During the first episode of Wiretapped at the Bell Center, Friday evening, we sincerely thought we were witnessing a false good idea. The cacophonous sound and rambling discussion spoiled our enjoyment to say the least. Then came the guests of the second episode: Martin Matte, Stéphane Rousseau, Marie-Lyne Joncas. And we found the under listening that we loved so much.
• Read also: Podcast “Unlistened”: towards a Guinness record for Mike Ward
When Erich Preach, who opens for Mike Ward on tour, arrived in the stands to warm up the crowd, shortly before 8 p.m., we felt that we were experiencing something special. The comedian, who was doorman of the Bordel Comédie Club just a few years ago, had just been applauded as if he were a great international star.
Photo Martin Alarie
21,131 people attended the taping of Under-Earth at the Bell Center this Friday evening.
About fifteen minutes later, when Mike Ward entered, the decibels were in the carpet. Walking through the crowd, the comedian shook hands, a big smile on his face. Monster ovation. We had rarely heard the Bell Center so noisy.
“Honestly, I thought I had a better reception than that. We are going to add claps editing,” Ward laughed.
The moment was truly magical. You almost had to pinch yourself to tell yourself that we were witnessing such an event for a French-speaking podcast! The Guinness Records were also to approve this evening of under listening like the podcast live performed in front of the biggest crowd in the world.
too much echo
Mike Ward introduced his co-host for the evening, the essential Jean-Thomas Jobin. Another loud ovation. Everything was going on wheels. Then, Ward welcomed the three guests of the first of the two episodes of the evening: Les Denis Drolet and Christine Morency.
Photo Martin Alarie
The five comedians who participated in the first episode of Under Listening at the Bell Center this Friday: Mike Ward, Christine Morency, Jean-Thomas Jobin, Vincent Léonard and Sébastien Dubé.
And this is where our pleasure suddenly diminished. All seated in a circle around a small table, the five companions seemed completely lost on the stage, through the huge crowd. For several minutes, they noted the situation, a little in discomfort.
“Can you hear me echoing? asked one. “You said the sound would be bad, you’ve got it! retorted the other. We struggled to hear all the jokes as the sound bounced all over the enclosure.
Petite table
The smallness of the round table also meant that we saw the guests more often from behind than from the front, on the giant screens. Maybe the result will be better on the web. But on the spot, it was disappointing.
What did the guests talk regarding during this first episode of nearly 90 minutes? Frankly, we lost the thread of their discussions as it all went in all directions. But they talked regarding Rinse-creamthe Denis podcast, and the show Masked singers.
Because the energy was starting to drop towards the end of the first episode, Mike Ward turned to the audience to take a few questions. “Mike, we know you like to sing. The Pope is coming to Quebec next week, would you like to sing for him? asked a spectator, under the hilarity of the public. “That’s the best joke so far!” said Jean-Thomas.
After a little musical intermission from Pépé and his guitar, Mike Ward welcomed the guests of the second episode of the evening, shortly following 10 p.m. And that’s where it all really took off. In great shape, Matte, Rousseau and Joncas gave us several sublime moments of fun.
Keith and Celine
Out of order, they made jokes regarding Philippe Bond in a taxi, talked regarding the love of Jean-Thomas’ phone books, the time Mike Ward confused Philippe Laprise with PA Méthot, the time Mike called prostitutes with Martin Matte and that one of them looked like Keith Richards and the first part of Celine Dion at the Bell Center that Stéphane had done in 2000. Phew!
Mike Ward can be proud to have created this event and to have attracted so many people to attend a simple recording of a podcast. The huge dose of love he received from the huge crowd, he will never be able to forget. But we are still looking forward to finding under listening in the intimacy of the Brothel.