The memories flooded back: The Gong Show. I loved the Gong Show. For those of you young-uns that don’t know what I am talking about, The Gong Show aired from 1976-1980 (Pretty much my High School career.) It was a strange and wonderful talent show. (And I use the term “talent” very, very loosely) People would get up on stage and do whatever they wanted to do. There were three judges who could either score the contestants, or, if they just couldn’t take it anymore, stand up and strike a big gong to put everyone out of their misery. It was a blast.
It wasn’t until this morning that I really gave much thought to the fact that all of the popular reality shows on TV right now – American Idol, The Voice, America’s Got Talent, are just more boring, gong-less versions of The Gong Show.
I loved Chuck Barris, and the way he looked like he was having such a good time (probably because he looked stoned all the time). I loved the Unknown Comic, even though he got racy enough that my mom would make me turn off the TV sometimes. And, of course, I loved Gene, Gene the Dancing Machine. Who wouldn’t? I especially loved it when guys like Steve Martin would perform, or judge.
Of course those too young to remember have no idea what I am talking about. I just thought you should know that you missed out.
Here is a sample that illustrates how the show worked – with a 1976 version of Oingo Boing performing. No, really. THE Oingo Boingo. (You don’t need to thank me, I feel it is my duty to bless your lives)
And, if you are old enough, this will make you feel good inside:
Have a wonderful day, and please forgive my less frequent posting.
-MMM-
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I’m far too narcissistic to be an anonymous anything. But I DO know about having to hold back on writing about huge, important goings on in life. If I could write about all the truly crazy things I see everyday I would be super rich by now. I just know it!
I love your blog as it is. And I DO remember the gong show. I always felt so badly for the gonged.
How tall was Chuck? 5 feet? Loved that show, and my mom did a lot of censoring, too. No Love Boat. No Fantasy Island. Then again, I’m a few years younger than you.
I had the biggest crush on Bill Bixby.
That is not the Oingo Boingo I remember….hm….maybe those were the reallllly early years?
Loved the Gong Show, but I seem to remember Jamie Farr was a judge far too often. I was an an anonymous blogger for 3 years and enjoyed not having to deal with the paparazzi like I do now.
oops forgot the ‘r’ in Your – forgive me!
You anonymity strikes curiosity in people, they are probably looking around in sacrament meeting wondering ‘is that MMM, or is it him, no maybe him?, he looks like he could be MMM’.
I definately remember yelling at the judges to hit the gong, hoping they would hear.
Mindi: Your lack of anonymity doesn’t seem to inhibit you much…
Ich bin nicht der wirkliche Dieter.
That show was only on for 4 years?? That was good stuff!
Sometimes I wish I was anonymous so I can tell certain stories that I could never get away with since my name is on it.
You’re Jon Bytheway, aren’t you. Dieter Uchdorf??
What memories! I loved the gong show. I just wish we had a gong for all the junk on tv now … oh, right, we do … the off switch.
Much as we all might like to know who the man is behind the mask (batman, anyone?), I think you do us more of a service by remaining anonymous. Thanks for all your great messages.
I vaguely remember this show, but I remember really liking it. I wonder if there is a DVD set out there somewhere? I’d watch it for sure – -I love old Steve Martin bits.
Don’t feel bad about being anonymous. I appreciate that you are trying to keep it real.