Do you find Tommy Tiernan funny?

parttime

Taste is subjective like!

Ally Dick

He's about as funny as a burning orphanage. His "comedy" is quite observational. His observations are mostly rubbish. He moves towards vulgarity to get a laugh most times

frozenfrozen

I think he's funny

booooring!

He's no mr'

s brown

Don't think I've ever laughed as much watching any other stand up comedian, he is brilliant!

uck51js9zml2yt

I'm so glad I'm in the majority on this.
He's a vulgar little man.

parttime

Alia Abundant Man wrote: »

Don't think I've ever laughed as much watching any other stand up comedian, he is brilliant!

Billy Connolly Mid Eighties?

jack presley

The funniest thing he ever said was on that documentary he did about making it in the States and he said that he hoped to get a HBO special. I pissed myself laughing when he said that.

Kev W

Half the time he seems to just fall back on that Irish comedian trope of just ending a sentence with an Irish place name instead of a punchline.

"Something something something Ballyhaunis"

*crowd roars with laughter*

Hate that.

MadDog76

I can tell, as it's blatantly obvious, that some of the posters on this thread (particularly the more ott negative posters) haven't actually viewed any of Tommy's material for a very long time, if ever ......... their descriptions of his material are, quite simply, factually incorrect ......... it's like they've overheard somebody else's criticism of Tommy and are doing their best to remember/write what they overheard.

Clive Bisquette

Dr. Mantis Toboggan wrote: »

To answer your question, humour is subjective. Some people find Richie Kavanagh funny.

Don't beat yourself over it kiddo, you seem very perplexed over it.

Poster has every right to raise this question Dr.

I find Tiernan about as funny as a dose of ring rash and I cannot see how shouting inanities can be remotely amusing.

Grant you the migrant crisis or the huge rise in rural crime may be more important issues but the question of whether Tommy Tiernan is funny or not deserves to be debated .

dodderangler

The one with the drug Olympics was ridiculously funny

JustTheOne

He shouted for a year or two. His first 3 DVDs are the funniest stuff I have watched.

Laughing at a funeral.
Womens periods.
Drug Olympics.
Irish during the Celtic tiger with Aldi skiing gear.

Some golden ones.

His new stuff is a return to form.
I agree on the point that people probably listened to someone saying he curses all the time to let laughs.

Blatantly untrue.

Agricola

Saw him in Kilkenny one year, (a sold out gig obviously). It was a bit like being the designated driver where everyone around you is scuttered drunk and pissing themselves laughing. I was just looking around at everyone convulsed in laughter and wondering why I was finding him to be as funny as cancer.
That same night I saw Stewart Francis get up on a tiny stage in front of 30 people in a pub and do one liners for 7 minutes. It was incredible.

AnonoBoy

osarusan wrote: »

Except Andrew Maxwell, he's objectively shite.

Guardian doesn't think so.

http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2014/aug/12/edinburgh-festival-2014-review-andrew-maxwell-scottish-independence-referendum


It's amazing how annoyed people get at comedian's they don't fund funny (and I include myself in this). Instead of "I don't find him/her funny" people insist that they simply aren't funny and anyone who does think they are is just fooling themselves because they believe they're supposed to think they're funny.

It doesn't really make sense. If Tommy Tiernan wasn't funny and wasn't capable of writing jokes at all then how has become one of the most successful comedians Ireland has ever produced?

secman

Dominick Square Sprawl wrote: »

Lee Evans, no.
Brendan O'Carroll, no.
Jason Byrne, no.

Harry Hill, yes.

Harry Hill is typical UK humour which I just don't get. Same as that Keith Lemon , jesus wept he's cat. Saw Tommy Tiernan live early this year, laughted from start to finish.. a great night..

Junkyard Tom

Knock Knock.

booooring!

Junkyard Tom wrote: »

Knock Knock.

Cock Cock

IamtheWalrus

Junkyard Tom wrote: »

Knock Knock.

who's there ya prick?

jungleman

IamtheWalrus wrote: »

who's there ya prick?

The police. I'm afraid there's been a terrible accident.

Datallus

Poll fail, there's no "I don't know" option.

briany

Loved Tommy Tiernan's early stuff when he was all fresh-faced and clean shaven. His act, back then, had a nice rhythm to it and it came off as genuine. I don't know if the Tommy Tiernan of today is who he actually is or playing to what people expect him to be which is a mad-headed jolly craicster who rants about god, and the rain, and just what it means to be Irish.

Same thing is true of Moran. Brilliant when he started out, and for a good few years to follow. Very much following in the footsteps of Dave Allen's style, I thought. Last DVD I saw of him, he was kind of grinning as he delivered his bits as if he was in on the joke, rather than us laughing at his sincere world-weary musings.

briany

secman wrote: »

Harry Hill is typical UK humour which I just don't get. Same as that Keith Lemon , jesus wept he's cat. Saw Tommy Tiernan live early this year, laughted from start to finish.. a great night..

Harry Hill was one of the very best standups, for me. He had a little bit of everything in his act from great one liners, "Gamblers Anonymous....How do they know where to send your winnings?" to surreal stories like the one where he and his brothers kept on making the potato mash scoop bigger so they'd get more mash for dinner. His last standup DVD, Hooves, included musical numbers, sight gags, audience participation and there was even kids at it. There aren't many comedians, these days, who would be considered both "comedians' comedians" and be able to put on a regular show that would appeal to and be appropriate for all ages.

He's associated with TV Burp so much now that it's easy to forget that he was damn good live.

Dr. Mantis Toboggan

Clive Bisquette wrote: »

Poster has every right to raise this question Dr.

I find Tiernan about as funny as a dose of ring rash and I cannot see how shouting inanities can be remotely amusing.

Grant you the migrant crisis or the huge rise in rural crime may be more important issues but the question of whether Tommy Tiernan is funny or not deserves to be debated .

Very true Clive, it is worthy of debate in these hallowed halls of discussion, but the earnestness of the OP's approach seemed a bit over powering. It's hardly the end of the world.

Comedy is no laughing matter apparently.

joe swanson

A comedic genius.

se02orqua5xz9v

AnonoBoy wrote: »

It doesn't really make sense. If Tommy Tiernan wasn't funny and wasn't capable of writing jokes at all then how has become one of the most successful comedians Ireland has ever produced?

As I said before, it's Emperor's New Clothes syndrome.

That, mixed with mass delusion.

No one wanted to be the one person who didn't laugh at Tommy Tiernan, so they all 'laughed'. After a while, the forced laughter seemed natural, because people had convinced themselves Tiernan was funny.

There is a reason people like Dara O Briain, who is no less Irish than Tiernan, is massive in Britain, and Tiernan is only massive among Irish expats living abroad (though he was on the cusp of international fame when he won the Perrier back in the 1990s).

O Briain is simply a much smarter, harder-working and objectively better comedian.

1hnr79jr65

Tiernan to me is like a less abusive, Irish version of Roy Chubby Brown, talentless and boring.

In contrast i do enjoy Dara O'Briain, Ed Byrne, Hugh Dennis and Bill Bailey.

MadDog76

Dominick Square Sprawl wrote: »

As I said before, it's Emperor's New Clothes syndrome.

That, mixed with mass delusion.

No one wanted to be the one person who didn't laugh at Tommy Tiernan, so they all 'laughed'. After a while, the forced laughter seemed natural, because people had convinced themselves Tiernan was funny.

There is a reason people like Dara O Briain, who is no less Irish than Tiernan, is massive in Britain, and Tiernan is only massive among Irish expats living abroad (though he was on the cusp of international fame when he won the Perrier back in the 1990s).

O Briain is simply a much smarter, harder-working and objectively better comedian.

Open your mind real wide here .......... is it possible that some people (quite a lot actually!) just find him funny?

NachoBusiness

Tommy is of course funny, and naturally very funny at that (as opposed to some comedians who need to work hard at it). He is one of those guys that would crack people up at school, with little or no effort.

First seen him in the International many moons ago now and it was obvious he was destined for great success. His Declan Moffit material was, and is, genius. As was much of his school days based material.Where I think he drifted off track was when new material began to dry up. I think he started doing the radio stuff with Hector at that point in a vain attempt to try and recapture some of his old magic once again. That was also around the time he appeared on TLLS when G.Ryan was hosting it and got annoyed when Gerry gave the punchline of his gag away. A younger Tommy would not have been nearly as bothered.

Few months after that he came into the Ha'penny (as he often did) to try out some new material and it was really strange. Abstract nonsense, you could tell he was just lost, and it was just met with awkward silence. In response he just said in a mocking tone 'Yeah, that's not best there Tommy, are ya well in yourself these days at all" or something similar and cracked everyone up. Seen him shortly after that in the Iveagh Gardens and he was amazing. Six months later in Vicar St, though, I almost walked out he was that bad. I guess he's at the stage of his career now that lots of comedians hit after a lot of success. He can't keep doing old stuff as he will get slated and his new stuff is just not good. It's interesting, but not really all that funny. Many bands have one or two great albums and never go on to produce anything close to their best again. No reason why it shoukd be different for comedians. Only the very best are great up until the end.

But, in saying that, it's not really up for debate if he was ever funny or not, as what he has achieved so far, makes it patently clear that he was, very much so.

johnny osbourne

i heart tommy

crazyguy01

I think he has his fantastic side-splitting moments and I also have watched a gag/routine thinking "just give up, not one bit funny".

I can recall his appearance on the Alan Davies show " As yet untitled " and Alan, Jimmy Carr and the other 2 comedian guests on the panel (all also English but can't recall names right now) seemed to have great respect for him as a stand-up!!!!

DivingDuck

MadDog76 wrote: »

Open your mind real wide here .......... is it possible that some people (quite a lot actually!) just find him funny?

Humour is a hugely subjective thing.

Assuming that just because it doesn't appeal to you means it can't possibly appeal to others is what's delusional, in my opinion.

foggy_lad

Ruu wrote: »

He is very shouty.

It's a Naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaavan thing, Hecktor the other eejit and a few others that claim Naaaaaaaaaaaaaavan as their birthplace are just as shouty and unfunny.

EndaHonesty

He's not NOT funny...

johnny osbourne

navan

Tarzana2

He has made me laugh but not in a long, long time. Plus, he is very po-faced about the whole thing in interviews.

But, OP, some people find him funny, I'm sure they know what they like.

Tarzana2

osarusan wrote: »

People find different things and comedians funny. It's all subjective.

Except Andrew Maxwell, he's objectively shite.

See, I like Andrew Maxwell. An unpopular opinion whenever I mention it but I wouldn't let that sway me.

mrcheez wrote: »

Sarcasm I hope ... haven't laughed at a single Harry Hill moment.

Er, no, different people liking different things. His humour is indeed tame. Does all humour have to be edgy? I'm just looking for funny myself, be it witty or based on silliness or whatever. He makes me laugh.

Duck Soup wrote: »

In fairness, Michael McIntyre is also objectively a big steaming pile.

Nah, it's still subjective. I don't like him but what is with people turning into massive babies when it comes to comedians they don't like?

"Humour is subjective! Oh, except for that guy. Because I don't like him, nobody should. He's objectively bad." It's just pompous, dick-measuring nonsense.

Tarzana2

Alia Abundant Man wrote: »

Don't think I've ever laughed as much watching any other stand up comedian, he is brilliant!

Even when he's being blasphemous?

AnonoBoy wrote: »

It's amazing how annoyed people get at comedian's they don't fund funny (and I include myself in this). Instead of "I don't find him/her funny" people insist that they simply aren't funny and anyone who does think they are is just fooling themselves because they believe they're supposed to think they're funny.

I totally agree. It's so childish. But is presented as the complainer being some kind of comedy connoisseur.

briany wrote: »

Harry Hill was one of the very best standups, for me. He had a little bit of everything in his act from great one liners, "Gamblers Anonymous....How do they know where to send your winnings?" to surreal stories like the one where he and his brothers kept on making the potato mash scoop bigger so they'd get more mash for dinner. His last standup DVD, Hooves, included musical numbers, sight gags, audience participation and there was even kids at it. There aren't many comedians, these days, who would be considered both "comedians' comedians" and be able to put on a regular show that would appeal to and be appropriate for all ages.

He's associated with TV Burp so much now that it's easy to forget that he was damn good live.

TV Burp was excellent though, to me at least.

se02orqua5xz9v

NachoBusiness wrote: »

His Declan Moffit material was, and is, genius.

You and I have very different definitions of 'genius'. I love good stand ups, but I wouldn't consider any of their work genius - not Richard Pryor, not George Carlin, not Lenny Bruce - and I've listened to hours and hours of all those guys.

NachoBusiness wrote: »

But, in saying that, it's not really up for debate if he was ever funny or not, as what he has achieved so far, makes it patently clear that he was, very much so.

Because he has sold so concert tickets, it isn't up for debate whether or not he is funny?

By that rationale, it isn't up for debate whether Andrew Dice Clay is funny, as he's sold a lot more tickets and Tiernan ever has.

Billy86

His earlier stuff had some very good moments, but on the whole... no. He tries too hard, and ha become a caricature of himself. That Dylan fella he went to school with though, is the finest stand up this country has ever produced and one of the best from anywhere in the last 20 years, or possibly ever.

Tarzana2

Billy86 wrote: »

His earlier stuff had some very good moments, but on the whole... no. He tries too hard, and ha become a caricature of himself. That Dylan fella he went to school with though, is the finest stand up this country has ever produced and one of the best from anywhere in the last 20 years, or possibly ever.

I love Dylan but was at his show in Vicar Street at the weekend, and whilst I did laugh a lot, it wasn't hugely memorable. Slightly seemed like he was going through the motions.

Tarzana2

Dominick Square Sprawl wrote: »

Because he has sold so concert tickets, it isn't up for debate whether or not he is funny?

By that rationale, it isn't up for debate whether Andrew Dice Clay is funny, as he's sold a lot more tickets and Tiernan ever has.

It's up for debate but only up to a point:

A: I like X comedian
B: He's not funny.
A: I find him funny, he makes me laugh
B: Well, you're wrong

Nowhere really to go from there really, is there?

And Tiernan won't be making stuff up as he goes along. His shows will be honed and practiced like any other. He might do the odd bit of improv but any comedian needs to be able to do this. Dylan Moran generally doesn't like audience interaction but he did it at the last show of his that I was at.

Billy86

Tarzana2 wrote: »

I love Dylan but was at his show in Vicar Street at the weekend, and whilst I did laugh a lot, it wasn't hugely memorable. Slightly seemed like he was going through the motions.

To be fair he was a little like that when I saw him at the comedy festival in Iveagh Gardens two years ago (and randomly, who else strolled in and sat 3-4 seats away from my mate & I but Johnny Vegas :pac: - we thought it random at the time, but he was probably shooting Moone Boy). I had seen him three times before that and had at times been in pain from laughter though, so who knows?

johnny osbourne

what team does tommy support?

i'd love to go to the pub with him to watch a match

Billy86

Dominick Square Sprawl wrote: »

You and I have very different definitions of 'genius'. I love good stand ups, but I wouldn't consider any of their work genius - not Richard Pryor, not George Carlin, not Lenny Bruce - and I've listened to hours and hours of all those guys.

You would probably need to be an NFL fan to appreciate this bit, but in a literary sense, this is indeed absolutely genius, especially from 4:00 on.

Jamsiek

Schwiiing wrote: »

You could say all that about Mrs Browns Boys yet it still wins BAFTAs. People like what they like. If you don't like it don't watch it or go to his shows. Simples.

That's why I don't go. I went once and didn't laugh once, found him annoying.

voz es

Aspects of his humor can be side splitting but he balances out as a twat.

Mr.Crinklewood

He's good at shouting, cursing and slagging off the Catholic Church.

se02orqua5xz9v

NachoBusiness wrote: »

Tommy is of course funny, and naturally very funny at that (as opposed to some comedians who need to work hard at it).

Since when is working hard a bad thing when it comes to performance? If you are charging a thousand people €45 each - as Tiernan regularly does - I would expect a certain amount of hard work to have gone in to your act.

I don't want someone just wandering in on stage and making stuff up as he goes, like a funny uncle.

JustTheOne

Bolente Ben wrote: »

He used to be funny a longg long time ago. It's similar to how the Simpsons and Friends became unfunny. He's trying to hard to be funny and has forgotten what made him funny in the fIrst place.

I think for his own development he needs to drop Irish jokes and any type of routine which involves shouting.

If anyone has been to his shows in he last 5 years they will see he is dropped the shouting part.

I think he became really famous and talked about after loose but then his follow up show which was hugely anticipated was a huge let down.

It was when he would have had the most interest and people going to see him for the first time. This really put a lot of new people off and he never recovered from that. Think it was around 07/08.

But as I have said his new stuff in the last few years has been a return to form. No shouting just telling hilarious stories.