Blue Man Group: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

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  • Опубликовано: 2 окт 2016
  • September 26, 2016 by BOB BOILEN • They came, they measured, and they returned to perform a show like no other. It was the great NPR Tiny Desk Takeover by Blue Man Group.
    If you've not seen this performance ensemble and their production in New York, Las Vegas, Orlando, Boston, Chicago or Berlin, then you've missed a night of magical fun. These Blue Men may never say a word, but the performances make for poignant looks at who we are as humans. They also make unusual music on instruments of their own design.
    Josh Rogosin, our engineer for the Tiny Desk, first saw them in their early days, some 25 years ago at New York's Astor Place Theatre. He told me how the Blue Men would retrofit some of their theatrical magic - including their custom-made instruments, confetti cannons and streamers - to fit this small desk space.
    Every band that plays the Tiny Desk must work within the restrictions of the space. So instead of installing their entire signature PVC instrument, what ended up behind the desk was about a third of it. On the right side of the desk, their Shred Mill makes its internet debut: It's a drum machine triggered by magnets that changes rhythm depending where they are placed on the home-made variable-speed conveyor belt. They also invented something called a Spinulum, whose rhythmic tempo is controlled by rotating a wheel that plucks steel guitar strings. (You can read a full description on the instruments below.)
    In the end the Blue Men and their dressed-down accompanists performed a Tiny Desk concert like no other. I've been familiar with their music since my days as director of All Things Considered in the 1990s, when I would play their tunes between news stories. Seeing all this come to life (and I know this is true for Josh, as well) was simply unforgettable. From the unique sounds of the PVC to the strumming sounds of the Spinulum to their "Meditation For Winners" mantras, you'll get a taste of why this troupe's art is so universal and so much fun.
    THE INSTRUMENTS
    (as told to us by the Blue Man Group)
    Chapman Stick: A combination of a guitar, a bass guitar, and a washboard, the Chapman Stick is 10 strings and all neck. While it can be played with fingers, we often bow the Stick with a bass string. This method, pioneered by Blue Man Group, is called the Mandelbrot Stick Technique.
    Cimbalom: An old hammered chromatic string instrument from Hungary that we gave a plywood update to. It's normally played gently with soft mallets, but Blue Man Group hits it aggressively with drumsticks.
    Shredmill: Making its internet debut, this new Blue Man Group creation is a treadmill-shaped, electro-mechanical sequencer that a Blue Man (or anyone else) can use to create rhythmic patterns. Placing and/or moving the Shred Mill's tiny little magnets in order to change the sequence ("shredding") is dangerously addictive. If you are ever presented with the opportunity to shred, proceed at your own risk.
    Spinulum: Have you ever watched Wheel of Fortune and thought to yourself, "I wonder what would happen if I took that wheel, shrunk it down to about a foot in diameter, mounted it to a stand, and replaced that little white flipper with steel guitar strings?" Us too! The Spinulum is a brand new Blue Man Group instrument that is part slide guitar, part bicycle wheel, and 100 percent dynamite!
    PVC: Blue Man Group's signature instrument is comprised of several lengths of polyvinyl chloride pipe that make an almost synthesizer-like sound when struck with a closed-cell foam rubber paddle. This performance only includes the center, high-octave section of the PVC. This is not because we have a problem with the other sections of the PVC. We actually really like them. There just wasn't enough space. It's a tiny desk.
    MIDI PVC: The signature Blue Man Group PVC instrument shrunk down and electrified.
    SET LIST:
    "Vortex"
    "The Forge"
    "Meditation For Winners"
    Blue Man Group's Three is available now:
    iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/album/thr...
    Amazon: www.amazon.com/Three-Blue-Man...
    CREDITS:
    Producers: Bob Boilen, Josh Rogosin, Niki Walker; Blue Man Group Producer: Anita Shah; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Niki Walker, Colin Marshall, Nick Michael, Kara Frame, Claire Hannah Collins; Blue Man Group Music & Creative Director: Jeff Turlik; Blue Man Group Director: David Bray; Production Assistant: CJ Riculan; Special Thanks: Blue Man Group Crew; Photo: Claire Harbage/NPR.
    For more Tiny Desk concerts, subscribe to our podcast: www.npr.org/podcasts/510292/ti...
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Комментарии • 4,5 тыс.

  • @nprmusic
    @nprmusic  9 месяцев назад +28

    Hey Tiny Desk Fans,
    Check out NPR’s Black Stories, Black Truths - a collection of podcasts hosted by journalists who speak truth to power. Our voices are as varied, nuanced, and dynamic as the Black experience. And stories should never be about us without us. Listen now: www.npr.org/podcasts/510372/black-stories-black-truths

    • @cupuacu4life13
      @cupuacu4life13 7 месяцев назад +2

      But they're blue

    • @magsy21
      @magsy21 6 месяцев назад

      @@cupuacu4life13 indeed!

  • @patrizzle3887
    @patrizzle3887 Год назад +1871

    I actually have no memory of life before the blue man group, they’ve just always been, time has no effect on blue men.

    • @anonymous-yk9sz
      @anonymous-yk9sz Год назад +8

      How old are you? lol

    • @NueThunderKing
      @NueThunderKing Год назад +77

      Yeah there are records of them playing in ancient Babylon

    • @JBags0203
      @JBags0203 Год назад +7

      @@NueThunderKing That we have found yet

    • @soopperson5953
      @soopperson5953 Год назад +7

      For some reason i can pinpoint exactly when i first became aware of them, it was when they appeared on an episode of Shake it Up (or some Disney channel show)

    • @patrizzle3887
      @patrizzle3887 Год назад +3

      @@soopperson5953 oh wait you’re right it was icarly i think

  • @ericeg9711
    @ericeg9711 4 года назад +7071

    This is earth radio. And now, here’s human music.

    • @klapp2k579
      @klapp2k579 4 года назад +121

      Hungry for Apples?

    • @desmondyap5391
      @desmondyap5391 4 года назад +62

      Wubba lubba dub dub

    • @andreisabe
      @andreisabe 4 года назад +37

      Yes!.... Yes!...... Yes....... My man!

    • @Amer_ica
      @Amer_ica 4 года назад +7

      Thank you

    • @kamcha9681
      @kamcha9681 4 года назад +30

      Human music video ? I LIKE IT

  • @R0binah00d
    @R0binah00d Год назад +818

    Their longevity is the most mind blowing part of these blue gentlemen. How they are still going strong is beyond me. Good for them legit.

    • @raiylab
      @raiylab Год назад +82

      There’s like 35 different blue men alone in the US, I’m sure there’s a lot of stuff happening behind the scenes to keep the grooves groovin.

    • @growmiezhomiez8760
      @growmiezhomiez8760 Год назад +16

      there's lkke 60 of them.

    • @MinkJu
      @MinkJu Год назад +14

      It's a performance art group, not a 3 man band.

    • @Steve.._.
      @Steve.._. Год назад +7

      @@MinkJu yeah that’s cause it’s a 4 man “band” just joking but it’s 4 that travel in the touring cast. Which those are we don’t know but those are the ones people think of when anyone says “blue man GROUP” but yeah 35 in total

    • @Goatisme
      @Goatisme Год назад +10

      Its an idea and a concept that a lot of people adhere to as an artist expression rather than a specific group of artists portraying their work through time like how it traditionally go, they are a bit like that too its just their performance art is centered on counter-individualist and counter-recognition and its overall a big clash with the US's overall values on celebrity cult and personality worship of their entertainment scene in general.

  • @keving7743
    @keving7743 2 года назад +208

    For a group that's internationally renowned for their performances, they still somehow seem underappreciated.

  • @Jeremy-hx7zj
    @Jeremy-hx7zj 7 лет назад +3104

    their greatest talent is keeping those blank expressions

    • @aprilyear2011
      @aprilyear2011 7 лет назад +47

      Very cool group of guys. My kind of people

    • @sinshoe5870
      @sinshoe5870 7 лет назад +65

      +headcoLd 7 that's why they're the blue man group. blue is the color for calm cool and collected.

    • @ferky123
      @ferky123 7 лет назад +27

      Ryne Santos you mean that they aren't masters of time and space. There you go blowing my misconceptions. :p

    • @Explosive371
      @Explosive371 7 лет назад +53

      There are 3 founding members that make the music but there are more people that actually perform on stage.

    • @rodneyhemmings1491
      @rodneyhemmings1491 7 лет назад +2

      Jeremy I agree

  • @khills242
    @khills242 7 лет назад +8614

    Imagine you're an alien and this is the only video of humans that you're shown

    • @ravesilva
      @ravesilva 6 лет назад +122

      Kyle Hills THAT IS THE MOST PERFECT COMENT EVER

    • @TheDsRequiem
      @TheDsRequiem 5 лет назад +54

      We can only hope they witness something as marvelous as the BMG first

    • @scottstrand1874
      @scottstrand1874 5 лет назад +222

      Then the aliens are seeing humanity at it's most creative, comedic, passionate, and inventive. Far better than giving the aliens a view of, say, the White House, Congress, and the Supreme Court, where humanity is at its lowest, darkest, greediest, and most heartless.

    • @okartwork6176
      @okartwork6176 5 лет назад +2

      mars attacks ak ak ak funny

    • @juannaym8488
      @juannaym8488 5 лет назад +27

      What if we're the freaks and the aliens are the normal ones

  • @victormeas450
    @victormeas450 3 года назад +2469

    The two others are initiates, they haven’t earned their colors yet.

    • @fireyflower6643
      @fireyflower6643 3 года назад +4

      Lol

    • @LoneWolf-zj3lg
      @LoneWolf-zj3lg 3 года назад +3

      🤣🤣🤣💀

    • @kacperwhite386
      @kacperwhite386 3 года назад +22

      They just play already well invented instruments, they are from here, from earth. So white faces are human, compared to blue aliens...
      Or something

    • @pedrosetti9786
      @pedrosetti9786 3 года назад +73

      But one earned being bald, he is one step closer

    • @elmerfparaguya9888
      @elmerfparaguya9888 3 года назад +1

      Hahahaha

  • @mbuckholz
    @mbuckholz Год назад +263

    I remember seeing them in Vegas when I was a child it was one of my favorite experiences. Especially when they flung all the toilet paper

    • @KingMori63400
      @KingMori63400 Год назад +6

      They play like every day in Berlin. I saw them as a kid, it was such a weird experience

    • @johnd3124
      @johnd3124 Год назад +1

      I saw them too, it was awesome

    • @Singehog
      @Singehog Год назад +3

      I saw them a few years back at a small venue in New York, the toilet paper part was so sick 😭

    • @Drew_Hurst
      @Drew_Hurst Год назад +2

      Those rock shows were so epic!

    • @Drew_Hurst
      @Drew_Hurst Год назад +1

      @@KingMori63400 Great to hear that! Rock On

  • @casmilner1787
    @casmilner1787 3 года назад +1659

    I saw them at Astor Place 25 years ago as well. I took my then-4-year-old son, who fell asleep half way through the show. One of the Blue Men walked by and painted his sleeping nose with blue pigment ( I have the picture from later, on the side walk). We later learned they were referring to him backstage during the show as "angel baby".

    • @seyoon9000
      @seyoon9000 3 года назад +125

      bro why did i imagine it as god walking upon u guys lol thats so cool tho

    • @davidperry7270
      @davidperry7270 3 года назад +64

      OMG THAT IS SO CUTE

    • @tommytwotone81
      @tommytwotone81 3 года назад +42

      Not only master musicians but master human beings as well...thank you for sharing I like them even more now!

    • @marilynpacheco7
      @marilynpacheco7 3 года назад +2

      @@seyoon9000 when i told you i SCREAMED because me too 🤣🤣

    • @CoffeeBeanWitch
      @CoffeeBeanWitch 2 года назад +5

      Oooh that is an adorable experience and story. 🤩💖

  • @Cryogenius333
    @Cryogenius333 3 года назад +1520

    "What instrument do you play?"
    Me: "I play Slide unicycle"

    • @aaronvanderlaag7317
      @aaronvanderlaag7317 3 года назад +10

      Is that thing realy cald a slide unicycle because i realy want to get that thing

    • @linorow2835
      @linorow2835 3 года назад +11

      "What instrment do you p..."
      Me: "Namaste namasta namacusa I'm a winner at MEDITATION!"

    • @RegusClase
      @RegusClase 3 года назад

      @@linorow2835 😂😂

    • @layzorbeeemz7317
      @layzorbeeemz7317 3 года назад +2

      Far out man I play PVC pipes we should jam sometime!

    • @johngoscinski1995
      @johngoscinski1995 3 года назад

      Dude, that's a crank banjo. your welcome.

  • @Keebrev
    @Keebrev Год назад +128

    I’ve had the pleasure of performing alongside Blue Men Group, at an event in 2019 for my high school. One of the strangest experiences ever. While I was backstage for most of their set, my group actually got a green room next to them - and I got a glimpse of them unmasked! It’s actually a rotating group of different guys. I met one of them in the bathroom, of all places. Once they’re in character they don’t break it at all, so he didn’t speak to me, but he did leave a palm print on me and another cast member’s face. Funnily enough, I didn’t get a good view at any of them directly, but a few of them most definitely have busy beards under the mask. Quite a moment for sure!

    • @seemourbutts6679
      @seemourbutts6679 Год назад +14

      Blue men in a green room

    • @magsy21
      @magsy21 6 месяцев назад +7

      When they performed in Chicago back in the nineties, after the show, there was an opportunity to ask one of them, still in character, if I might touch his head. He obliged. The blue stuff felt not unlike the dashboard of my car, 😂.
      I said to him, “I know you’re not up for a chat, but I do wonder if it gets super hot beneath the blue.”
      Without so much as a smile, he nodded in the affirmative. 💙

  • @RobertN010
    @RobertN010 2 года назад +19

    Who would have thought that a metal gear grinding against a steel cable would make the most mesmerizing sound I have ever heard.

    • @zeldalink007
      @zeldalink007 2 года назад +1

      totally thought the same thing

  • @Mace2Face
    @Mace2Face 4 года назад +2785

    I'm definitely coming back to watch this stoned

    • @jankubis3773
      @jankubis3773 4 года назад +8

      Mason Buchanan same bruh

    • @fireyflower6643
      @fireyflower6643 4 года назад +3

      Lolol

    • @joelurso
      @joelurso 4 года назад +2

      Dude

    • @marcosfischer_
      @marcosfischer_ 4 года назад +10

      You’ve just read my mind! Hahahaha

    • @AslanW
      @AslanW 4 года назад +30

      Watching this while smoking a joint, 420/69 would recommend.

  • @theqgene826
    @theqgene826 4 года назад +2386

    The skill and performance is genius. The gimmick wouldn’t work unless they were master musicians, and they are

    • @rrendre4138
      @rrendre4138 3 года назад +19

      So... the gimmick doesn’t work ?

    • @realykid
      @realykid 3 года назад +6

      @@rrendre4138 ?

    • @MrKulturembargo
      @MrKulturembargo 3 года назад +22

      People throwing around the term genius start getting on my nerves. The whole concept is wildly outdated.
      Also - all those wonky contraptions are just alternative variations of preexisting intruments and the music is not even very good.
      So...
      Not genius. Doesn't take a genius to put a basic pattern into a step sequencer. What is a genius you ask?
      Wikipedia has some answers. Maybe not the ones you look for...(Batman yadayada...)

    • @rvaugh230
      @rvaugh230 3 года назад +36

      Wait bbn till you find out that the blue man group isnt always the same three guys. You could become a blue man if you had the right body size.

    • @BrandonShere
      @BrandonShere 3 года назад +83

      @@MrKulturembargo I'm sorry, but I don't see anyone putting anything into a step sequencer in this video. The definition of genius is "exceptional intellectual or creative power or other natural ability." Which these men display wonderfully!

  • @dallasprice4779
    @dallasprice4779 Год назад +175

    The idea that the blue man group is an SCP that you have to just work around is pretty legit.

    • @johntilghman
      @johntilghman Год назад +1

      SCP ?

    • @dallasprice4779
      @dallasprice4779 Год назад +9

      @@johntilghman okay so imagine that once a month these guys appear for 24 hours in your house, you can't physically stop them. They only wish to create music and will not cease or leave till the entire 24 hours are up. At which point they disappear. Nobody knows where they come from or where they go. They only seem to make an appearance at the homes of people who are on the edge of an existential crisis. (Its in situations like this you would usually call the foundation)

    • @johntilghman
      @johntilghman Год назад +3

      @@dallasprice4779 I have an idea now. But I still don't know what SCP stands for.

    • @bubsyfinnigan4462
      @bubsyfinnigan4462 Год назад +9

      @@johntilghman
      Secure, Contain, Protect. Think of it like animal control for eldritch entities ranging from harmless to world-killing.

    • @carissamace
      @carissamace Год назад

      @@bubsyfinnigan4462”Animal control for eldritch entities,” is the best way I have ever heard them described. I’m using this from now on.

  • @btperkins
    @btperkins Год назад +71

    So cool! I can imagine how much fun the engineers had trying to get all of those unique instruments on mic or in the mixer.

    • @hotasice6475
      @hotasice6475 Год назад +13

      Fun is definitely a word to use

    • @kj9004
      @kj9004 Год назад +3

      I love the random hammered dulcimer! It's so great to see such an obscure instrument!

    • @jerphf2096
      @jerphf2096 Месяц назад

      @@hotasice6475it would definitely be a worthwhile experience as an engineer. Blue man group uses instruments that are so wacky, I imagine there’s a different methodology to micing/mixing everything that would be cool to learn.

    • @hotasice6475
      @hotasice6475 Месяц назад

      @@jerphf2096 you're probably right actually

  • @Jasi.bristol
    @Jasi.bristol 3 года назад +2178

    Feels like they're desperately tryna communicate to us about the end of the world but nobody's listenin we just clap and dance

    • @TimeTravelinc
      @TimeTravelinc 3 года назад +26

      Well, you’re not off. They have warned us of Global Warning at their concerts.

    • @YoshiPipez
      @YoshiPipez 2 года назад +4

      100%

    • @frempy4426
      @frempy4426 2 года назад +1

      Bruh

    • @Pandagamer-jx4hc
      @Pandagamer-jx4hc 2 года назад

      Lol lol lol looooool 😂😂😂

    • @999imo
      @999imo 2 года назад

      Well, yes...

  • @Discrimination_is_not_a_right
    @Discrimination_is_not_a_right 5 лет назад +1772

    Twelve minutes of performance, two hours of cleanup.

  • @patsysolatzzo2962
    @patsysolatzzo2962 Год назад +28

    I saw them in Las Vegas. It was an experience unlike anything else. I enjoyed their small segment on the eyes rods and cones to perceive the world around me. They also incorporate humor and their audience into their music which adds the idea that each show is truly unique.

    • @tjg121389
      @tjg121389 Месяц назад

      I haven't seen the Vegas show, but Rods and Cones is one of my favorite songs by them, so it's cool to hear they're still doing that one there!
      I saw their show in Chicago back in 08 and it was one of my favorite shows I've been to. No Rods and Cones there, but the show was still really cool

  • @curlykeys8261
    @curlykeys8261 3 года назад +245

    Their music is so therapeutic and peaceful it’s makes me feel like everything’s gonna be okay lol

    • @bouldlad
      @bouldlad 2 года назад

      Dose 🙄

    • @luckysakonta2718
      @luckysakonta2718 2 года назад

      So true, I fully agree💐

    • @Sceusell
      @Sceusell 2 года назад

      It's like a support group for depressed men

    • @xheralt
      @xheralt 2 года назад

      YOU ARE THE BEST AT FEELING PEACEFUL! YOU'RE ABSOLUTELY DESTROYING THAT SENSATION! Namaste Namasta Mamamoo koosa!

    • @anujanand6
      @anujanand6 2 года назад +2

      Everything will be okay. :)

  • @eds6889
    @eds6889 6 лет назад +864

    Every time I see these guys I think of David Cross in Arrested Development.

  • @PentameronSV
    @PentameronSV 4 года назад +228

    *_1:02_**_ - Vortex_* (4:42)
    *_4:55_**_ - The Forge_* (7:48)
    *_8:19_**_ - Meditation for Winners_* (12:40)

    • @danielefasano8485
      @danielefasano8485 3 года назад +7

      Any chance to buy this music somwhere on the web?

    • @seanthompson1950
      @seanthompson1950 Год назад +1

      @@danielefasano8485 The group has a couple of albums out.

  • @levisnyder6585
    @levisnyder6585 Год назад +19

    That pipe instrument is so distinct. It’s amazing that so many different artists have donned the blue and yet the sound can stay so consistent

  • @pony3284
    @pony3284 Год назад +10

    There's a video/interview with the guy from Portlandia and his experience working with the Blue Man Group. He finishes his talk with something along the lines of "I learned that as humans, we all want to be entertained. To just unwind/unplug/ etc. And be entertained." It was really interesting, these guys don't just perform for us, but for our wellbeing

  • @RicardoMoralesMassin
    @RicardoMoralesMassin 7 лет назад +40

    Acting while playing custom instruments while doing a happenning with the crowd. THATS A PERFORMANCE!! I clapped at my screen, Jesus...

  • @sazking6106
    @sazking6106 5 лет назад +357

    this is my first time ever hearing Blue Man Group, my only other exposure being Arrested Development. this is BLOWING my mind

    • @LandoMan
      @LandoMan 4 года назад +11

      Saz you blowhard!

    • @calebrobinson6406
      @calebrobinson6406 4 года назад +24

      Im afraid I blue myself

    • @BritneyT.
      @BritneyT. 4 года назад +1

      They did an episode on iCarly too 😁

    • @miriamaesthetic5137
      @miriamaesthetic5137 4 года назад

      Same the dude with the mustache. Sorry I don't remember his name

    • @Stephaniemacfan
      @Stephaniemacfan 2 года назад

      Tool made me come here to this video and check out Blue Man Group.

  • @zeal8111
    @zeal8111 Год назад +88

    this is the first 12 minutes of me being exposed to the blue man group and i would love to say
    im hooked.

    • @cloudglider
      @cloudglider Год назад +1

      they are great in person with all the cool production stage effects

    • @crystinamarie1
      @crystinamarie1 5 месяцев назад

      See them in Vegas. Epic experience.

    • @tjg121389
      @tjg121389 Месяц назад

      They have 3 albums, and they're all great. The first and third are all instrumental, and the 2nd has a bunch of guest vocalists and is a concept album.

  • @THEHOODHIJABI
    @THEHOODHIJABI Год назад +19

    I remember they were on a show I used to watch as a child & became fascinated with them ❤

  • @benjamingage2235
    @benjamingage2235 5 лет назад +799

    NPR never ceases to blow us away with their cultural variety.

    • @thekekronomicon590
      @thekekronomicon590 5 лет назад +4

      Well your paying for it regardless of if you like it or not so good thing you do like it I guess.

    • @jamescooper2618
      @jamescooper2618 5 лет назад +1

      As long as they can do it from the Liberals side

    • @fireyflower6643
      @fireyflower6643 4 года назад +2

      Yes, thats what I've come to love about NPR

    • @youtuuba
      @youtuuba 2 года назад +13

      @@jamescooper2618 , anybody who actually listens to NPR knows that they work hard to present very balanced programming, present all kinds of viewpoints, etc. Unfortunately, there is a mantra repeated by some that NPR is just liberal. Ain't so.

    • @Najolve
      @Najolve 2 года назад +4

      @@youtuuba Well one literal definition of "Liberal" is: BROAD-MINDED
      especially : not bound by authoritarianism, orthodoxy, or traditional forms
      So technically they are liberal, just the literal sense and not the political one.

  • @antoniovc
    @antoniovc 4 года назад +1026

    2:47 Those two that are not blue look like they were kidnapped and forced to play the instruments

    • @sebastianmosqueda5959
      @sebastianmosqueda5959 4 года назад +39

      The bald one looks like he kind of wants to be one of them

    • @ashakydd1
      @ashakydd1 4 года назад +24

      @@sebastianmosqueda5959 I wouldn't be surprised if they take turns being the blue men. I imagine getting a day or two off from having to be encased in those masks and makeup would be welcome.

    • @jayonefive234
      @jayonefive234 4 года назад +7

      dude looks straight brain washed

    • @chewthecigar
      @chewthecigar 3 года назад +9

      *Abducted

    • @warchild4974
      @warchild4974 3 года назад +2

      Oh that's just something they do, no biggie.....haha I love them man, they create the best sounds and songs!

  • @Allthequeenzhorses
    @Allthequeenzhorses 7 часов назад

    The innovation that goes into their performances is beautiful

  • @elifdurmus8243
    @elifdurmus8243 2 года назад +5

    I had the privilege to see them live in Chicago in 2010 while I was an exchange student in the US. My host family took me there and I will always be grateful - it was frickin amazing!!

  • @freddybluejay
    @freddybluejay 4 года назад +517

    Seen these guys live twice and both times were a completely different experience. SERIOUSLY underrated group that deserves more credit for not just being musical geniuses, but for also being a great way for people to come together and celebrate!

    • @roja88
      @roja88 3 года назад +52

      Saw them once in Boston. Best show ever.
      I'll never forget when someone arrived late to the show, everything stopped, camera zoomed in on him with lights and an opera singer came out singing "YOU'RE LAAATE."

    • @stateyourthesis
      @stateyourthesis 3 года назад +5

      Yeah I had no idea this is what they got up to. I thought it was all hitting trash cans with sticks or something random. I could get lost in this...EDIT: I take that back there ain't much substance in the music....imo. Not bad though and not at all what I thought about them. Freaking media making them look like ridiculous......EDIT: and now i put back what i took... This is great 11:22

    • @stateyourthesis
      @stateyourthesis 3 года назад

      @@roja88 lololol. Awesome

    • @CaseyMoo1
      @CaseyMoo1 3 года назад

      agreed!

    • @thecianinator
      @thecianinator 3 года назад +2

      That's weird because both of the times I saw the show it was basically the same show.
      @@roja88 Unfortunately that's also part of the show, it happens every time.

  • @mars9390
    @mars9390 5 лет назад +252

    Blue Man group went from chill trance and turned it into a rave in less than 12 minutes.

  • @gordon7478
    @gordon7478 2 года назад +11

    Saw these guys live for the short time they were in Toronto. Super cool music, and you can call it a gimmick if you want, but they were hilarious. They handed out ponchos to everyone in the first several rows on the east it. We were front row center. Got covered in some sort of goop lol. Pretty sure it was squished bananas.

  • @BestFightScenes1
    @BestFightScenes1 Год назад +5

    I happened to see them live back in 2006, and my life hasn’t been the same since. Blue Man forever.

  • @RobPortlockMusic
    @RobPortlockMusic 7 лет назад +1553

    Good to see Tobias Funke follow his dreams!

  • @nurduwek7768
    @nurduwek7768 5 лет назад +1154

    They all are acting like it’s their first time seeing anything.

    • @yellowman4337
      @yellowman4337 4 года назад +58

      Prove to me that it isn't.

    • @stay_low_key
      @stay_low_key 4 года назад +29

      If you ever been to Vegas and actually seen them you would understand it's all the part of their act

    • @NewfieMan98
      @NewfieMan98 4 года назад +28

      That's the blue men for you, they're amazing actors.

    • @potionseller8491
      @potionseller8491 4 года назад +3

      It’s brilliant isn’t it!

    • @hardhoagie3809
      @hardhoagie3809 4 года назад +2

      thats their thing dude

  • @user-yi3ke4su7j
    @user-yi3ke4su7j 3 месяца назад +1

    So much nostalgia from this. I remember watching America's got Talent with my mom and seeing them win, then visiting Vegas and seeing them plastered on every wall. Glad to know they're still going strong !!

  • @ahtech1990
    @ahtech1990 2 года назад +12

    I've never heard any of BMG's music, and I have to say, this is amazing. Funny, weird, unique, breathtaking. What an amazing group of artists.

  • @screenflicker1
    @screenflicker1 7 лет назад +224

    The first two pieces of music were absolute genius and i don't see any commenters saying that i don't know why

    • @thomastmc
      @thomastmc 4 года назад +2

      People come to a Blue Man show for the odd blue men, they stay for the even odder expressions on the blue men's faces.

    • @tjg121389
      @tjg121389 Месяц назад

      The Forge is an amazing song!

  • @warnaks1
    @warnaks1 7 лет назад +156

    This performance blue my mind!

  • @THEHOODHIJABI
    @THEHOODHIJABI Год назад +10

    Plaid shirt guy is a BEAST on the tambourine 😂

  • @zebra3stripes
    @zebra3stripes 7 лет назад +1600

    Weird. A couple of them painted themselves white.

    • @Alert556
      @Alert556 5 лет назад +28

      Are they going for relatability?

    • @evelyndorothyoliver
      @evelyndorothyoliver 5 лет назад +3

      fun response!

    • @SparkySINN
      @SparkySINN 5 лет назад +62

      Ive been to tons of concerts with the white man group. Not as good.

    • @diegodelamota1199
      @diegodelamota1199 5 лет назад

      SPARKY SINN I respectfully disagree with you.

    • @killshy2624
      @killshy2624 5 лет назад +1

      😂

  • @wilderdash
    @wilderdash 7 лет назад +742

    My previous perception of Blue Man Group as a 'gimmick' act has now dissolved. I may not be so dismissive of their work in the future . Great vid, Great performance. 👏

    • @ApoMelon
      @ApoMelon 7 лет назад +20

      sorry but, have you not heard of these guys before? they ALWAYS perform at theaters around the world, ESPECIALLY in Las Vegas

    • @Ysidoroh
      @Ysidoroh 7 лет назад +12

      Yeah the entirety of these guys are immensely talented and some of their stuff is pretty funny.

    • @dahalofreeek
      @dahalofreeek 7 лет назад +10

      Their show in Vegas is pretty exceptional if you ever get the chance. The level of skill and perfection is astounding and it's also just fun entertainment.

    • @seancavey5220
      @seancavey5220 7 лет назад +6

      It's still a gimmick show. I don't know of any other band that dresses up in bald caps and paints themselves blue.

    • @Ysidoroh
      @Ysidoroh 7 лет назад +31

      I bet you're a lot of fun at parties, just respect the talent and move on.

  • @poisonedcheeseproductions
    @poisonedcheeseproductions Год назад +16

    i never understood these dudes as a kid. but now 9 months deep into being 30 and i finally get it

  • @grselects
    @grselects 10 дней назад

    Back here again. Remember seeing them in 2005 in Vegas and what a show!

  • @AlphaGiraffe420
    @AlphaGiraffe420 7 лет назад +3040

    Guy on the left is a blue man in training, hasn't earned his paint yet

  • @neveraround5266
    @neveraround5266 4 года назад +342

    I been seeing & hearing about these guys everywhere my whole life since I was a child first time I ever watch a video of them & wow I see the magic now

  • @robertgreenaway5166
    @robertgreenaway5166 2 года назад +6

    The tightness and almost, almost slip in beat makes it so appealing to listen to. That’s true performance of listening and following rhythm! It’s truly unbelievable.
    They must have earphones under that blue skin

  • @nprmusic
    @nprmusic  3 года назад +232

    Tiny Desk Concerts are only possible through donations from our community. This year has been unprecedented but we’ve made sure to keep producing the concerts you love. Show your support with a donation to your local NPR station at n.pr/support-the-tiny-desk

    • @RealBradMiller
      @RealBradMiller 3 года назад +2

      You mixed white people into my blue...

    • @jackdaniel5316
      @jackdaniel5316 3 года назад +1

      I will be donating! Thank you NPR and Tiny Desk. Yall are ture legends of the game💯

  • @Burntshmallow
    @Burntshmallow 7 лет назад +119

    These are men who had to perfect the art of performing live, and it is apparent.

    • @TheNtizda
      @TheNtizda 5 лет назад +1

      they aren't men. they are aliens. GET IT RIGHT.

  • @jayo7649
    @jayo7649 5 лет назад +3143

    Those two non blue people make the band look weird
    (OMFG never thought I would get this much likes thank you good music people)

    • @Lttlwing16_
      @Lttlwing16_ 4 года назад +49

      Was wondering why those guys aren't blue too.

    • @FeuerToifel
      @FeuerToifel 4 года назад +112

      it is always just three blue men on stage. but the band is bigger. at some shows there are around 10-15 musicians on stage.

    • @luispinheirodosmontes7219
      @luispinheirodosmontes7219 4 года назад +198

      You can call them white, its ok, we really don't get offended by it.

    • @thisgameisrage6944
      @thisgameisrage6944 4 года назад +19

      Joel Kinabo the blue people make the band look weird

    • @thatokwanaite1389
      @thatokwanaite1389 4 года назад +3

      Luis Pinheiro wow 🤣 idiot 👏🏾

  • @cesar_zapata
    @cesar_zapata 7 месяцев назад +2

    These guys are cientists of percursion. It's amazing. I saw them when I was a child and I was impressed, today I'm able to understand better the level of genius and exploration this takes to be achieved.

  • @CalifornianCuttlefish
    @CalifornianCuttlefish 3 года назад +7

    best experience of my life was seeing these dude lives

  • @markuschelios6891
    @markuschelios6891 3 года назад +487

    I can't watch the BMG without thinking of Arrested Devopment.

    • @marcusp863
      @marcusp863 3 года назад +51

      “I just blue myself”
      Best ending to any tv season.

    • @callum7081
      @callum7081 3 года назад +24

      I thought it was a blue man group not a group for men who are blue.

    • @AM-gc4yd
      @AM-gc4yd 3 года назад +10

      Anustart

    • @bongekandwandwe5205
      @bongekandwandwe5205 3 года назад +3

      Same!

    • @ceejayforthewin7521
      @ceejayforthewin7521 3 года назад +1

      🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

  • @erobin2470
    @erobin2470 5 лет назад +1421

    *14 year old kids at recess*
    "what does your dad do?"
    "oh he's in a band...."
    "cool what kinda stuff do they play?"
    *squirms in seat, embarassed, still doesnt realise how cool their dad is*
    "...blues"

    • @ArghRawrWhoa
      @ArghRawrWhoa 4 года назад +1

      Lol

    • @treybonura4202
      @treybonura4202 4 года назад +23

      Wait how does he squirm in his seat if he’s at recess

    • @rosco3516
      @rosco3516 4 года назад +13

      @@treybonura4202 it's an inside out school

    • @lamestudiosinc418
      @lamestudiosinc418 4 года назад +8

      What high school/8th grade has recess?

    • @punpunpunyama9271
      @punpunpunyama9271 4 года назад +5

      @@lamestudiosinc418 what high school doesn't?

  • @benmorris9454
    @benmorris9454 Год назад +7

    Arrested development got me hipped to the blue man group long before I knew what it was

  • @bipolarewok
    @bipolarewok Год назад +11

    I'm still hopeful to see a blue man with a mustache one of these days.

  • @4FlexxMusic
    @4FlexxMusic 7 лет назад +18

    Yet again, huge respect to the audio engineer Josh Rogosin. The dynamics are so good on the ears!

  • @PutItAway101
    @PutItAway101 7 лет назад +400

    Rare occasion where the Chapman Stick is the most normal instrument in a band..,

    • @Muglinnor
      @Muglinnor 5 лет назад +2

      King Crimson

    • @bluemangroup
      @bluemangroup 5 лет назад +24

      Tis' the life of Blue Man Group

    • @omniflas_2065
      @omniflas_2065 5 лет назад +2

      I would say the drums were, but close enough :)

    • @papatrashcan
      @papatrashcan 5 лет назад

      This comment killed me. Lol

  • @AverytheCubanAmerican
    @AverytheCubanAmerican 3 года назад +34

    The most unique music group out there, they really stand out among the music world
    gives me Phil Collin vibes

  • @yeahdudejoshishere8381
    @yeahdudejoshishere8381 Год назад +12

    must have been fun mixing this session

  • @bigred1222
    @bigred1222 5 лет назад +224

    Creative with a capital C and quite mesmerizing. Weird without being annoying. I love it!

    • @elkabong6429
      @elkabong6429 4 года назад

      You should have seen the whole show, if they are still doing it! I saw it in NYC with the original cast on Lafayette Street.

    • @cringystingy8025
      @cringystingy8025 4 года назад +1

      cREATIVE

  • @willg7568
    @willg7568 4 года назад +12

    Every single NPR session the NPR guy on the sound desk is a master at his craft.

    • @ArcadiaJade
      @ArcadiaJade 3 года назад +1

      Agreed. If I were a famous singer, I'd hunt the sound person down and pay them millions to do my sound for me. It's such a perfect.mix.

    • @willg7568
      @willg7568 3 года назад +1

      @@ArcadiaJade I just watched you sing, it wont be long before that dream is reality :)

  • @DalidaD
    @DalidaD 3 года назад +1

    Amazing, I love these guys!! I've seen them in concert about 10 years ago and it was incredible!

  • @blackbluestudio6338
    @blackbluestudio6338 Месяц назад

    I love tiny desk. I ve gotten entertainment, talent, the best of the best. I can’t help but say this one brought me all that and a tinge bit extra humor. These are some of the best that come across my feed. I thank you NPR

  • @joshhale9355
    @joshhale9355 7 лет назад +27

    Blue Man Group have perfected performance art that it's mainstream. It's amazing to see them perform in an office building.

  • @centhegibbon8220
    @centhegibbon8220 3 года назад +70

    my favourite part is the level of integrity and character these guys maintain throughout the entire thing. really adds an aire of mysticism to the performance

  • @johnxa420
    @johnxa420 2 года назад +23

    ok that was brilliant, and it felt like two minutes.

  • @joelmatondang7037
    @joelmatondang7037 2 года назад +5

    Years and years of performing hone them to this level of both absurdness and greatness

  • @megabarf20
    @megabarf20 7 лет назад +1478

    Id like to see blue man group collab with gorillaz, i think the sounds would be epic

    • @AronaDaal
      @AronaDaal 7 лет назад +18

      seconded

    • @sh4p31y
      @sh4p31y 7 лет назад +64

      what about daft punk?

    • @EHISH
      @EHISH 7 лет назад +20

      Either of those two names collabing with anyone would be epic.

    • @Emma-cy4vw
      @Emma-cy4vw 7 лет назад +16

      I'd like to see an Amon Tobin collab.

    • @profylz
      @profylz 7 лет назад

      That'd be great

  • @draklynne
    @draklynne 7 лет назад +142

    "Your day won't get any better than this, I guarantee you" ~ Guy at the end
    So true

  • @AverytheCubanAmerican
    @AverytheCubanAmerican 3 года назад +86

    *Yo listen up, here's the story. About a little guy that lives in a blue world*

    • @lambomanv
      @lambomanv 3 года назад

      baaam booom babbooolira booooaa... :D))

    • @rickyhern2156
      @rickyhern2156 3 года назад

      @@lambomanv what? Lol

    • @lambomanv
      @lambomanv 3 года назад

      @@rickyhern2156 It's a famous 90's song :D))

    • @ghandi050285
      @ghandi050285 3 года назад +4

      And all day and all night and everything he sees is just blue......

    • @jerryligairi1078
      @jerryligairi1078 3 года назад +3

      ...for him, inside and outside, blue his house with a blue little window..

  • @shamrokz95
    @shamrokz95 Год назад +9

    I swear these guys came and performed at my tiny elementary school of like 600 students like 15 years back

    • @TriHardVII
      @TriHardVII Год назад +1

      i believe the same thing at my school also

    • @LaserFoxProductions
      @LaserFoxProductions Год назад +2

      I believe they started as a street performance act and then people loved it so much they started touring and then that got so big they had to hire other blue men so they could be in multiple places at once.

  • @philipbrooks
    @philipbrooks 7 лет назад +397

    That turning one string thing would make such a good post rock-instrument.

    • @thestrangedepartment5935
      @thestrangedepartment5935 5 лет назад +2

      Hmm...what is it called?!?

    • @Lord11azerty11
      @Lord11azerty11 5 лет назад +1

      Would like to know too

    • @OlavLadnav
      @OlavLadnav 5 лет назад +3

      I'm already planning to build something like that. I'd probably add a speed controlled motor to the circle.

    • @davedixon2167
      @davedixon2167 5 лет назад +3

      Not the Stick, the thing with the crank, single string and sliding capo.

    • @andyfarmer3478
      @andyfarmer3478 5 лет назад

      Philip Brooke Brooke Brooke Brooke Brooke Brooke Brooke the p

  • @takeruonishi
    @takeruonishi 7 лет назад +12

    These sound engineers makes it sound like you're actually there... Much respect 👏👏👏

  • @MPunky666
    @MPunky666 Год назад +4

    Absolutely amazing

  • @skunkuseggs9405
    @skunkuseggs9405 3 года назад +7

    this is the most human yet alien thing I've ever experienced and I love it.

  • @ky12365
    @ky12365 3 года назад +423

    I mean...if Zuckerberg just painted himself blue and joined this band all the speculation about him would stop

    • @GrantBrenner
      @GrantBrenner 3 года назад +17

      Idk what you’re talking about. I never suspected him of being a human.

    • @ijopstuff4953
      @ijopstuff4953 3 года назад +9

      He’s painted himself even whiter instead now

    • @lanceresultay014
      @lanceresultay014 3 года назад +1

      he’d be the one smoking meats while making music

    • @nathanielball365
      @nathanielball365 3 года назад

      LJR he'll be smokin sausages too.
      And not the kind you eat either!!😂🤣😂

    • @timehunter9467
      @timehunter9467 2 года назад

      You mean the cold lifeless stare he does? The fact that he can’t communicate in human ways?

  • @lvcheather
    @lvcheather 6 лет назад +294

    Wow! This really Blue my mind

  • @Sillyman6969
    @Sillyman6969 2 года назад +1

    i saw them live this year with front row seats, most amazing thing i've ever seen

  • @ryanbeckwith5285
    @ryanbeckwith5285 2 года назад +13

    It’s the crowd interaction for me. So fun to watch.

  • @LadyCatNScat392
    @LadyCatNScat392 5 лет назад +97

    Saw them live in Vegas. Front row tickets! They are freakishly scary but talented and funny. 😂

    • @appelvanessa7160
      @appelvanessa7160 4 года назад +2

      Catrissa in the splash zone with the poncho, yeah 👍🏻

  • @dr3wskasmith465
    @dr3wskasmith465 5 лет назад +118

    interview to be in blue man group-- " So can you play radio head type music on unorthodox instruments while having a look of confused intensity?'
    --
    "Great! just show up monday bald headed and dipped in blue porter john juice!"

    • @dr.wagner216
      @dr.wagner216 4 года назад

      Radiohead plays Blue Man Group music

  • @SupremeLeaderKimJong-un
    @SupremeLeaderKimJong-un 3 года назад +146

    They are more than welcome to do shows here in Pyongyang

    • @TheRealKimJUn
      @TheRealKimJUn 3 года назад +9

      They actually came to P‘Yongyang for my birthday
      Hilarious guys, they like it so much they never left

    • @Nocxys
      @Nocxys 2 года назад

      No
      Kim
      No

    • @_MintArcade
      @_MintArcade 2 года назад +1

      In red

  • @Secret_Takodachi
    @Secret_Takodachi 8 месяцев назад

    Man... there's just something about the combination of music & visuals that makes every BMG performance... mesmerizing ❤

  • @blankface6866
    @blankface6866 7 лет назад +532

    I can't be the only that wants a Daft Punk X Blue Man Group collab

    • @Retroshift
      @Retroshift 7 лет назад +7

      and Kraftwerk too!

    • @SocietyKilledTheUnicorn
      @SocietyKilledTheUnicorn 7 лет назад +2

      Blank Face there's so many different blue man groups. Which one do you choose? The original New York one? Or one from a completely different country.

    • @JoelHarkin
      @JoelHarkin 7 лет назад +12

      the one that feature tobias

    • @ThePochas0
      @ThePochas0 7 лет назад

      Blank Face holy shit I was thinking that the whole video

    • @kbrad988
      @kbrad988 7 лет назад +8

      Yes, there are many Blue Men at their different shows, but there are the three original guys who came up with the concept of Blue Man Group and who write the music for their shows along with other collaborators. They are the ones who appear in this video and in most of their major media appearances as BMG. That's who should collaborate with Daft Punk.

  • @HeyItsTheWykydtron
    @HeyItsTheWykydtron 5 лет назад +1399

    SHOW ME WHAT YOU GOT

  • @calixa
    @calixa Год назад +1

    I just got back from New York and saw them at Astor Place Theatre where it all started and they've been playing since 1991. Despite them being massively mainstream by now, it felt completely experimental, cutting edge and like underground guerilla theatre. It was absolutely incredible. Go see them. ❤

  • @user-io8jh1bl3f
    @user-io8jh1bl3f 2 месяца назад +1

    Великолепно, браво ребята👏👏👏

  • @richardbaker_0088
    @richardbaker_0088 5 лет назад +64

    Excellent mix. Perfect volume levels on every individual instrument!!!!🤯

  • @zacharywilliams9693
    @zacharywilliams9693 3 года назад +62

    “Follow these easy steps to achieve the total absence of desire, how badly do you want it??” 😂😂😂

  • @ryanbeck5372
    @ryanbeck5372 3 года назад +1

    Such amazing positivity! The world needs more like this.

  • @pedrok60
    @pedrok60 3 года назад +1

    Loved the artisanal drum machine / step sequencer.

  • @christianromero6567
    @christianromero6567 7 лет назад +143

    Blue Man Group is the kind of band you have play at an acid party. so interesting.

  • @stevenbenitez1851
    @stevenbenitez1851 7 лет назад +63

    I always have thought as the Blue Man group as a bit of gimmick but wow these guys are extraordinary

    • @aricgoss
      @aricgoss 5 лет назад +1

      It’s hypnotic

    • @thomasboese3793
      @thomasboese3793 4 года назад

      The Monkeys were a gimmick, The Blue Man Group is the real thing!!

  • @Msfifisquarepantz
    @Msfifisquarepantz Год назад +1

    Why oh why do I love them so?

  • @Theupgradeguy
    @Theupgradeguy 3 года назад

    Great open! Their musical creativity is awesome.