Blue Man Group: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

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  • Опубліковано 2 жов 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...

КОМЕНТАРІ • 4,5 тис.

  • @nprmusic
    @nprmusic  9 місяців тому +26

    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 6 місяців тому +2

      But they're blue

    • @magsy21
      @magsy21 6 місяців тому

      @@cupuacu4life13 indeed!

  • @patrizzle3887
    @patrizzle3887 Рік тому +1847

    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 Рік тому +8

      How old are you? lol

    • @NueThunderKing
      @NueThunderKing Рік тому +74

      Yeah there are records of them playing in ancient Babylon

    • @JBags0203
      @JBags0203 Рік тому +7

      @@NueThunderKing That we have found yet

    • @soopperson5953
      @soopperson5953 Рік тому +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 Рік тому +3

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

  • @ericeg9711
    @ericeg9711 4 роки тому +7043

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

    • @klapp2k579
      @klapp2k579 4 роки тому +120

      Hungry for Apples?

    • @desmondyap5391
      @desmondyap5391 4 роки тому +62

      Wubba lubba dub dub

    • @andreisabe
      @andreisabe 4 роки тому +37

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

    • @Amer_ica
      @Amer_ica 4 роки тому +7

      Thank you

    • @kamcha9681
      @kamcha9681 4 роки тому +29

      Human music video ? I LIKE IT

  • @victormeas450
    @victormeas450 3 роки тому +2453

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

    • @fireyflower6643
      @fireyflower6643 3 роки тому +4

      Lol

    • @LoneWolf-zj3lg
      @LoneWolf-zj3lg 3 роки тому +3

      🤣🤣🤣💀

    • @kacperwhite386
      @kacperwhite386 3 роки тому +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 роки тому +73

      But one earned being bald, he is one step closer

    • @elmerfparaguya9888
      @elmerfparaguya9888 3 роки тому +1

      Hahahaha

  • @R0binah00d
    @R0binah00d Рік тому +806

    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 Рік тому +81

      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 Рік тому +16

      there's lkke 60 of them.

    • @MinkJu
      @MinkJu Рік тому +14

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

    • @Steve.._.
      @Steve.._. Рік тому +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 Рік тому +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.

  • @khills242
    @khills242 7 років тому +8600

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

    • @ravesilva
      @ravesilva 6 років тому +121

      Kyle Hills THAT IS THE MOST PERFECT COMENT EVER

    • @TheDsRequiem
      @TheDsRequiem 5 років тому +54

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

    • @scottstrand1874
      @scottstrand1874 5 років тому +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 років тому +2

      mars attacks ak ak ak funny

    • @juannaym8488
      @juannaym8488 5 років тому +27

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

  • @Jeremy-hx7zj
    @Jeremy-hx7zj 7 років тому +3094

    their greatest talent is keeping those blank expressions

    • @aprilyear2011
      @aprilyear2011 7 років тому +47

      Very cool group of guys. My kind of people

    • @sinshoe5870
      @sinshoe5870 7 років тому +65

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

    • @ferky123
      @ferky123 7 років тому +27

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

    • @Explosive371
      @Explosive371 7 років тому +53

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

    • @rodneyhemmings1491
      @rodneyhemmings1491 7 років тому +2

      Jeremy I agree

  • @keving7743
    @keving7743 2 роки тому +202

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

  • @mbuckholz
    @mbuckholz Рік тому +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 Рік тому +6

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

    • @johnd3124
      @johnd3124 Рік тому +1

      I saw them too, it was awesome

    • @Singehog
      @Singehog Рік тому +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 Рік тому +2

      Those rock shows were so epic!

    • @Drew_Hurst
      @Drew_Hurst Рік тому +1

      @@KingMori63400 Great to hear that! Rock On

  • @casmilner1787
    @casmilner1787 3 роки тому +1657

    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 роки тому +125

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

    • @davidperry7270
      @davidperry7270 3 роки тому +64

      OMG THAT IS SO CUTE

    • @tommytwotone81
      @tommytwotone81 3 роки тому +42

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

    • @marilynpacheco7
      @marilynpacheco7 3 роки тому +2

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

    • @CoffeeBeanWitch
      @CoffeeBeanWitch 2 роки тому +5

      Oooh that is an adorable experience and story. 🤩💖

  • @theqgene826
    @theqgene826 4 роки тому +2383

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

    • @rrendre4138
      @rrendre4138 3 роки тому +19

      So... the gimmick doesn’t work ?

    • @realykid
      @realykid 3 роки тому +6

      @@rrendre4138 ?

    • @MrKulturembargo
      @MrKulturembargo 3 роки тому +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 роки тому +35

      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 роки тому +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!

  • @Keebrev
    @Keebrev Рік тому +127

    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 Рік тому +13

      Blue men in a green room

    • @magsy21
      @magsy21 6 місяців тому +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. 💙

  • @dallasprice4779
    @dallasprice4779 Рік тому +172

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

    • @johntilghman
      @johntilghman Рік тому +1

      SCP ?

    • @dallasprice4779
      @dallasprice4779 Рік тому +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 Рік тому +3

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

    • @bubsyfinnigan4462
      @bubsyfinnigan4462 Рік тому +9

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

    • @carissamace
      @carissamace Рік тому

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

  • @Mace2Face
    @Mace2Face 4 роки тому +2783

    I'm definitely coming back to watch this stoned

    • @jankubis3773
      @jankubis3773 4 роки тому +8

      Mason Buchanan same bruh

    • @fireyflower6643
      @fireyflower6643 4 роки тому +3

      Lolol

    • @joelurso
      @joelurso 4 роки тому +2

      Dude

    • @marcosfischer_
      @marcosfischer_ 4 роки тому +10

      You’ve just read my mind! Hahahaha

    • @AslanW
      @AslanW 4 роки тому +30

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

  • @Discrimination_is_not_a_right
    @Discrimination_is_not_a_right 5 років тому +1769

    Twelve minutes of performance, two hours of cleanup.

  • @RobertN010
    @RobertN010 2 роки тому +18

    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 роки тому +1

      totally thought the same thing

  • @curlykeys8261
    @curlykeys8261 3 роки тому +244

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

    • @bouldlad
      @bouldlad 2 роки тому

      Dose 🙄

    • @luckysakonta2718
      @luckysakonta2718 2 роки тому

      So true, I fully agree💐

    • @Sceusell
      @Sceusell 2 роки тому

      It's like a support group for depressed men

    • @xheralt
      @xheralt 2 роки тому

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

    • @anujanand6
      @anujanand6 2 роки тому +2

      Everything will be okay. :)

  • @Cryogenius333
    @Cryogenius333 3 роки тому +1513

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

    • @aaronvanderlaag7317
      @aaronvanderlaag7317 3 роки тому +10

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

    • @linorow2835
      @linorow2835 3 роки тому +11

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

    • @RegusClase
      @RegusClase 3 роки тому

      @@linorow2835 😂😂

    • @layzorbeeemz7317
      @layzorbeeemz7317 3 роки тому +2

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

    • @johngoscinski1995
      @johngoscinski1995 3 роки тому

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

  • @Jasi.bristol
    @Jasi.bristol 3 роки тому +2176

    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 роки тому +26

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

    • @YoshiPipez
      @YoshiPipez 2 роки тому +4

      100%

    • @frempy4426
      @frempy4426 2 роки тому +1

      Bruh

    • @Pandagamer-jx4hc
      @Pandagamer-jx4hc 2 роки тому

      Lol lol lol looooool 😂😂😂

    • @999imo
      @999imo 2 роки тому

      Well, yes...

  • @btperkins
    @btperkins Рік тому +69

    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 Рік тому +13

      Fun is definitely a word to use

    • @kj9004
      @kj9004 Рік тому +3

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

    • @jerphf2096
      @jerphf2096 Місяць тому

      @@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 Місяць тому

      @@jerphf2096 you're probably right actually

  • @levisnyder6585
    @levisnyder6585 Рік тому +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

  • @eds6889
    @eds6889 6 років тому +864

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

  • @jayo7649
    @jayo7649 5 років тому +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 роки тому +49

      Was wondering why those guys aren't blue too.

    • @FeuerToifel
      @FeuerToifel 4 роки тому +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 роки тому +198

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

    • @thisgameisrage6944
      @thisgameisrage6944 4 роки тому +19

      Joel Kinabo the blue people make the band look weird

    • @thatokwanaite1389
      @thatokwanaite1389 4 роки тому +3

      Luis Pinheiro wow 🤣 idiot 👏🏾

  • @patsysolatzzo2962
    @patsysolatzzo2962 Рік тому +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 Місяць тому

      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

  • @pony3284
    @pony3284 Рік тому +9

    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

  • @RobPortlockMusic
    @RobPortlockMusic 7 років тому +1552

    Good to see Tobias Funke follow his dreams!

  • @zebra3stripes
    @zebra3stripes 7 років тому +1599

    Weird. A couple of them painted themselves white.

    • @Alert556
      @Alert556 5 років тому +28

      Are they going for relatability?

    • @evelyndorothyoliver
      @evelyndorothyoliver 5 років тому +3

      fun response!

    • @SparkySINN
      @SparkySINN 5 років тому +62

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

    • @diegodelamota1199
      @diegodelamota1199 5 років тому

      SPARKY SINN I respectfully disagree with you.

    • @killshy2624
      @killshy2624 5 років тому +1

      😂

  • @zeal8111
    @zeal8111 Рік тому +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 Рік тому +1

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

    • @crystinamarie1
      @crystinamarie1 4 місяці тому

      See them in Vegas. Epic experience.

    • @tjg121389
      @tjg121389 Місяць тому

      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 Рік тому +19

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

  • @AlphaGiraffe420
    @AlphaGiraffe420 7 років тому +3039

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

  • @sazking6106
    @sazking6106 5 років тому +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 роки тому +11

      Saz you blowhard!

    • @calebrobinson6406
      @calebrobinson6406 4 роки тому +24

      Im afraid I blue myself

    • @BritneyT.
      @BritneyT. 4 роки тому +1

      They did an episode on iCarly too 😁

    • @miriamaesthetic5137
      @miriamaesthetic5137 4 роки тому

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

    • @mightymollyfan
      @mightymollyfan 2 роки тому

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

  • @gordon7478
    @gordon7478 Рік тому +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.

  • @elifdurmus8243
    @elifdurmus8243 2 роки тому +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!!

  • @antoniovc
    @antoniovc 4 роки тому +1025

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

    • @sebastianmosqueda5959
      @sebastianmosqueda5959 4 роки тому +39

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

    • @ashakydd1
      @ashakydd1 4 роки тому +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 роки тому +7

      dude looks straight brain washed

    • @chewthecigar
      @chewthecigar 3 роки тому +9

      *Abducted

    • @warchild4974
      @warchild4974 3 роки тому +2

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

  • @benjamingage2235
    @benjamingage2235 5 років тому +798

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

    • @thekekronomicon590
      @thekekronomicon590 5 років тому +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 4 роки тому +1

      As long as they can do it from the Liberals side

    • @fireyflower6643
      @fireyflower6643 4 роки тому +2

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

    • @youtuuba
      @youtuuba 2 роки тому +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 Рік тому +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.

  • @nprmusic
    @nprmusic  3 роки тому +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 роки тому +2

      You mixed white people into my blue...

    • @jackdaniel5316
      @jackdaniel5316 3 роки тому +1

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

  • @robertgreenaway5166
    @robertgreenaway5166 2 роки тому +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

  • @screenflicker1
    @screenflicker1 7 років тому +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 роки тому +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 Місяць тому

      The Forge is an amazing song!

  • @wilderdash
    @wilderdash 7 років тому +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 років тому +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 років тому +12

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

    • @dahalofreeek
      @dahalofreeek 7 років тому +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 років тому +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 років тому +31

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

  • @KR0OK
    @KR0OK Рік тому +2

    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 !!

  • @BestFightScenes1
    @BestFightScenes1 Рік тому +5

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

  • @nurduwek7768
    @nurduwek7768 5 років тому +1153

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

    • @yellowman4337
      @yellowman4337 4 роки тому +58

      Prove to me that it isn't.

    • @stay_low_key
      @stay_low_key 4 роки тому +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 роки тому +28

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

    • @potionseller8491
      @potionseller8491 4 роки тому +3

      It’s brilliant isn’t it!

    • @hardhoagie3809
      @hardhoagie3809 4 роки тому +2

      thats their thing dude

  • @mars9390
    @mars9390 5 років тому +251

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

  • @ahtech1990
    @ahtech1990 2 роки тому +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.

  • @PentameronSV
    @PentameronSV 4 роки тому +227

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

    • @danielefasano8485
      @danielefasano8485 3 роки тому +7

      Any chance to buy this music somwhere on the web?

    • @seanthompson1950
      @seanthompson1950 Рік тому +1

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

  • @erobin2470
    @erobin2470 5 років тому +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 роки тому +1

      Lol

    • @treybonura4202
      @treybonura4202 4 роки тому +23

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

    • @rosco3516
      @rosco3516 4 роки тому +13

      @@treybonura4202 it's an inside out school

    • @lamestudiosinc418
      @lamestudiosinc418 4 роки тому +8

      What high school/8th grade has recess?

    • @punpunpunyama9271
      @punpunpunyama9271 4 роки тому +5

      @@lamestudiosinc418 what high school doesn't?

  • @benmorris9454
    @benmorris9454 Рік тому +7

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

  • @DalidaD
    @DalidaD 3 роки тому +1

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

  • @freddybluejay
    @freddybluejay 4 роки тому +516

    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 роки тому +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 роки тому +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 роки тому

      @@roja88 lololol. Awesome

    • @CaseyMoo1
      @CaseyMoo1 3 роки тому

      agreed!

    • @thecianinator
      @thecianinator 3 роки тому +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.

  • @RicardoMoralesMassin
    @RicardoMoralesMassin 7 років тому +40

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

  • @poisonedcheeseproductions
    @poisonedcheeseproductions Рік тому +16

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

  • @acehandler1530
    @acehandler1530 3 роки тому +1

    wow - that was so wonderful! I've seen them twice in Vegas - and what a show! And I've watched their concert video "The Complex" umpteen (eleven teen) times - it's so great. Thanks 💖 🇨🇦

  • @Burntshmallow
    @Burntshmallow 7 років тому +119

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

    • @TheNtizda
      @TheNtizda 5 років тому +1

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

  • @ky12365
    @ky12365 3 роки тому +423

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

    • @GrantBrenner
      @GrantBrenner 3 роки тому +17

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

    • @ijopstuff4953
      @ijopstuff4953 3 роки тому +9

      He’s painted himself even whiter instead now

    • @lanceresultay014
      @lanceresultay014 3 роки тому +1

      he’d be the one smoking meats while making music

    • @nathanielball365
      @nathanielball365 3 роки тому

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

    • @timehunter9467
      @timehunter9467 2 роки тому

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

  • @Sillyman6969
    @Sillyman6969 Рік тому +1

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

  • @SupremeLeaderKimJong-un
    @SupremeLeaderKimJong-un 3 роки тому +146

    They are more than welcome to do shows here in Pyongyang

    • @TheRealKimJUn
      @TheRealKimJUn 3 роки тому +9

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

    • @Nocxys
      @Nocxys 2 роки тому

      No
      Kim
      No

    • @_MintArcade
      @_MintArcade 2 роки тому +1

      In red

  • @markuschelios6891
    @markuschelios6891 3 роки тому +487

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

  • @PutItAway101
    @PutItAway101 7 років тому +400

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

    • @Muglinnor
      @Muglinnor 5 років тому +2

      King Crimson

    • @bluemangroup
      @bluemangroup 5 років тому +24

      Tis' the life of Blue Man Group

    • @omniflas_2065
      @omniflas_2065 5 років тому +2

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

    • @papatrashcan
      @papatrashcan 5 років тому

      This comment killed me. Lol

  • @TheBhawks97
    @TheBhawks97 2 роки тому +1

    I went to one of their shows in 2017 in Chicago and they made a painting on stage and they handed it to me to this day I still have it hung up I love these guys so much

  • @Golf2Quick0
    @Golf2Quick0 Рік тому

    I've seen them twice in Las Vegas and got to be part of the show the first time. It was a cool thing. I am always entertained by their production, antics, and the music is always brilliant.

  • @neveraround5266
    @neveraround5266 4 роки тому +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

  • @warnaks1
    @warnaks1 7 років тому +155

    This performance blue my mind!

  • @johnxa420
    @johnxa420 Рік тому +23

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

  • @ryanbeck5372
    @ryanbeck5372 3 роки тому +1

    Such amazing positivity! The world needs more like this.

  • @megabarf20
    @megabarf20 7 років тому +1476

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

    • @AronaDaal
      @AronaDaal 7 років тому +18

      seconded

    • @sh4p31y
      @sh4p31y 7 років тому +63

      what about daft punk?

    • @EHISH
      @EHISH 7 років тому +20

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

    • @Emma-cy4vw
      @Emma-cy4vw 7 років тому +16

      I'd like to see an Amon Tobin collab.

    • @profylz
      @profylz 7 років тому

      That'd be great

  • @HeyItsTheWykydtron
    @HeyItsTheWykydtron 5 років тому +1399

    SHOW ME WHAT YOU GOT

  • @cesar_zapata
    @cesar_zapata 7 місяців тому +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.

  • @Secret_Takodachi
    @Secret_Takodachi 8 місяців тому

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

  • @blankface6866
    @blankface6866 7 років тому +532

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

    • @Retroshift
      @Retroshift 7 років тому +7

      and Kraftwerk too!

    • @SocietyKilledTheUnicorn
      @SocietyKilledTheUnicorn 7 років тому +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 років тому +12

      the one that feature tobias

    • @ThePochas0
      @ThePochas0 7 років тому

      Blank Face holy shit I was thinking that the whole video

    • @kbrad988
      @kbrad988 7 років тому +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.

  • @bigred1222
    @bigred1222 5 років тому +224

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

    • @elkabong6429
      @elkabong6429 4 роки тому

      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 роки тому +1

      cREATIVE

  • @bipolarewok
    @bipolarewok Рік тому +11

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

  • @elviradesantos
    @elviradesantos 2 роки тому +1

    I’ve watched this about 30 times in the past 4 years. Reminds me of my childhood

  • @draklynne
    @draklynne 7 років тому +142

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

  • @joshhale9355
    @joshhale9355 7 років тому +27

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

  • @THEHOODHIJABI
    @THEHOODHIJABI Рік тому +10

    Plaid shirt guy is a BEAST on the tambourine 😂

  • @CalifornianCuttlefish
    @CalifornianCuttlefish 3 роки тому +7

    best experience of my life was seeing these dude lives

  • @Gleanix
    @Gleanix 7 років тому +248

    YOU ARE SO KICKING ASS AT MINDFULNESS.

    • @Yaser-ih2cx
      @Yaser-ih2cx 7 років тому

      Huh? What does this have to do with mindfulness?

    • @TimWBerland
      @TimWBerland 7 років тому +6

      Have you watched the video?

    • @Phantasia.Official
      @Phantasia.Official 7 років тому

      Try Google Translate of "mindfulness"

    • @townshendj
      @townshendj 7 років тому +10

      At first i thought that said MINDFLUTES....and i was like YEAH! BMG rock at mind flutes!

    • @nawmary7456
      @nawmary7456 7 років тому +1

      Joshua Waguespack p

  • @philipbrooks
    @philipbrooks 7 років тому +397

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

    • @thestrangedepartment5935
      @thestrangedepartment5935 5 років тому +2

      Hmm...what is it called?!?

    • @Lord11azerty11
      @Lord11azerty11 5 років тому +1

      Would like to know too

    • @OlavLadnav
      @OlavLadnav 5 років тому +3

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

    • @davedixon2167
      @davedixon2167 5 років тому +3

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

    • @andyfarmer3478
      @andyfarmer3478 5 років тому

      Philip Brooke Brooke Brooke Brooke Brooke Brooke Brooke the p

  • @pedrok60
    @pedrok60 3 роки тому +1

    Loved the artisanal drum machine / step sequencer.

  • @ZoomStranger
    @ZoomStranger Рік тому +1

    So, so good. Glad I came by again - I feel like a winner all over 😁

  • @centhegibbon8220
    @centhegibbon8220 3 роки тому +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

  • @anthonyvillenas3212
    @anthonyvillenas3212 5 років тому +806

    Are Blue Man Group chaotic good???

    • @choomahinducer2520
      @choomahinducer2520 5 років тому +8

      Agreement

    • @doce7606
      @doce7606 4 роки тому +48

      true neutral

    • @juanckjim
      @juanckjim 4 роки тому +6

      This comment it's so random that is awesome

    • @ikiddgames9433
      @ikiddgames9433 4 роки тому +25

      Chaotic Neutral

    • @nickcobb865
      @nickcobb865 4 роки тому +2

      @Jonathan Still Democrats that sleep with underage kidnapped kids on Epstein island ?

  • @grselects
    @grselects 17 годин тому

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

  • @MPunky666
    @MPunky666 Рік тому +4

    Absolutely amazing

  • @dr3wskasmith465
    @dr3wskasmith465 5 років тому +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 роки тому

      Radiohead plays Blue Man Group music

  • @4FlexxMusic
    @4FlexxMusic 7 років тому +18

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

  • @crysbea
    @crysbea 3 роки тому

    Just clicked on this video to get an idea of how they perform. Didn't expect to stay until the end. This was amazing!

  • @b00gi3
    @b00gi3 2 роки тому

    Holy cow!! Just wow - Amazing performance - so much musical sensitivity. Off the charts fascinating and beautiful performance. I'm lost for words and out of time to comment.

  • @LadyCatNScat392
    @LadyCatNScat392 5 років тому +97

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

    • @appelvanessa7160
      @appelvanessa7160 4 роки тому +2

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

  • @willg7568
    @willg7568 4 роки тому +12

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

    • @ArcadiaJade
      @ArcadiaJade 3 роки тому +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 роки тому +1

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

  • @AverytheCubanAmerican
    @AverytheCubanAmerican 3 роки тому +34

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

  • @ChubbyUnicorn
    @ChubbyUnicorn Рік тому

    That was FUN! huge auditorium, small office, wherever that group goes it's a party!!

  • @christianromero6567
    @christianromero6567 7 років тому +143

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

  • @IsaacLeal
    @IsaacLeal 7 років тому +41

    it's so relaxing... gonna sleep in blue dreams... 😊😴

    • @Fail1487
      @Fail1487 7 років тому +10

      wait till you get to the last 2 minutes of the video, youre going to be partying xD

    • @IsaacLeal
      @IsaacLeal 7 років тому +2

      haha true!

  • @AverytheCubanAmerican
    @AverytheCubanAmerican 3 роки тому +86

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

    • @lambomanv
      @lambomanv 3 роки тому

      baaam booom babbooolira booooaa... :D))

    • @rickyhern2156
      @rickyhern2156 3 роки тому

      @@lambomanv what? Lol

    • @lambomanv
      @lambomanv 3 роки тому

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

    • @ghandi050285
      @ghandi050285 3 роки тому +4

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

    • @jerryligairi1078
      @jerryligairi1078 3 роки тому +3

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

  • @breadboy2712
    @breadboy2712 3 роки тому

    My drum mentor used to play with these guys in Vegas years ago. He says it was one of his favorite playing experiences. Blue Man!

  • @lvcheather
    @lvcheather 6 років тому +294

    Wow! This really Blue my mind

  • @stevenbenitez1851
    @stevenbenitez1851 7 років тому +63

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

    • @aricgoss
      @aricgoss 5 років тому +1

      It’s hypnotic

    • @thomasboese3793
      @thomasboese3793 4 роки тому

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

  • @yeahdudejoshishere8381
    @yeahdudejoshishere8381 Рік тому +12

    must have been fun mixing this session

  • @jop714
    @jop714 Рік тому

    Realy awesome! Saw them live years ago in Amsterdam