Do comedians really have to praise the city they are in?

Question

Almost every comedian I see always starts their routine by praising the city they are currently performing in.

Example:

Comedian- How's it going tonight Chicago!?

Audience- WOOOOOOOO!

My question is, Why is that necessary? I know comics are supposed to "warm up" the audience, but can't that be done with jokes? The only comedian I've seen start a show without mindless pandering is Steven Wright.

Answer 1

You obviously have never seen greg proops. In fact, he has a bit about "praising the city" and how it really is a shameless tactic

Answer 2

People have a lot of city pride. Recognizing that is not a bad ice breaker.

Answer 3

What kind of an answer is "WOOOOOOOO!" anyway? Pisses me the h**l off.

Yeah, well, that way audiences think you're their friend, so it makes it easier to be funny. A lot of comedians insult the town they're performing in, though.