Tommy Tiernan

mental07 · 31-03-2008 12:32PM

JIZZLORD wrote: »

they're the reason i dont watch paramount anymore

Paramount is only good for Frasier.

As for Mr. Tiernan, I haven't seen his latest show, but I remember thinking there had been a big drop in quality in his 'Loose' show. His first DVD and 'Cracked' are top-notch though.

Sam Vimes · 31-03-2008 01:05PM

Naos wrote: »

Seen his cousin play at the weekend too, she was equally as rubbish.

yes his cousin was sh*te

Affable · 31-03-2008 01:19PM

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ImUOf2_QZ_o

He's an interesting guy.

Paddyo · 31-03-2008 01:22PM

I could only figure that they don't seem a regular comedy audience, and were easily pleased.

What sort of a crap observation is that - what is 'a regular comedy audience'. Snobbery over comedy now !!

I would think Tommy tiernan is laughing all the way to the bank as all of his shows are booked out and he couldn't give a toss about a group of people not liking his style of comedy.

I saw the show, along with 3 other people, and we all thought the show was hilarious - but then again, I am not part of the 'regular comedy audience' and would not know what to find funny.

Paddyo

Silent Partner · 31-03-2008 01:34PM

One thing I do find interesting is that if someone does an impression of a Brit or an American, that's ok. If a Dubliner does an impression of a guy from Cork/Kerry/Belfast, that's ok (and vice versa!).
However, you do an impression of a Nigerian or a Pole, you're a racist!

Eh?

It goes into into a wider debate (and a little off topic) but if a black guy does something to me, say pushes in front of me in a queue or something, and I think to myself "He's a pr*ck", I'd probably get called a racist. Bear in mind, I'm not saying he's a pr*ck for being black, I'm saying it because he pushed in front of me in a queue. He could've been Irish, English, pink white or yellow. Yet because he's black, I can get called a racist.

Irishcrx · 31-03-2008 01:37PM

Do you think Bill Hicks got well known by being an upstanding citizen- no and he was class.

kellybelly · 31-03-2008 02:12PM

OP I seriously think your idea of comedy/entertainment would be more suited to that on show in a parish hall in the 1960's.
It is common knowledge that Tommy Tiernans material is controversial,always has been but you know that when you go to his show.How do you find it racist to talk about a polish person working in xtra-vision?or a foreigner that does not wish to return to his/her own country?these are everyday scenarios that we as Irish people face due to the abundance of cultures which have grown dramatically in the last decade or so.As a previous poster pointed out you wouldnt be here giving out today if Tommy had slagged an American who was working in xtra-vision,so why should it be racist just because the person in question speaks a different language.I was at the show last night and enjoyed it immensly,if you paid attention to the story you would have also realised the wasnt just based on the polish person,the humour actually surrounded the situation he found himself in. Grow up...this is the big bad world we live in.

Naos · 31-03-2008 02:18PM

Common knowledge that his work is controversial?

Anyone who tries to be controversial for controversials sake is rubbish. He's simply not funny.

He seems to rely on this "Oooh look he's saying what we all think but don't want to say!". Only difference is, the reason we wouldn't say it is because it's not funny, it's not original and it's certainly not worth forking over x amount of euro to listen to.

IanCurtis · 31-03-2008 02:23PM

Paddyo wrote: »

I saw the show, along with 3 other people, and we all thought the show was hilarious - but then again, I am not part of the 'regular comedy audience' and would not know what to find funny.

Paddyo

I'm sure you think Colm and Jim-Jim are hilarious too. :rolleyes:

Maybe if you went to see a few other comedians, you might actually see someone genuinely funny.

kellybelly · 31-03-2008 02:26PM

Yes it is common knowledge that his material is controversial.

Unless you have been living under a rock for the last ten years you will be aware that he has always dealt with topics which would be deemed taboo in Irish society even since his early stand up days.

Whether or not he is funny is down to each individuals opinion.

However to call him racist because he talks about foreign people living in Ireland is absolutely absurd and this is exactly what is wrong with Ireland today.

Last night he made several remarks about people from Offaly is that also racist?Don't think so.

31-03-2008 02:27PM

See the thing is that when comedy is done right, then racist jokes can be funny. Only thing is that Tommy Tiernan just isn't good. I've seem him live twice and each time he was useless. Before someone asks why twice if you thought he was useless; first time he was replacing Ardal O' Hanlon and the second time the missus wanted to see him, so I went along. The first time the open mic spot got more laughs than he got.

The guy has no new jokes. He's been recycling his jokes for years.

mossieh · 31-03-2008 02:32PM

Naos wrote: »

Common knowledge that his work is controversial?

Yep.

Naos wrote: »

Anyone who tries to be controversial for controversials sake is rubbish. He's simply not funny.
.

There were 999 people in Vicar st last night who disagree with you. They were obviously wrong. As were the people who attended the 98 previous shows. Those idiots.

Naos wrote: »

He seems to rely on this "Oooh look he's saying what we all think but don't want to say!". Only difference is, the reason we wouldn't say it is because it's not funny, it's not original and it's certainly not worth forking over x amount of euro to listen to.

You seem to know everything. That must be handy. Unless...hang on, these aren't just opinions are they? Because you seem to be spouting them as facts.

mossieh · 31-03-2008 02:41PM

IanCurtis wrote: »

I'm sure you think Colm and Jim-Jim are hilarious too. :rolleyes:

Maybe if you went to see a few other comedians, you might actually see someone genuinely funny.

I actually have a degree in comedy-watching (my thesis was on the evolution of venues from the International to the Laughter Lounge) (B-)(:cool:)and I think Tommy Tiernan is funny.

Kev_ps3 · 31-03-2008 02:50PM

Silent Partner wrote: »

One thing I do find interesting is that if someone does an impression of a Brit or an American, that's ok. If a Dubliner does an impression of a guy from Cork/Kerry/Belfast, that's ok (and vice versa!).
However, you do an impression of a Nigerian or a Pole, you're a racist!

Eh?

It goes into into a wider debate (and a little off topic) but if a black guy does something to me, say pushes in front of me in a queue or something, and I think to myself "He's a pr*ck", I'd probably get called a racist. Bear in mind, I'm not saying he's a pr*ck for being black, I'm saying it because he pushed in front of me in a queue. He could've been Irish, English, pink white or yellow. Yet because he's black, I can get called a racist.

If someone calles you a racist for any of the above then that person doesnt know what the word means and is an idiot. Do you care what idiots think of you?

Naos · 31-03-2008 02:51PM

mossieh wrote: »

There were 999 people in Vicar st last night who disagree with you. They were obviously wrong. As were the people who attended the 98 previous shows. Those idiots.

You seem to know everything. That must be handy. Unless...hang on, these aren't just opinions are they? Because you seem to be spouting them as facts.

You asked each one individually did you? Just because 999 people went to the show, doesn't mean 999 people found it funny *points to boneyarsebogman above*

I haven't once claimed to know everything, nor would I ever. What I've said is obviously my opinion, is it really necessary for me to put in "IMO" before/after every post?

Lord Nikon · 31-03-2008 02:58PM

Making jokes about people from different places is easy, everyone can do it, and they do. Sure anyone can stand on a stage and slag off nationalities, but Tiernan didn't start of that way. Sure he jokes about his school days, and upbringing, but sure everyone can do that too. We all have a funny story to tell.

Laughing about the handicapped/foreigners and religious stuff is old and boring now. His jokes are the same old ****e.

Colm & Jim Jim - this is the worse radio I have ever heard, they act simple more than anything else.

Podge & Rodge - I'm sorry, but this is crap too. Jokes about breasts, and making dirty remarks is just sad too, and the only reason they are still on the TV is BECAUSE they controversial. They are not funny.

imo

mossieh · 31-03-2008 03:08PM

Naos wrote: »

You asked each one individually did you? Just because 999 people went to the show, doesn't mean 999 people found it funny *points to boneyarsebogman above*

I listened to them roar enthusiastically to pretty much every part of it and I also saw them give him a standing ovation at the end. Not scientific proof but pretty convincing I would have thought..

Naos wrote: »

I haven't once claimed to know everything, nor would I ever. What I've said is obviously my opinion, is it really necessary for me to put in "IMO" before/after every post?

That might be overkill but it would sound certainly sound less arrogant than your stating "He's simply not funny." as if it were an incontrovertible fact. So, to answer your question, yes, for you I think it will be necessary. Thanking you in advance.

humberklog · 31-03-2008 03:19PM

mossieh wrote: »

I listened to them roar enthusiastically to pretty much every part of it and I also saw them give him a standing ovation at the end. Not scientific proof but pretty convincing I would have thought..

That might be overkill but it would sound certainly sound less arrogant than your stating "He's simply not funny." as if it were an incontrovertible fact. So, to answer your question, yes, for you I think it will be necessary. Thanking you in advance.

IMO I don't think he requires the IMO suffix. It's a bit clumsy and takes away from the point IMO.
Tommy has been running out the same old tired patter for years. I was at him recently too. (Free tickets)I haven't seen as many bogman laughing like drains since someone spiked the breakfast rolls at the midland festival.
As for his cousin Leonora she hosts the comedy night in the ha'penny bridge 'battle of the acts' on a tue and thur. and in the nneptune on a fri. She's been off for a while supporting her cousin and the Dublin comedy scene is far better off without her.IMO.
Irish people in general have a pretty unsophisticated taste in comedy....IMO.
Support Live Stuff

twinQuins · 31-03-2008 03:23PM

mossieh wrote: »

That might be overkill but it would sound certainly sound less arrogant than your stating "He's simply not funny." as if it were an incontrovertible fact. So, to answer your question, yes, for you I think it will be necessary. Thanking you in advance.

I think Naos' original point was that there's a difference between comedy that has had thought put into it and "lol foriners!!!1!1". It's all too easy to appeal to the lowest denominator; comedians should strive to do otherwise.

Unless you want to end up like Al Murray.

mossieh · 31-03-2008 03:55PM

Morkarleth wrote: »

I think Naos' original point was that there's a difference between comedy that has had thought put into it and "lol foriners!!!1!1". It's all too easy to appeal to the lowest denominator; comedians should strive to do otherwise.

Unless you want to end up like Al Murray.

Well Naos' point was that TT is not funny, end of.

I agree that there is a huge difference between the two types of comedy you mention, my point is that his does have thought put into it and that the target is not the obvious one. Which is how satire usually works.

It seems to me that most of the objectors haven't seen the show and consequently are basing their opinions on tabloids and hearsay which is not unusual in this country.

Al Murray is satire too by the way. You do understand that he's poking fun at english attitudes?

Affable · 31-03-2008 03:58PM

mossieh wrote: »

Al Murray is satire too by the way. You do understand that he's poking fun at english attitudes?

No, I thought he was speaking the truth.:)

muppetkiller · 31-03-2008 04:04PM

I loved Tommy Tiernan's stuff for years up until just before the Loose DVD.
Since that he's been complete pants. I remember winning a signed copy of it and watched 30 min of it put it up on Adverts.ie..it was possibly the worst comedy DVD ever released (after anything Brendan O' Carrol has released).
Saying because he sells out shows so he must be funny is nonsense...boyzone sell out too..:D there will always be sheep though....

mental07 · 31-03-2008 04:17PM

muppetkiller wrote: »

Saying because he sells out shows so he must be funny is nonsense...boyzone sell out too

Boyzone are funny! Oh wait, unintentionally funny.

humberklog · 31-03-2008 04:42PM

Tommy sells out shows,Hector gets programme after programme,Bendan O'Carroll continually does the rounds,socks pop off boggers to Killinaskully,podge and rodge are wheeled out twice weekly,some twat slaps his head with a news paper while whistling and he's sent to america to make a whole series,june rogers?,deidre o'kane is considered comedic,ed byrne is a cornerstone in a lame panel show that's pushed as edgey,dermot morgan got his laughs pretending to be a priest,anne gildea makes jokes about nuns. It's very unsophisticated and Tommy suits well.
Take Graham linehan,Dylan Moran,Dara O Briain,Terry Wogan,their talents are nurtured in Britain and they keep their material reasonably fresh.
The comedic device that TT uses is as old as the hills. The more people get upset at his content the more bums on seats he gets. And tommy's eye is far more interested in that than he is about stimulating his,rather perochial, audience. Lowest common denominator=less work. He's very lazy.IMO.

Naos · 31-03-2008 04:45PM

Mossieh, from what I have seen of Tommy's latest work, there is very little thought put into it. As people stated previously, his jokes are recycled and tired at this stage.

He had his moment in the sun but he should bow out gracefully now, unless he eventually wants to pull a 'Michael Richards' on it (speaking about the 'explosion' as opposed to the racisim here).

Edit: The above comment is spot on, especially the British nurturing bit.

twinQuins · 31-03-2008 04:45PM

mossieh wrote: »

Well Naos' point was that TT is not funny, end of.

I agree that there is a huge difference between the two types of comedy you mention, my point is that his does have thought put into it and that the target is not the obvious one. Which is how satire usually works.

As you point out below, I am one of those who has not seen the show. However, I can appreciate the point you're making; I can understand how TT might have been poking fun at some of the stereotypes Irish people carry.

It seems to me that most of the objectors haven't seen the show and consequently are basing their opinions on tabloids and hearsay which is not unusual in this country.

Can't disagree with you.

Al Murray is satire too by the way. You do understand that he's poking fun at english attitudes?

I do but there's just something about it. Maybe it's that he performs the role so well; I find it difficult not to be incensed. I have read a reviewers opinion on his act: how, in the end, the character he portrays is lessened by his bigotry and xenophobia.
Or maybe it's that there are all too many of that type out there who don't understand that they're being ridiculed. To each his own, I suppose.

super_furry · 31-03-2008 04:49PM

Tommy Tiernan's act has been reduced to "IF I SHOUT REALLY LOUD ABOUT HANDICAPPED PEOPLE, MAYBE EVERYONE ELSE WON'T NOTICE I'M NOT FUNNY ANYMORE!"

I dunno, I know it's cliched and all, but I really like his earlier stuff but since he broke through, he's gone progressively downhill. The whole coked up Irish madman schtick is tiresome now.

Naos · 31-03-2008 05:01PM

Tommy Tiernan is the white version of Chris Rock.

I actually like Al Murray, but thats more for the fact that he engages with the audience for a lot of the show. That makes a comedian for me.

PeakOutput · 31-03-2008 05:05PM

dregin wrote: »

Has anyone else been to see Tommy Tiernan in Vicar Street? I dunno if last night was a once off or are all his shows racist spam fests? I couldn't believe that people were laughing at his impressions of Polish people and refugees. 5 minutes in a guy shouted "racist" and of course Tommy was in up in arms straight away and most of the crowd were there to back him up. There were plenty of people around me less than impressed with his attempts at comedy.

The guy seems to have been living off the back of one episode of father ted for most of his "career" and all I can say is thank christ we didn't actually pay in to see nothing more than a racist playing up to the generic paddy homophobic, racist sense of humour.
I'm fairly sure last night's "performance" was significantly more right wing than usual thanks to your man heckling Tiernan, but has anyone else bee to the other shows?

didnt read the whole thread but who gives a **** if his jokes are racist they are JOKES......do you think there are not polish comedians out there making fun of the irish? nothing should be out of bounds to comedy

DublinWriter · 31-03-2008 05:50PM

SheroN wrote: »

How is doing an impression of a polish person racist? Unfunny yes, racist no.

Would you say the same about Jim Davidson's 'Chalky White' character?

I used to like TT a lot but he seems to have lost his way a bit lately. He's become quite the crypto-racist.

Tommy Tiernan

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