LOS ANGELES — Dirty Bob says that fulfilling his duties as co-chairman of the X-Rated Critics Organization Awards is a labor of love as much as anything else.
An adult film critic since the late 1980s, the Ohio-based industry veteran told XBIZ he has taken pride in his involvement with the XRCO Awards since the early years. Then in 2004, he took on the larger role as co-chairman.
“I’m big on the history and tradition of the show and I like being a part of both,” Dirty Bob said recently. “It’s a lot of work but it’s fun and it gives me a good feeling to continue it. After 30 years someone’s gotta do it.”
Indeed, this Wednesday night will mark the 30th anniversary of the XRCO Awards. Red carpet starts at 7 p.m. for the industry-only event that will be at OHM Nightclub, formerly The Highlands, in the heart of Hollywood.
“It’s the second longest running adult awards show,” Dirty Bob said. “This year we received a lot of support from major sponsors, so I have to thank, in no particular order, IAFD, Wicked Pictures, Vivid, Evil Angel, Axel Braun, Adam & Eve, ATMLA, Girlfriends Films and Jules Jordan.”
This year’s host is Ron Jeremy, who’ll be joined by co-hosts Julia Ann and Bonnie Rotten. Abigail Mac and Natasha Voya will be the Heart-On Girls, the XRCO’s version of Trophy Girls.
“Ron’s a natural for this,” Dirty Bob said. “And Bonnie, I saw her here in Ohio performing and I’d heard many good things about her. She’s very articulate which impressed me. I think it’s a good mix to have her with Hall of Famer Julia Ann.”
Dirty Bob said that industry historian Bill Margold would once again lead off the ceremony at 8:30 p.m. with a special introduction of the 2014 Hall of Fame class as well as a tribute those industry members no longer with us.
“After that we’ll keep things moving real well and try to keep people fresh,” said Dirty Bob, whose co-chairman is Dick Freeman. “We’ll probably be done pretty early so the after-party can get underway.”
Dirty Bob said that the XRCO’s are not “just a two-man show anymore.”
“Now it’s more of an elaborate process to get everything ready,” he said. “But we always have to keep it fun and casual. That’s why a lot of people say this is their favorite show for this reason. ... It’s a party.”
The "casual" nature of the event is all part of its charm, according to Dirty Bob. “We encourage people who have done any work at all who are in the business to attend," he said. "It’s not the kind of party where people go around and try and conduct business. But by the same token it’s a great place to meet people, which may lead to business later.”
