Michael O’Brien performs “The Best Linking Ring Routine You Have Ever Seen!” Penn and Teller Fool Us

ATTENTION For updated video with quality sound and correct aspect ratio, click HERE: • Michael O’Brien perfor...
Michael O'Brien performs the best linking ring routine you will ever see for the dynamic duo of magic, Penn & Teller. Will his mentor Matthew Garrett’s routine be enough to fool them though? Find out!!! *I Do not own this content. All rights reserved for the CW's Penn & Teller Fool Us Season 8 Episode 4 “Monkeys, Donuts, and X-Men”
Want to learn this fantastic ring routine by Michael's mentor Matthew Garrett? Check out Ninja+ HERE: www.obrienmagic.com/linkingrin... (US) www.professionalmagic.com (UK)
Want to watch the exclusive behind the scenes special? Check it out HERE: • Michael O'Brien's Penn...
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Michael O'Brien is an award winning magician who has performed magic all over the world including the Magic Castle in Hollywood, California as well as the Magic Circle in London, United Kingdom. He has made several television appearances including: KTLA 5, Mitú TV, and America's Got Talent. In addition to performing magic, Michael spends much of his time creating his own magic effects, giving his audience a unique experience they will not get anywhere else as well as teaching up and coming magicians the tricks of the trade!
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Bumper by Buck Bowen Featuring “Salty Dog” by Flogging Molly

[@OBrienMagic]

*ATTENTION* for updated video with quality sound and correct aspect ratio click HERE: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqrGhZqGjpuWpsk

[@markpjf85]

It’s ok 👍 Micheal it’s fine

[@OBrienMagic]

@@mattymediocrity8255 that or you just enjoyed the video without feeling entitled or needy! 😂😜

[@hazamax2139]

Don't worry dude, it's not that bad

[@aaabbb-py5xd]

@@OBrienMagic Audio? What about the stretched video? Lol, please be entitled and needy enough to upload an even shlttier version, only to then insist that no one should complain. Well, complaining I'm not, just skipping lol

[@aaabbb-py5xd]

@@OBrienMagic Oh, sorry for the comment about video and audio, I did not realize you're the magician in the video, loved the performance 🙂 great job. Earlier, I just thought you were some random uploader trying to rip off views with an average recording 😂

[@PhilippBoettcher]

In an interview P&T once said something along the lines, that fooling is just the McGuffin of the show. The real goal would be to show great magic performances. And yours was one of the best I have seen. Great job!

[@OBrienMagic]

Wow!!!!!! What an honor! Thank you!!!! So much!

[@hq3473]

Well it's not all a McGuffin. The idea is to encourage performers to show new types of magic and use their imagination. Even if it does not fool, it shows off the skills and pushes the genre forward.

[@nio107]

Agree.

[@DrakeOola]

The real magic is that they no longer have to pay to go see tricks, rather, the performers now come to them and they get paid to watch and enjoy it 😉

[@EveryDooDarnDiddlyDay]

Nah, the REAL magic is the pastries we made along the way.

[@julievanderleest]

I love how Penn claps for the bottle opening. 😂

[@OBrienMagic]

Its the most magical part of the act! Lol

[@DrZaius3141]

You say he claps, I just say he Cheers!

[@Playcultura]

My left ear is amused by this trick. Guess which side is Penn seated.

[@OBrienMagic]

Totally planned that way! ;)

[@bapt_andthebasses]

@@OBrienMagic Hey OBrien, you should fix your video before it gets famous! Some people could have no left channel and can't listen!

[@DanielF601]

@@OBrienMagic great performance, but seriously this KZbin video only has audio on the Left channel, no joke. For your own sake, it would be worth looking into that and fixing it. All the best.

[@wildae.]

someone else also noticed it

[@bricelory9534]

Mad respect for Fool Us as a show - I am convinced it has helped to push magic further than almost anything else. I mean, the level of tricks happening now compared to even the opening seasons... remarkable!

[@williamstandish2926]

It would make sense, magicians are thinking of new ideas or new ways to do something just to win. That and how many magicians would even have a chance of performing in Vegas if not for the show.

[@giovannirojas3952]

I would say technology has also played a big role. Back then, a method someone invented would probably take years to reach someone else. @@williamstandish2926

[@cowpuddles4851]

Nice how he tied the bottle opener back into the act. Very well done!

[@ParkinT]

You are the KING of this handling of those rings. Great job, buddy!!

[@OBrienMagic]

Thank you SO MUCH!!!

[@CASEMSTR]

Really clean! Obviously it'll always be hard to "fool" someone with a linking rings routine, there really is only so many ways that you can actually do it, but it doesnt take away from the nice effect it produces!

[@brandonjones5096]

Plus when youre using other peoples objects that are 100% unique to only them, it really narrows it down to one way of it being able to be done.

[@Berzerkules]

@@brandonjones5096 Tnat was where I went too. It made the performance so much better but really narrowed the options for the solution. Still, the ball bearing piece fooled me, so I’d have to have given him the trophy

[@brandonjones5096]

@@Berzerkules Yeah the bearing part is pretty slick, its hard to see it but if you pay attention to the ring when he hands it to teller to examine, he takes the ball bearing and palms it really quickly and then gives him an attached bearing that is actually on the rod. The bearing is on the rod the entire time, during the setup of the trick hes palming that part of the ring so you dont see it. Before that, another bearing actually does go onto the ring with a small piece of ring that detaches, that part is on the opposite side of the ring from where the actually attached bearing is in his palm. So when he hands it to teller, he does the switch and teller's focus is mainly just on the area where the bearing is attached, not the opposite end at the top where the illusion actually happened. Hopefully that makes sense

[@Berzerkules]

@@brandonjones5096 Makes perfect sense, and after I thought about it, I realized that was what must have happened, especially since he gave the ring and bearing to Penn to examine. But I totally missed the palm and substitution and initially thought the bearing might have been gimmicked. You have good eyes! Thanks

[@paulm3952]

@@brandonjones5096 That's honestly the only part where I'm relatively confident how he did it. No idea how he did the ring on the forehead and I only have guesses about the rest.

[@vitaliysavchyshynatvitaliy9877]

As a magician I love this show because magicians see other magicians come up with new routines and that’s how new and better Magic gets created… Loved your rings I had some custom made. Keep creating you did a great job!

[@MagicofKeelanWendorf]

LOVE THIS! I've seen you perform an earlier version of this performance several year ago and this was absolutely incredible.

[@brendaquiroga3517]

What a great performance Michael! Congratulations!

[@OBrienMagic]

Thank you!!!

[@frednorthupjr.9156]

Brilliant! What a joy to watch. As an amateur, it’s so fun to watch people who take the classics we’ve all done (linking rings, cups and balls, etc) to a new level. Congrats.

[@OBrienMagic]

So kind thank you!

[@DomDomTheFirst]

Have you seen Chris Hannibal's cups and balls? It's brilliant 😊✌️

[@Elessar_Telcontar]

I love how you involved them in the act! Very fun performance

[@BPendleburyMagic]

I'm so freakin proud of you! I watched you develop this routine over the years and, to finally be doing it there, and that close? Dude!!! So amazing!!!!

[@OBrienMagic]

Thanks so much man. That means alot!

[@istvanagoston7137]

It was worth the wait, best linking trick rings ever :)) good job!

[@loupasternak]

Best thing about Fool Us is how great a job Alyson does, mocking all the haters that posted here for years !

[@OBrienMagic]

I agree. She is a gem!

[@Littleshoe32]

Great performance!! So happy for you because I know it means a lot to perform for them and on stage for so many people to see. Great job!

[@Sylphinator]

This was wonderful! Thank you for sharing it with us!

[@LukeRBrady]

Great set! I have never met anyone who does the rings better!

[@TomServo_MST3K]

Magic is similar to music in one very important way that every magician worth his/her salt needs to understand. You can write the most technically nuanced music that is insanely intricate and complex, but if it's not enjoyable to listen to, regardless of what a technical masterpiece it may be, nobody will. Music is not just about the technical aspects, but also about the style and the vibe. It's about the experience overall. Music needs to be approachable, engaging, and understandable. And in this respect, magic is the exact same way. It's not just about your methods and your proficiency, but also about the flow and the patter, the routine and the journey. Michael clearly understands this. That routine and the narrative pacing is about as close to perfect as you can get. Such a joy to watch that. Kudos, sir.

[@OBrienMagic]

I 100% agree with you. Thank you SO MUCH for such high praise!

[@OBrienMagic]

I had a great mentor and consultant on this btw. Matthew has been there every step if the way

[@CrisEdmundson]

This is probably my favorite routine I've ever seen, and I think had a more visceral feel of wonder than any other magic trick I've seen on fool us

[@OBrienMagic]

Awwww thanks so much! Wow!

[@CrisEdmundson]

@@OBrienMagic @OBrienMagic Absolutely! I really loved this routine. I'm not even especially into magic, I just love pen and teller, but I'd be absolutely enthralled if I saw that in person, it was a really remarkable performance man

[@J.EzraEntertainment]

I'll never get tired of that routine, great choice and Damn good show.

[@OceanMikey]

This is a beautiful act. To see Pen and Teller smile when someone does magic is truly a joy.

[@96218511]

Michael O'Brien = The Lord Of The Rings! Truly enjoyed your close up performance.

[@Kuma_Kares]

Not a fooler but a winner in all of our heartz!

[@OBrienMagic]

Awwwwwwww!

[@jameshawksley5893]

This is one of the most incredible and engaging routines of all time. Bravo.

[@mattymediocrity8255]

Anyone perusing these comments who is a fan of P&T, you absolutely MUST check out O'Brien's hour long behind the scenes special of how everything went down! Some other guys have done a quick one and there's some really detailed stuff on a podcast behind a pay wall, but his is the most in depth, entertaining and informative break down that I've seen that's easily accessible. You'll be glad you did! And great job, O'Brien! It was a pleasure to watch! I get a weird feeling in my gut just thinking about a huge empty theater... I literally couldn't imagine what performing under those conditions is like. You crushed!

[@timmack2415]

What a great, fresh routine with a magic classic! A joy to watch

[@capacitorvoice]

That was a great job. Congratulations for being on the show.

[@raterus]

P&T were actually fooled, Michael just agreed with whatever they said so his true identity as Unholy Ring Ninja would not be revealed.

[@GeorgeVCohea-dw7ou]

He had to disclose the method to a third party to keep things fair for all. Years ago, this person was Johnny Thompson. I don't know who it is now, but they get final determination over whether or not what Penn says is accurate enough. There is, technically, a prize of monetary value, performing as opener for P&T, and so it falls under game show fraud protection regulations. Don't be so sure. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHWpkomvq9CEg8U

[@saratavington5435]

Usually when a magician brings out linking rings I roll my eyes but this guy managed to put a fresh twist on a very old gimmick and he handled it with such panache that I can happily say, his routine was a pleasure to watch.

[@Martian_WB]

Unbelievably clean, and very awesome to watch the new twists on a classic

[@combeechan]

Definitely the best linking ring performance I've seen in a long time. Great job!

[@tomstrack42]

You're the kind of magician I just love to watch and to enjoy the moment, forgetting about method in the process. That's a compliment, by the way!

[@alejandrogilrodriguez3941]

That was so freaking beautiful!!! 👏🏻👌🏻 Love it!

[@EDBybee]

A great linking rings performance, Brian. I really enjoyed your routine.

[@biclighter3854]

Wow that was such a great routine so clean and visually pleasing 10/10 man, The part with the bottle open was so fast and smooth definitely made my face light up

[@keithnorris8982]

At my age, as much magic as I have either watched or performed, especially a classic like the rings, it's hard to fool us. BUT, we do appreciate a stellar performance along with the thought that went into incorporating a few twists and turns to make it your very own trick. I will have to rank your performance right along with Pop's. He is funny but yours is jaw dropping. My hat goes off to you Michael... even though my hat it's not as spiffy as yours:-) Next summer, I'll look forward to a round or two at the castle. -AmazingKeith

[@TheDizzleHawke]

Another one for my left ear playlist.

[@weareone2854]

That was fantastic! It is in fact the best ring routine I've seen.

[@f52_yeevy]

Hi Michael! I’ve known about you through the TXI forums and I just wanted to say that I’ve always loved your work and that you have such a nice personality, both in performance and writing!

[@OBrienMagic]

Thank you so much!!!!

[@pedrodiaz5540]

He fooled me and that’s a fact, love this show it doesn’t matter if Penn &Teller are fooled, this is magic to me

[@OBrienMagic]

I love that. THANK YOU!

[@italicBald]

That was marvellous! Thank you, sir!

[@pallidinyou]

Absolutely superb! Loved it!

[@sharpo]

Masterfully done. Great performance by King of the Rings.

[@yagomarinhomartins257]

Dont you mean LORD of the rings? 🥴🥴

[@sharpo]

@@yagomarinhomartins257 LOL. Maybe!

[@justrightlizard]

Fantastic performance, absolutely among my favorite Fool Us routines.

[@edward2785]

Bravo! Very well done, and congratulations.

[@robynorozco3865]

Mike, this was so cool!!! I was smiling from ear to ear the whole time. It took me back to you doing card tricks at Thunder (saw that costume in the pictures too haha). I still talk about how you would blow my mind with your magic and it makes me so happy to see you living your dream!

[@OBrienMagic]

Awww thanks Robyn! Yeah you BTM kids were a huge inspiration for me because thats how i practiced my new material lol

[@charliedg6297]

This kind of tricks it's not about how you do it, but the way you do it! It was very nice and clean! Really love it!

[@TheDeconstructivist]

Such a great version of the rings! You really made it your own and turned a stock trick into something fresh and entertaining!

[@ExtraMaritalAffairs]

Great Performance Brian. Loved it. Specially inviting Penn and Teller on stage shows the skills you have. Great job.

[@lynnlynn1689]

you did awesome! very cool seeing this routine

[@Bob-bs3ev]

Wonderful. Lots of fun to watch. Thank you

[@Nico12420]

Did that ring a bell? Is a perfect pun for this magic! 😂😂😂!

[@david_t_nethery_animator]

Great ! That was so fresh and entertaining. The original thinking you've brought to this effect makes something old into something new .

[@anonymous38741]

this is the best linking ring routine I've ever seen!

[@kenpearce3269]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 enjoyed it !

[@AnandMagic9]

Great job, Michael!

[@derekthemagician]

Great work Michael. Was a pleasure to watch.

[@OBrienMagic]

Thank you so much Derek!

[@DadBodDrumming]

Wow that was so innovative. I love the ball bearing and the bottle opener. So creative.

[@nickmuzekari6124]

Outstanding performance.

[@audreymai2773]

Wow.. amazing and so smooth. Loved it!

[@giuliobi7406]

You make It seems so easy. Beautiful performance, surely you fool me!!

[@jamelmeggs6882]

Great job man, you are awesome!

[@virginiapicker]

That was absolutely phenomenal

[@charlierobinsonmagician7593]

This is amazing! You're a ninja!

[@TheDaveShowLP]

I didnt even want to find all the gimmicks and methods you used, I just enjoyed watching it. Well done :)

[@johndavidtice]

Yeah this is definitely the best linking ring routine I’ve seen. Excellent work.

[@uncle0eric]

Well, you fooled me (and I used to do the classic linking rings)! I have a few guesses here and there, but I don't actually care if they're on the right track, because that routine was so beautifully executed.

[@alexhardao2742]

Beautifully done

[@sm5574]

Great routine! You might try wrapping your hat around the bottle just before you produce it and then pulling the bottle out from it, de-emphasize the shieldness of the hat and use its floppiness to make the effect even more amazing.

[@OBrienMagic]

Great advice!!!

[@Vinemaple]

I like how magicians who *haven't* fooled Penn & Teller are now putting their appearances online. Because for the rest of us they're still fascinating. I was actually surprised this wasn't a fool, because when they were onstage, Penn & Teller both looked fascinated and filled with wonder. Must've been O'Brien's creativity.

[@MsArchitectschannel]

If only they all knew how to make the audio work properly :p

[@magiciansanketmahapatra8778]

Superb performance Michael. U r great

[@MrAndyStenz]

I always learn a lot when watching you, and this did not disappoint. Wonderful performance!

[@Mega-13]

I was angry about the audio when the video startet, but completly forgot about it, because the act was so amazing! Great Job!

[@milchpuder]

Amazing! I almost don't want to know how the tricks were done as it really was pure magic!

[@davidscribner1841]

Great trick! Combining the rings methods with a bunch of other traditional sleight of hand techniques to solidify the illusions is really clever

[@maartenarnou]

Beautiful routine. Magical! 👌

[@SkipperBing]

Amazing routine! One of the best I've seen on the show fooler or not.

[@Pathfinder-Doc]

Absolutely amazing

[@N01Meow]

wow that was really well done!

[@SpencerWayne]

Awesome work, man.

[@Vortex-gz8se]

My left ear enjoyed this very much.

[@OBrienMagic]

Read the description and pinned comment

[@letsssgooo4618]

This kind of magic is my favorite. Crazy skill involved I can’t even imagine the amount of time.

[@mootpoint7053]

I LOVE HOW TELLER IS OVER THERE GABBING UP A STORM, BUT DOESN'T SAY A WORD TO ANYONE BUT PENN!

[@alejandroagger1951]

Beautiful act!!!

[@Kleavers]

Great performance!

[@Lukusprime]

I think this is the longest I’ve ever seen Penn and Teller deliberate. Normally it takes only a few seconds

[@OBrienMagic]

Honestly it may all be in editing anyway. I was up there with Allison answering her questions while they talked for about 20 minutes or so. I’m not sure if thats normal or not but what makes it to TV definitely isn’t reflective of it. If you are insinuating they really had to try hard to figure it out, you are very kind but I’m not sure how true that is lol.

[@Lukusprime]

@@OBrienMagic yeah that’s what I was trying to get at, that it seemed like they took the longest time trying to figure out your trick compared to all the others I’ve seen, therefore it must be a really good trick!

[@fcaspergerrainman]

Even you did not fool them, a great great magic! Kudos

[@Fr33manTV]

Great job! That was awesome.

[@OBrienMagic]

Thank you!!!

[@CVVmagic]

You drinking that beer on television on stage for Penn and Teller… is my spirit animal 🤣

[@OBrienMagic]

Hahahahahaha love it! Thanks for the love bro!

[@CVVmagic]

OBrienMagic you killed it man. Even showed my parents this :)

[@glebrao]

DUDE THAT PERFORMANCE WAS UNBELIEVABLE

[@splittingtraffic2674]

This without a doubt has to be the best one I've seen on this show

[@giovannirojas3952]

Very good. I really liked your performance. Glad I can appreciate magic. 😊

[@mikemclenison8200]

Outstanding trick and performance!

[@Jimmyboygohome]

This is so fun to watch

[@charlesmartinjr3971]

Nicely done!

[@johnfontaine2760]

Wow that was amazing.

[@ReubenLardizabal]

Awesome performance!!!!!!

[@markpjf85]

Michael very good performance 👌👏👏👏👏👏☘️ great routine with the rings beer steel ball