for an extended period, and in fact, he was warned that any extra time would result in additional charges. “If I would have gone over the minute, it would have been more money,” Maron divulged, emphasizing the absurdity of the situation.

As a result, Maron had no choice but to craft a clever workaround. “We couldn’t even let it, like, play out the special or anything,” he explained. In true comedian fashion, Maron got together with a band to create an original opening and closing music piece that was used in the special, all while keeping the usage of Swift’s track under the one-minute mark.

The Real Fear: Taylor’s Approval

Beyond the financial strain, Maron faced an emotional hurdle: the uncertainty of whether Swift herself would approve of the joke. “It had to happen,” Maron insisted, explaining the level of anxiety he felt about the possibility that Swift’s team could deny the request.

“The real fear is, like, she doesn’t let you use it, and then what do you do?” Maron continued, illustrating the delicate balance he was walking. “You can’t do the bit on the special.”

Despite the enormous risk and financial commitment, Maron said he was “manifesting” that Swift would appreciate the joke. “I think she’ll like the bit,” he said, his voice filled with hope. It was a gamble on the artist’s approval and a nod to how high the stakes were for the comedian.

But while Maron’s team got the green light from Swift’s representatives, the comedian remains uncertain if the pop star has actually seen his spoof. “I don’t know if she’s actually heard it,” Maron admitted, adding a layer of mystery to the entire ordeal. Could it be that Swift hasn’t yet caught wind of the controversial comedy? Or maybe she has and is keeping her thoughts to herself?

The Swift Effect: Music Licensing at its Peak

Maron’s story sheds light on the ever-expanding world of music licensing, particularly how mega-celebrities like Taylor Swift can charge exorbitant fees for the use of their music. In recent years, high-profile artists have become gatekeepers of their music, wielding immense power when it comes to who gets to use their tracks and for what price.

The impact of such licensing fees is felt across the entertainment industry. For comedians, like Maron, this can mean the difference between getting a joke on air and being forced to scrap it entirely. Maron’s willingness to fork out $50K is a testament to the lengths comedians are willing to go to ensure their content resonates with their audience and feels authentic.

The market for music licensing has only grown more lucrative as artists continue to dominate not only the music industry but also film, TV, and even social media, where their tracks can help drive millions of views.

Maron’s Podcast: A Historic End

As Maron navigates the complexities of song rights and the price of fame, he also faces another major milestone: the end of his long-running podcast, WTF With Marc Maron. Announced in June, Maron revealed that he and producer Brendan McDonald are bringing the podcast to a close later this year. The show, which has been a groundbreaking part of podcasting since 2009, is nearing its final episode this fall.

“It was not some kind of difficult decision, necessarily,” Maron said during a recent episode. “We both realized together that we were done.” For fans of WTF, this marks the end of an era, as Maron and McDonald step away from a project that helped shape the podcasting landscape.

The Future for Maron: New Projects and New Beginnings

In the meantime, Maron continues to promote his upcoming animated family comedy The Bad Guys 2, set for release on August 1. The film marks a new chapter in Maron’s career, but it’s clear that his passion for pushing boundaries in comedy—and his willingness to invest in high-stakes opportunities—will remain a hallmark of his work.

So, the next time you hear Maron riffing on stage, just remember: behind that joke could be a very expensive song and a monumental gamble that only a comedian like Marc Maron could pull off.