Gallagher - Sledge-O-Matic (The Maddest)

See full Gallagher specials for free on Hulu! www.hulu.com/companies/comedy-...
In "The Maddest" Gallagher talks about style. It might seem like an odd topic coming from a man who wails on watermelons with his Sledge-O-Matic, but that's just what you get in this hour-long stand-up special from 1983.

[@ddrchamp27]

I had the privilege of seeing him when I was ten years old. My uncle called me and said to be ready in ten minutes, because he was taking me to see something totally rad. We sat front row, we declined our ponchos, and we came home entirely too late and absolutely covered in chocolate syrup, sauerkraut and watermelon. He even met with us after the show and signed me a t-shirt. My uncle was right. It was TOTALLY rad and I still remember every minute of it. Legends never die. ❤️

[@Miketheratguy]

We weren't offered ponchos but the promotional material for the show made it clear that anyone in the first ten rows should come with protective clothing. The first row had a long sheet of plastic that they could lift in front of them, lol. Sadly I wasn't that close.

[@kurtnowak8895]

Sadly,He just did.

[@mlbrooks4066]

You had one cool uncle.

[@alexschneider1667]

This man is a medieval jester on pcp and I love it

[@daveshearer1961]

Of course, the sledge-o-matic bit is his signature routine. But a lot of people may not remember that that was only about the last 5 or 10 minutes of his 1 hour shows. The rest of his specials contained a lot of interesting takes on the English language and social commentary. Gallagher was so much more than just a prop comic.

[@ShainAndrews]

Correct.

[@Miketheratguy]

It's actually sort of sad in a way that Gallagher had to kind of just reluctantly embrace the "watermelon smashing" persona as what most people would know him as. By the end it ironically fit right into his exasperated comments about society being complacent with the lowest standards. You're entirely correct that he would do smart, EFFORTLESS standup and sharp observational humor about everything from language to gender roles for a good hour and only bring out the sledgehammer as the closing gag. Even he tried to explain on more than one occasion that it was just a single aspect of his greater satire of 80s American consumerism. Hopefully one thing that may come from his death is that more people will look into him and discover that he was so much more than one (admittedly fun and satisfying) physical gag.

[@AdamMcGowen2890]

Right. Homophobic too.

[@thebubbacontinuum2645]

Much smarter than Bill Hicks.

[@melsafken764]

@@AdamMcGowen2890 His brother was the racist homophobe.

[@yatinexile7144]

He took "playing with your food" to a whole nother level. RIP Gallagher.

[@thoonieboi]

YEA HE HAMMERED IT

[@user-mm7xr8if1u]

I'm 57 years old and still play with my food. Why? GALLAGHER!!

[@madisonmae8964]

"Pound cake. I guess it does"

[@user-mm7xr8if1u]

Want that cheeseburger to go?? IT'S GONE!!

[@cjskayakfishing6108]

RIP Legend. May he find all the watermelons he can smash in the afterlife.

[@teacupglitterinfested1525]

Hell yahhhh

[@Darkstar-rg8ze]

R.I.P

[@tetsuoswrath]

Hopefully God lets him moonlight as the Grim Reaper and he gets to smash the wicked into Hell.

[@Sure-]

“Pink Hearts, Yellow Moons, Green Clovers, and Orange Stars - THAT LEPRECHAUNS’ ON ACID”

[@MincedMeat_6]

This guy is a leprechaun

[@ClosedLoopMusic]

Y’all wanna smash some fruit ???

[@Trix897]

RIP to a talent that the world was not ready for. His zaniness will be missed.

[@SYCZ]

Hell yeah dude! I used to love Gallagher as a kid. He would totally work today. His stand up routine is actually very solid.

[@thoonieboi]

aND HIS HAMMER TOO

[@gvrpresentsbearwilliams]

Rest Easy Gallagher, you made so many people laugh and forget their troubles for a little while. That’s one of the most honorable things anyone could ever do. 🙏🏾💕🔥

[@kennethbrown4474]

So sad to hear of his death. He really made me laugh. Rest in peace Sledge-O-Matic King!

[@Skonchin]

I met him once before a performance at a place that I worked. He told us a couple of jokes. I won't repeat them here because they were pretty disgusting. In general he seemed like a pretty rude, crude and unhappy person.

[@ghevisartor6005]

​@@Skonchin sure that happened

[@Skonchin]

@@ghevisartor6005 it 100% did. Does that somehow sound unbelievable to you?

[@SpellboundWolf]

An absolute legend. These people are having the time of their lives!

[@bingbongboomboom]

ABSOLUTELY! This is the best!

[@analogman1909]

Went to 1 live show, he was tremendous, never ever saw a more enthusiastic audience of any size, for any entertainer.

[@thoonieboi]

YEA

[@edwardhudson8505]

What a riot Gallagher was. It is upsetting that the people I grew up with are leaving us and we lose touch with. His style of stand up was unparalleled and sets an example for other comedians to follow. Gallagher, you will be deeply missed. RIP

[@mikesilva3868]

Agreed ☢

[@steelers6titles]

This guy was paid for this.

[@HolowatyVlogs]

And? Jealous much?

[@steelers6titles]

@@HolowatyVlogs He made millions, and lost it all, apparently. No, I'm not.

[@SYCZ]

@@steelers6titlescheck your facts. Gallagher claimed that he lost nearly all of his fortune speculating on the stock market, and joked that he was "broke." However, his long-time manager disputed this as a bit of comedic exaggeration, adding, "We all need to be as broke as Leo." Also, Gallagher was a very educated smart comedian… watch his bit on the English language. And sit down and let the adults talk about stand up comedy.

[@steelers6titles]

@@SYCZ I think the facts speak for themselves. This guy, in the history of stand-up comedy, is a minor-league utility infielder.

[@XxxXxx-fm3wo]

A genuine genius !

[@jeremymercer2518]

It was the time of all the late night info commercials. Selling anything they could get on. No video on demand. No massive online gaming. And seeing people getting splattered in food helped relieve the stresses of your day. Made for good entertainment in the evening.

[@weaselboyjenkins3931]

Rest In Peace good sir. Thank you for the laughs.

[@MeatballHeaven]

His comedy was not only funny but also fun. Thank you for bringing us so many laughs. Rest in peace, kind sir!

[@chrismarciatetisindles5876]

One of the funniest comedians. Called it like it was and didn't hold back on anyone.

[@wadeanthony8796]

You mean how he was racist lol

[@analogman1909]

Your description is accurate. The comments here reflect zero knowledge what comedy really is, they hear a laugh track and think that's real. Comedy is almost mechanical, tying bits together, not laff-a-minute.

[@analogman1909]

@@wadeanthony8796 Not one tiny bit.

[@Nate-im3sg]

I laughed so hard, I shit myself. Just kidding... I only shit myself.

[@testytest3083]

+Nate White wait a min, does that mean u didnt laugh?

[@Nate-im3sg]

testytest very good

[@BeeHash]

+Nate White I laughed pretty hard at your comment

[@Sigma0283]

R.I.P. Gallagher and thank you for giving us so many great laughs, odd ideas and of course the Sledge-O-Matic.

[@liquid619]

RIP to the Legend!! My absolute childhood favorite. So grateful to have gotten to see him live.

[@Miketheratguy]

Same here! I can confirm to anyone who never had the privilege that "what you see is what you get". He was just as funny, messy, sharp, and energetic in person as he was in his comedy specials (well, until old age caught up to him of course). The man truly cared about comedy.

[@vicegamer6944]

Rest In Peace to a great legend! Gallagher you’ll be missed! It was an honor to have met you in person!

[@Miketheratguy]

I met him as well. It was a brief and awkward misunderstanding (in short, I was a confused at the details of his autograph signing and my confusion confused HIM which led to him telling me to "get my shit together", lol). It wound up being hilarious to me as an adult, 30 years on. I'm really going to miss him.

[@sfighter0085]

Oh, I had to watch something with him since I found out he died of organ failure today. First we lose Kevin Conroy, the definitive Batman voice for animation, now I find out this guy passed away too. As for this clip...man this was crazy. Gonna need to check out some of his stuff. R.I.P. Gallagher.

[@BFLPodcast]

He was made for his audiences. Great talent. Funny guy. Rest Easily Gallagher.

[@mitchpaynter1782]

This one hits hard, no pun intended. RIP Gallagher.

[@thoonieboi]

HAMMER 🔨🍉🌊🧔‍♂

[@user-or4dm1fv3f]

Next to Carlin, Gallagher made me laugh the hardest. We lost both of them way too soon.

[@josetakapele]

Chappelle's show brought me here.

[@MackNuggets22]

Jose Torres black Gallagher just brought me here

[@shawnwbronx]

Black Gallagher bitch. I got warrants.

[@benslymenmusic]

Definitely

[@denimchicken104]

“Y’all ready to smash some frooot?”

[@cj24k]

Yooo!!! For real!!!

[@jrvondoom]

It’s my goal in life to be as stoked as whoever that guy is laughing at 1:17

[@c1nico]

Finding this was funnier than the video.

[@seedlesspineapple7589]

I work at a comedy club and I'm trying to convince my managers to bring him in

[@colleen4ever]

R.I.P Gallagher. Ironically died the same day as Kevin Conroy. Two geniuses taken from us way too soon. 😭

[@DanLovesPinballsnGames]

You've always been a smash in my book of comedians. We will miss you. 🍉 Thank you for everything!

[@utubeuseronline3385]

Who else is here when they found out Gallagher died?

[@chriscarter8593]

He's not dead😊

[@acousticagemusic424]

One of the greatest comics of all time.

[@Chris-yh2zz]

Bless you Gallagher. You were so damn funny back in the day. Your Sledge-O-Matic skit was genius as you entertained us all. Now you can smash up watermelons in heaven giving the angels laughter. RIP Gallagher and you will always be remembered.

[@colleen4ever]

Hope you're keeping Kevin Conroy laughing in Heaven!

[@Arundodonax]

I uh... guess you had to have been there.

[@Tigerman1138]

It was a simpler time...no KZbin, no Comedy Central as we know it now... Back then...slamming things was funny.

[@AnthonyShuker]

@@Tigerman1138 No. The joke isn't "slamming" things. The joke is that companies create so much useless shit

[@P1983sche]

This isn’t his whole act. This was just the best part lol...watermelons were the best.

[@KaleidoscopeJunkie]

It's funny - unless you're brain-dead.

[@minahmee9934]

Right...I feel you.

[@Greenman422]

the way that the fish scales explodes into confetti...you would never expect that to happen. But whoever has descale a fish can recognize that it makes perfect sense!

[@tenorlove]

RIP Gallagher, You will be missed.

[@cdc194]

You guys need to remember, this was before the internet, comedy was still closer to silly cave paintings then it is today.

[@NJGuy1973]

Yes, because the internet is so full of sophisticated comedy 🙄

[@unexplainedaf7469]

*than. I guess you're still in the cave.

[@rhodeislandredneck4562]

Must be miserable to have 0 sense of humor

[@urassisdragon]

True but good comedy is much rarer these days

[@eyeseer1]

Comedy in the 1970s was as trippy as Cheech and Chong. But you can’t deny those people had fun watching.

[@sandflea23]

Rule #1: Don't take yourself too seriously. I was lucky enough to catch a few Gallagher Shows back in the day! A unique brand of unguarded comedy that will never be matched again! Thanks G for all the laughs!

[@RichardWTate]

Iconic. RIP Gallagher, ride the sledge-o-matic to those pearly gates, sweet angel 👼🏻

[@chrisdonahue524]

So sad, finally lost his battle with AIDS 🦠

[@piscesempress1978]

@@chrisdonahue524 wtf he didnt have AIDS

[@JoeGhoul]

Watched this on VHS as a kid! Great Comedy 🍉🔨🎭 RIP Man - You entertained many people & will be remembered for that. ✌️♾️

[@scottbrowning4553]

Gallagher was a one-of-a-kind stand-up comedian. I grew up watching him to cope with the everyday pressures of school. His ability to make people laugh will be missed. Rest in peace Gallagher, and I hope to meet you in the afterlife, maybe sharing some laughs as well.

[@Sheena0620]

Rest in peace comedian #Gallagher I met him in 2008 it was for my birthday. I got to get up on stage and squash a birthday cake. Syrup/cake all over me 😆

[@Miketheratguy]

That would have been amazing. Was it a televised show? I'd be showing everyone that video until my friends stopped talking to me.

[@judyc1202]

R.I.P Gallagher you gave us many laughs 😥💔⚘️

[@jessiperkins3974]

both of my parents and their two friends are seen quite a few times in this clip. It was nice to see this again. I hadn't seen this since I rented the full feature from #Blockbuster, many moons ago!!

[@sosababy583]

Hopefully they were the toy car and the grapes

[@versansky75]

RIP Gallagher. Your style of comedy will never be topped

[@paulguseman6004]

I love how a Gwar show is essentially a metal version of this with pee and blood.

[@BoRaiChoWins]

This is way more amusing than I thought it would be. Dude was amazing.

[@FloridaManYT]

Watch a whole stand up of him. You won't be disappointed. It is different comedy

[@ghostsquirrel8739]

Rest In Peace, thank you for all the laughs.

[@smatejka1]

Rest in Peace Gallagher!! Thank you for years of good messy fun!!

[@benbauer3426]

I mean, quick cut between hammer blows and add in the vine 'boom' sound effect and you have yourself comedy gold in the modern era.

[@moehio]

RIP, my friend. Thanks for all the laughs as a child and again as an adult. You were brilliant.

[@SteelPhoenyx]

Still one of my favorite comedians. Rest in Peace, Gallagher!

[@BodgyHeats666]

I don't understand how this was fun for people back then

[@inkyhip458]

BodgyHeats666 It's not hard to understand how this was fun for people back then. The internet wasn't around.

[@macsterling1954]

+BodgyHeats666 You had to be there......

[@ROOKTABULA]

+BodgyHeats666 I admit to laughing at it back in the 80's. It's the equivalent of Jackass and viral web videos. Check out what he is now: www.thestranger.com/seattle/gallagher-is-a-paranoid-right-wing-watermelon-smashing-maniac/Content?oid=4357855

[@chriswellz5993]

+BodgyHeats666 There's a lot of stuff we'll never understand on how they were entertained... The same reason how women in the bronze and iron ages thought it was the best thing in the world to crochet ALL DAY! lol

[@TreSneaky]

+BodgyHeats666 I think the fun was more in either being in the front and having this food flying around or seeing the people in the front get covered in food explosions.

[@bradythompson3651]

OMG SO HAPPY I found these videos. Literally made my childhood and life so much happier still to this day!! 🖤🖤

[@HankScorpio64]

RIP Gallagher. A Legend that will never be equaled.

[@MrProofMan]

Boomers: Millennial humor makes no sense. Also Boomers:

[@itsnotme3882]

Well it was fun to watch

[@ARDG89]

Maybe not extremely funny but it was entertaining. I watch the whole video so im sure it would've been even better in the seats there.

[@chidoliro302]

Yeah sure

[@bernie421]

Millennials make no sense.

[@MrProofMan]

@@bernie421 You probably don't even know what a millennial is.

[@kimberlytaylor5886]

Not sure why but his name suddenly popped into my mind. Loved watching him

[@ghxfit]

“Aggression against… this damn video game” SPOT. ON!!!

[@alanhill769]

Bloody funny man. I am so glad I found these videos. Thank you

[@RJC96cj]

RIP Gallegher...the best Sales Rep the Master Tool Corporation, Division of Fly By Night Industries ever had.

[@MrVisde]

As a kid, this was comedy gold 😂

[@JulesHinmon]

He’s smashing watermelons to entertain God now. He will always be remembered as a comedic addition. RIP Gallagher.

[@standardarm63]

I watched this dozens of times on comedy central when in was young/ still on basic cable. My cable box had a dial I had to turn to change the station.

[@elizabethjones7735]

Rest in Peace Gallagher. You will be missed. Thank you for the laughter of so many years

[@chrisdonahue524]

So sad, finally lost his battle with AIDS.

[@camelspiderattack4161]

rip leo gallagher, you'll never be forgotten

[@saleeataylor4486]

insanely chill ?

[@user-lo3pd7dn5e]

why the fuck was this ever a 'thing'?

[@ostsweinen5240]

Murica

[@Shadowkey392]

+ost sweinen Good answer.

[@MrAlcazar]

It was the 80s. That's all you need to know.

[@Alexandra-fz7lk]

I was watching this 30 years ago!

[@Gunbudder]

I can't believe how insanely popular this was back in the day. society just collectively did too much cocaine

[@AlexIsModded]

Oh, it was perfect. The simplicity and utter ridiculousness was why it was so funny. Everyone in that audience didn't grow up with computers or internet. The internet was barely a thing when I was a kid, and MS-DOS games were what everyone wanted (especially when Atari games could be ported to the PC, I loved Dig Dug so much). We had to find unique ways to entertain ourselves and we didn't expect too much from life. I miss those days.

[@fakingitwithstyle]

Or do we just not do enough cocaine now?

[@grabble7605]

Yeah...Jokes and violence are just as popular today.

[@MCM_Savage]

Right?!!! Mork & Mindy is a fine testament to that statement. Lol. 🤟😂

[@kirkchurchil8216]

I think it’s more everyone’s over stimulated and miserable today so they cant enjoy simplicity.

[@AdamG1983]

Millennial humor: Irony, post-irony, sarcasm, memes, absurdism Boomer humor:

[@vikinghoodbluelighthouse2911]

I find both funny

[@Joshua-ev9uw]

Also boomer humor: Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Flip Wilson, Bill Cosby, Jay Leno, Bob Hope, Jackie Gleason, Cheech and Chong, David Letterman (I don't personally find him funny at all), etc....

[@eyeseer1]

Boomers living for the moment

[@jacktorrance2633]

Someone actually identified "Boomers" correctly! Look at you Adam!

[@pornsakpongthong1092]

We had a millenial move into our town last year but now he's dead.

[@john-paulnagel2732]

Thank Gallager! Legendary! You were Different! Love ❤️

[@alexgataric]

He did prop humor similar to carrot top. This sledgehammer stuff was the climax of the show.

[@reenyny9502]

carrot tip stole his act

[@piscesempress1978]

carrot top isnt funny tho

[@walterschoenke7203]

He used to make me laugh very hard. His regular stand up was funny as well. RIP

[@randalljames1]

Shows that were hilarious, and family friendly.. last of a breed... thank you for the laughs!!!

[@hw4558]

I have been following him since I was a young kid. Always made me laugh 🤣. Did a meet and great with him a few years ago in Rochester before his show (which was awesome of course) and my wife and I got some pictures with him that we will cherish forever. Rest in peace my friend !!! You will always be the king of comedy !!!!!!!

[@Shadowkey392]

NEVER has smashing random s****t with a sledgehammer been so damn good.

[@andrewpytko4773]

One of the greatest prop comics ever!

[@NORCAL609]

I don’t comprehend this humor…. I feel like it literally robbed me of brain cells

[@N-wordScissorhands]

No that’s social media.

[@Chadner]

Came for the watermelon, stayed for the flattened light bulb

[@otakop67]

That man was a LEGEND!

[@steelers6titles]

of what?

[@itsmountainmike]

Been a Gallager fan since the 80,s Best live comedy shows brilliant minded outlook in society .funniest moments.!!!

[@piscesempress1978]

me too

[@TDH24Live]

Is this all he did?

[@slimonion1975]

R.i.p. to a great legend i loved watching him smash the watermelons

[@randygreen007]

Rest In Peach my man! You’ll be missed!

[@Miketheratguy]

"Rest in peach". It took me a second. I like that. :)

[@randygreen007]

@@Miketheratguy The one time auto correct got it right lol.

[@Miketheratguy]

@@randygreen007 Cool of you to admit such a thing, I actually found that to be kind of ingenious. I would have claimed it like a bastard, lol.

[@randygreen007]

@@Miketheratguy Trust me if anyone catches me doing something cool it’s purely by accident!

[@Justaswise]

that moment you find out that dave chapelle skit is real life 😂😂 just makes it a thousand times funnier

[@420Skyship]

BLACK GALLAGHER DOESNT GO OUT LIKE SOME PUNK ASS BITCH!!!!

[@youkilledkiller22]

I saw that glimmer of regret in his eyes after he smashed his own gaming system in the name of comedy.

[@TechnozSki]

RIP Gallagher you were one of a kind!!

[@tofan2622]

Gallagher was the best man. We always knew him as the watermelon smasher. He was one of the first to do VHS shows. Crazy.

[@Golems_victory]

Weird because my mom said George Carlin smashed watermelons yet all I found was this guy. It seems she was lying unless u can help me find footage of George Carlin smashing watermelons. Bro

[@popequiet1935]

HAHAHA GALLAIGARrrrrrrrrr ! CLAaaaaaaassic. gets me evertime. hillarious how he smashes all that stuff. genius !

[@JamesSmith-py4zn]

RIP Gallagher... One of my favorite comedians... Say hi to my other favorite George Carlin🤙💯😥

[@Horseshoecrabwarrior]

The yells of triumph when he says "POUND cake?" are what really get me

[@peterjwilson]

Rest in Peace. Thanks for the laughs

[@Glitch-Gremlin]

Gallagher really was funny... may he rest in piece.

[@michaelsway2.0]

Rest in peace Mr Gallagher you will be missed 😭♥️♥️♥️

[@Bl913]

RIP still remember sitting around my TV with the family watching.

[@EANTYcrown]

children in africa could have eaten that toy car

[@WegotTheBOMB]

kids in Africa don't know the concept of toy.

[@elevate32767]

Children in Africa could have eaten that hammer

[@sbrazenor2]

Children in Africa should just cut out the middle man, and just eat each other.

[@maggisclipsofthemonth3952]

Isn't Africa full of animals and vegetation, can't they just eat that ? why do they always need stuff from us..

[@ShaneFoxfaceWalsh]

lol nice

[@christopherharlan9845]

Am I missing something...?

[@kallebaah0]

Massive amounts of drugs

[@user-mm7xr8if1u]

Years ago, I had Gallagher on VHS tape. Genius. This guy nearly had me shitting my pants. Fucking EPIC.

[@kenp1563]

Front row tickets for this show was vip. Rest in peace

[@skunkman9815]

This is hilarious

[@anthonya1151]

Agreed.

[@doughesson]

First time I ever even heard of Gallagher was when I was in the Navy and was buying movie tickets at the base bowling alley to go into town later. They were handing out free tickets to this "Gallagher show and gave me two. I turned to the woman in line behind me and asked if she wanted to go. Neither of us knew at the time that if you have front row seats at a Gallagher show,you NEED plastic sheeting for cover. We had a great time. But,NO I didn't marry her,so if you were looking for a romantic ending to this tale,sorry.

[@sha11235]

+doughesson You don't have to use plastic sheeting for cover if you don't want to. You don't mind getting wet or covered with food, hell with it.

[@Bout_TreeFiddy]

Don't have to marry to have a romantic ending

[@pornsakpongthong1092]

Did you pound her in the c%&#?