Puddles Pity Party, "I Started a Joke" by The Bee Gees - Skyline Sessions

The non-speaking, seven-foot-tall clown known as Puddles became a worldwide internet sensation in 2013 when a video of his baritone cover of Lorde’s “Royals,” a collaboration with the music collective Postmodern Jukebox, went viral (it now has over 17 million views). Since then, Puddles has produced several more viral videos, mostly covers of recent hit songs, and he has toured the U.S., Europe and Australia.
Puddles Pity Party visited Houston Public Media’s Geary Studio while in Houston recently for a set of concerts at the Alley Theatre, presented by Lott Entertainment. He recorded the Bee Gees’ 1968 song “I Started a Joke,” and Sia’s 2014 hit single “Chandelier.”

[@emadmansour752]

This guy doesn’t just sing. He also paints a picture of a life story. And I could feel the story in his eyes before he even speaks a word. Puddles Pity Party, I am I huge fan.

[@leandro.jose.ferreira]

I am too

[@noobmaster7762]

Am 3

[@RobertLangdon-r2w]

"This guy" is also a Hungarian national now living in Texas, who (instead of posting nature photos) continually trolled me in my Nature Photography community on MeWe, bashing, trashing and insisting on debating United States foreign policy with me. I actually had to block him from my community and MeWe feed, when he failed to take the hint, after I suggested he return to Hungary if he so despises the United States. I am not a huge fan of some of the USA's history of blundered foreign policy, but I have far better things to do with my time than listen to hypocrital whining from someone who has come to the U.S. to enjoy the "good life." I just wish his videos would stop popping up on my You Tube page. 😑

[@leannezezeski-sass2773]

Performance art and talent at its best 👏👏

[@Luschan]

@@RobertLangdon-r2w. This guy is definitely not Hungarian lol, he was born in Pennsylvania.

[@richardturner9317]

his visual performances take the songs to a higher level than the music alone.

[@lisarogers512]

I totally agree 💯

[@justinbennett9998]

They don't teach this shit in clown school.

[@martycech5844]

I would / will pay my hard earned money to see this man and his show...

[@AllenFreemanMediaGuru]

@@justinbennett9998 🥳

[@thedukeofskull1383]

He is one of the best ever. He takes you past what is being sung. 👍

[@rpanerio]

Bad ass singer with soul. He doesn't just sing, he delivers an experience.

[@chito111177]

Bob Panerio you are right. This song will never be the same for me again. It is pure genius!

[@ccea771]

Bob Panerio Right the fuck ON. That's it exactly!! 👍👑🎶

[@TheBadboybrian]

Well said... "You have Spoken"! =D

[@markwilson8584]

0

[@beeharbour]

Yes, it is indeed an experience. So is waterboarding.

[@wadeseymour7706]

Every single person on the planet should do themselves a favour and listen to Puddles at least once in their lives.

[@hammersteve8]

I'm here listening once again, getting all emotional over a 6' 8" flipping clown with the voice of an angel. And the best bit is... I just don't care. He's truly superb.

[@claudiazuma]

Me, too.

[@VerilySaid]

Puddles. Period. Mystique is mystique.

[@vickifelder6103]

Im 62yrs and I love this guy.

[@NancyConner]

Hey, Vicki, I'm 72 and I can't get enough of him. I listen to him every day. He makes me smile and just as easily he makes me cry. What a guy. Or clown. Or man. ENTERTAINER.

[@christiansworldviewpage2920]

I'm 61, and he has given me a reason to actually listen to someone sing again. So few artists that are genuine. Oh I know he sings other people's songs, but he does it in a way that in unique and satisfying, yet gives me the desire to hear him sing more..

[@toddlane6141]

There is not any song that this guy can't nail. His voice is absolutely amazing. Everything from the national anthem to Blink 182 to Johnny Cash. Unbelievable talent. Would like to see him in Phantom of the Opera. Awesome, Awesome powerful voice.

[@andrewstallings5942]

Oh, he would be an amazing Phantom !!!

[@iamthesilence9063]

Look at his histrionic swings, it's almost hypnotic. I love this guy

[@davethompson8283]

I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOU DO..... WHEN THE MAN COMES AROUND, BY JOHNNY CASH...THE MESSAGE IT HAS COULD ONLY BE CONVEYED BY VERY FEW, WITH SUCH SOUL, MIKE, I THINK YOU WOULD TOUCH AN AWFUL LOT OF SOULS....AND WAKE A LOT OF SINFUL PEOPLE UP....THANK YOU FOR THE JOY YOU HAVE BROUGHT TO A DYING 67 YEAR OLD MAN. I HAVE COPD, AND PRAY TO THE LORD TO WATCH OVER ME EVERY NIGHT. 1 OUT OF 4 PEOPLE WITH COPD DIE IN THEIR SLEEP. IM PREPARED TO MEET GOD, AND HAVE REPENTED FOR MY MANY SINS. GOD BLESS YOU, BROTHER.... I HOPE TO LISTEN TO YOU IN HEAVEN. IN JESUS NAME,AMEN

[@davethompson8283]

IM FINDING OUT...SOME SONGS CAN BE IMITATED...BUT NEVER DUPLICATED... AND WILL NEVER BE IMPROVED UPON. THIS IS ONE...REFLECTIONS OF MY LIFE

[@craig-michaelkierce1366]

​@@andrewstallings5942...fantastic idea.

[@deryckmcleod4608]

Puddles, you bring tears to this 65 year old man who grew up with the Bee Gees.

[@Johnwillbegone]

This guy might be a clown. But he's no joke.

[@lorenzonotarianni1667]

Bob Sirunkle your brief comment has geniality in it Sir.

[@alexgolovchenko3791]

Puddles inspired me to keep living, no joke.😑

[@th3_g0th60]

A few months ago, I revealed the reason I hadn't been talking to one of my friends. He said, "You've been able to make time for a Fucking clown and not me?" I saw he obviously didn't understand, so I showed him this. He then said, "But clowns don't sing." I almost laughed in his face. I then replied with ,"No, Andrew, Puddles doesn't sing. Puddles puts on a performance."

[@carlosholst5380]

@@th3_g0th60 - Dear Amélie, good comment in despite of one detail : Puddles is not a clown, he performs an Arlequin which is an art of renaissance. So he wears only white and black and can sing and play a guitar, better would be a tradicional bandolin as they used in the past.

[@kevinlarkin2696]

@@th3_g0th60 sea boo play ...

[@Byley-e7h]

This man is an alien ! He has mesmerised me since I recently discovered him and I can’t get my head around how unbelievably entertaining he is!

[@alexgolovchenko3791]

I second that!! He may not be an 'alien' but he definitely is "Other Worldy" ... I'm not sure what the difference is. 🤔

[@SCCIT-jq6jh]

Or how damn brilliantly he sings man.

[@lisarogers512]

Same here. He's completely mesmerizing

[@johnmcguire4422]

Beau Bear exactly my experience! Mesmerized is just what happened!

[@djbanzai]

Could not imagine anyone delivering a greater performance of this song. Everything about this is perfect.

[@danielhays1967]

Check out, Faith No More does a version.

[@ZSAZSS09]

Finally someone who gives this song the voice it deserves! This is THE ultimate version for me.

[@Combfish]

faith no more does an amazing cover of this song also :D

[@andrewvincent5472]

Robin Gibb did a nice job the first time around. Perhaps you have missed hearing the Bee Gees.

[@RicTic66]

Rubbish

[@ZSAZSS09]

@@RicTic66 what is rubbish?

[@Michael-du2fv]

Bee Gees wrote it, but someone finally gave it the voice it needed.

[@loveistruth5713]

I think they call him puddles because everybody ends up crying a river ..how awesome he sings And the emotions he draws out of his audience. And I pity anybody who doesn't have the experience

[@seattledude6277]

Puddles is a genius and one of the worlds best singers!

[@paultrawick1741]

I’m a great fan he makes my day

[@damnitjim4689]

*_Thank God For Puddles._*

[@navida2005]

how i pray

[@donnieobie8229]

@@navida2005 k

[@whiteorchid5412]

This song is absolutely perfect in terms of tempo and range for Puddles powerful singing voice.

[@roypringle8910]

I was lucky enough to have seen the show, on the best cruise for my 70th birthday. I also met his beautiful family.

[@MagicCircusofSamoa]

THE ONE AND ONLY PUDDLES! LOVE YOU!

[@hammersteve8]

This guy is a fucking genius.

[@larslarsen1444]

Jolly Good Show ! I must say, it was quite delightful ! They threw a little western twang on the guitar too 🎸

[@Simply_Sadie]

He sings with his whole body. Love him so much! Giggled at the end...

[@marilynalvarez9951]

I too giggled at the end, so distraught.....LOL!

[@mimmom]

The little sobs and awkward silences are as entertaining as the singing. It's a whole package of something amazing for which I have no words. 😆

[@stevenlingard1218]

He's a clown!

[@doofus0123]

Thank you for an extremely awesome rendition of a song that came from a phase of the Bee Gees that many people never know, because the first time they heard of the Bee Gees was when they started doing disco. Let's face it, the Bee Gees were awesome and every genre that they went into. And this is a great cover of a great one from my personal favorite musical phase of theirs.

[@anodyne57]

Actually for some of us old timers...we knew this as one of the top 3 or 4 instantly recognizable BeeGees hits. It was #6 on the American singles charts and got massive radio play.

[@zowie8888able]

@@anodyne57 I agree. They had some great songs before their disco phase

[@wadeervin5021]

i wish i had found this song when i lost my partner of 40 years passed he loved this song and i sure he would have loved it so i send this to you bobby i love and miss you so much...

[@gerrymifsud1416]

so sorry for your lose..

[@joleehynson3851]

i also am so sorry, this song is my favorite puddles song and I know Bobby hears it Mr. Wade.

[@yourtravelswithbruce]

Wade sorry for your loss. This is a truly beautiful rendition of this song

[@arturdent5168]

I'm sorry for your loss. this song is epic

[@cinthiapatronalonzo.6167]

So sorry for your loss...

[@inappropriatejohnson]

Thanks, P.

[@romeoslover817]

This clown’s voice brings me to tears. in a good way, of course.

[@MrStingray075]

I just found this after watching BeeGees video. This is an amazing version. What a voice and what a presentation.

[@garyfrancis5669]

This Dude is awesome i love it and i'm 70 years old rock on.

[@lenmumma3899]

72

[@caliman5547]

I'm a 64 yr old die hard rocker, but this guy really speaks to me. Most of my friends just don't get it, well too bad for them...

[@jz3953]

This talent of bringing of soul sense to any lost songs.

[@ilkwons]

When I liatened to the original by Bee gees, I didn't get it; that time it was just another song. Now I got what the song was actually meant to be. You are amazing!

[@marcoapdias]

I once saw a Bee Gee's documentary and looks like this song is after Robin had left the BeeGees to persue a solo career. Later he figured out that it was a bad move and returned to the group and wrote this song about his regret.

[@kathrynwitte3398]

beeharbour whatever you do never watch his non-Puddles videos then. Do anything but your homework but complain anyway.

[@theresamcmullen4841]

This very moment reveals the song.

[@finnpalm9951]

Oh. My. God. Puddles, never change. The world needs you. Absolutely amazing.

[@OmarFalero]

This artist is just AMAZING! Overwhelming!

[@DS-bb1ww]

awwwwwww Puddles your voice... you make grown men cry

[@elainebarnes2772]

PUDDLES MAKES MY HEART SMILE! 💖 😢 I LOVE YOU, PUDDLES!

[@don1148]

I cannot believe how many times I have listened to his various songs since he appeared on AGT. His personality, tonality, passion, visual inflections, and delivery are a fresh turn for an artist seeking to find his audience. May he succeed beyond his wildest hopes.

[@sasajugovic6984]

After Faith No More this one is my favourite...man,you got powerful voice with no doubt at all !!!

[@malfecto]

Absolute and unadulterated genius.

[@anne-droid7739]

Puddles, you dear darling man, you bring so much joy to us! Thank you, thank you, thank you for the light you cast on a world which needs you so much.

[@user-dy9ut5yt3u]

Воистину так !

[@ccea771]

I will never forget when he opened with this song at my first P3 show 2 years ago, hearing it live was absolutely stunning and literally knocked the wind out of me, leaving me fighting to hold back sobbing. No joke. Everyone must try their best to see him live sometime, trust me!

[@myenglisgh123]

I love’u. Are so original and your Voice is great

[@johnrobert493]

I am going to see him live, Mark my words. It will haopen

[@annspalding9213]

He's coming to the Queens Hall in Edinburgh on the 29th April, I have tickets, and can't wait to see him..

[@mattpolson2220]

Your doing the best you could and I enjoyed watching you perform. You are unique and there will never be anyone like you. Thank-you.

[@gargamel5444]

I am seeing him on the 9th in Nebraska. The whole family is stoked.

[@jamesgaynor1572]

Puddles! You brought tears to my 64 year old eyes here in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Merry Christmas to you Puddles!🎄🎄🎄🎄

[@carlbutler2212]

Gotta totally hit the golden buzzer for this brilliant performer! Lots of great memories watching him on America's Got Talent! He deserves to be totally back on their greatest hits!

[@kimosabe0073]

simon does not like the fact that he wheres a clown outfit ??? is the show not about Talent ??? That he has in Abundance !!!

[@ABBadmouth]

i am a forever fan of Puddles

[@dianastrickland7158]

Play my heart, Puddles. Make me cry. For the WHOLE WORLD. THANK YOU. LADY DI

[@luischacon6710]

Puddles lleva las canciones a otro nivel. Supremo.

[@chiconian49]

Now that is what I call performance art!

[@lindabeyer3512]

Can't get enough of watching Puddles the sad clown. Great voice, and sings with such emotion. Great character. Well done. I think Puddles is sexy too! Glad I saw him on America's Got Talent. I hadn't heard of him before that. Thanks Puddles. Please do a show at the Pitman Theater in Pitman NJ. It's a beauitful old theater in South Jersey. My favorite songs are Sound of Science, I started a joke, Hallelujah, and Danny Boy. Love the Sad Clown and all his songs.

[@Mik1414g]

1:23. Holy shit!!! Fantastically phenomenal!!! Puddles is the real deal. How many people hear Puddles sing a song so clearly, it shows you the real meaning of the song?

[@guylagalindo2430]

Great, sad and loving at the same time. Very powerful and he has a way of capturing one's attention and heart immediately.

[@renzraule2954]

Oh my God, I just can't get enough of you Puddles. Your voice, your emotions and the soul you put into songs just makes them sound better. You are a certified artist, a gifted interpreter who turns classic songs into something sublime. Keep doing what you do, keep pushing the boundary, and keep inspiring people to love music even more.

[@musingfoodie1041]

Mermerizing performance!!!

[@horrorgirl9724]

I am 48 and i never in my life seen anyone as orignal as you everyday i have to listen to different songs you sing i havent listen to much music in a good 10 years now everyday i have to listen to alot of your songs.sometime 4 or 5 times in a row i listen to just one song 😁

[@ronkryngel1159]

At 1:23 puddles shows the power of his voice. Very few can blast out that much power.. Puddles can invoke such incredible emotion with his amazing voice. I loved every second of this song

[@erasmomagoulas8429]

He takes a profound lyrics and puts them with his unique voice and extraordinary acting on the level of great performance. Always, a job well done.

[@MdMaynard]

SO much damn talent!!! Even songs I normally wouldn't listen to, your versions touch my soul. Absolutely beautiful.

[@JusBidniss]

"Til I finally died." Fingers doing plus signs over the eyes. Love that part.

[@garyeagleson5634]

He has a Great voice like Tom Jones, “ What’s New Pussycat”? 👌💚❤️👍🎉

[@craigbutterfield592]

My favorite Bee Gees (Robin Gibb) song always. Puddles owned it with an alternate delivery.

[@dons123111]

LOve this ultimate pity party song being done by a clown. PERFECT art. "A fire broke out backstage in a theatre. The clown came out to warn the public; they thought it was a joke and applauded. He repeated it; the acclaim was even greater. I think that’s just how the world will come to an end: to general applause from wits who believe it’s a joke.”

[@lesliewhyte4647]

Such a fantastic reproduction of an already wonderful song. Please Puddles, Never stop doing what you give to all your fans.

[@charlesyeary6750]

GOD, I LOVE YOU, PUDDLES!!! You make my soul come alive!

[@badams9854]

Excellent Song Choice. Bee Gees would be happy and supportive. I love the nostalgic rock!

[@christophertletski4894]

the more videos I see of him, makes me feel that he is a genius and he always touches something inside me.

[@mstng65flcnman]

so into the songs, very entertaining and a stellar artist!

[@Mark-mp3vw]

Awesome voice!

[@egwpisteuw]

Great rendition of a great song.

[@Conriocht]

I just played this for my wife to listen to on my iPhone because she hadn't heard it yet, and of course, she loved it. But, I also wanted her to hear it for this very specific reason: I am 57 years old, and I can count on one hand the number of times in my lifetime in which I've heard a cover of a song outshine the original.THIS, for me, without a doubt, is one of those times. I don't care that you were kicked around since you were born. I don't care if you think you're a woman's man, or how you use your walk. Step aside, Bee Gees. Puddles wears that Crown for a reason.👑

[@SurprisedBabyPenguin-sb2yd]

What puddle's had it is rightousness. God made our bodies too hold two spirits. A good one or the other. If you choose the bad. You will become blinded,. A person has lied to himself. He or she lost their self

[@Tecobelli]

I'm glad to be alive the same time you are.

[@caliman5547]

DITTO my friend !!!

[@jerryeaglefeather5441]

This dude voice is rich and powerful. Brings me back to the old days. Keep up the good work Mr. Puddles.

[@ozmid40scouple]

Is there NOTHING this clown can't sing.........SUPERB!

[@CrossingJordan]

Gosh, I love this guy!

[@TommyRobertsMusicChannel]

My fear of clowns has been totally cured, soooooooo love Puddles, awesome talent!!!

[@katesmith3034]

I’m a little late to the ‘ Party ‘ Ive only just found this amazing talent and now I’m mesmerised by him. I couldn’t believe how expressive his performance was, but what a stunning voice now I can’t get enough 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿❤

[@toco6270]

I love watching this guy, he's GREAT. Not only is his singing great but the way he present himself while singing is the whole package.

[@craig-michaelkierce1366]

God bless this gentleman. It is always such a treat to hear him perform...

[@jimwilson6662]

Saw him when he came to Houston recently. Absolutely amazing performance. This is on my 'must see' each and every opportunity.

[@andrewvincent5472]

Radish.

[@aliciamireles3231]

Puddles,you are very much loved are an angel sent from above.You shine as the stars in the heavens.

[@jeraldcuccurullo2497]

Puddles you're a gem of an act and the voice you possess is remarkable.

[@tomcots9723]

I’ve seen him twice in the last year. He is amazing, I will see him again.

[@victorsi1992]

Обожнюю Вашу творчість. Браво ))

[@nzdatsports9659]

This ain't no clown show . this dude is seriously amazing !!!

[@piaette7619]

Fabulous Puddles, I luv ya ! Listening in Canada.

[@christelcashion3470]

Flat out the best with his projection of throaty pure experience of life,in every word,his voice is amazing and addicting,,,the power is riviting,I'm in love,with puddles........you are awesome!!!!!!!!!!

[@b.bailey8244]

the camera work on this video is great! what a performance! no one can get this kind of emotion (and comic moments) out of a song like this but Puddles

[@ytkwon7560]

What an expression..! Love his voice with his expression. Very special..Somehow his sadness expressions wash my sorrows like rainy day drive.

[@stevewills03]

Do this one too for America's Got Talent. It shows your wonderful vocal ability with the dramatic appearance that is all you!

[@georgianalabella7852]

I Love Puddles He Puts His Whole Being Into His Work All Emotions are Captured 😊😢😮😂❤❤. Pete sr

[@noname-lq2kg]

He's bigger than AGT.

[@uralbob1]

Way f'n bigger! Good on you for knowing this!

[@punaiz8442]

This man is a very great artist, I am impressed by so much talent, we too have lots of clowns in France singing, but none of them comes to Puddle's ankle. / Cet homme est un très grand artiste, je suis impressionné par tant de talent, nous aussi nous avons des tas de clowns en France qui chantent, mais aucun n'arrive à la cheville de Puddle.

[@themisianos]

Wonderful!!!

[@lindabeyer3512]

Puddles please go back on America Got Talent! I read that there will be a new AGT that will be on this coming winter. This show is a talent contest for the favorites that did not win on the past season 2017. I also read it's open for all the countries who host their own version of AGT too. Please sing I started a joke just like in this video or The Sound of Slience. You are a winner. Get up there again and own it! Linda B. One more thing please come to South New Jersey and perform.

[@mike-rayner-videos]

wonderful :)

[@msannthrope1863]

Omg, so good. So solemn but funny at the same time.

[@spazimdam]

Wow! Operatic it is. Emotional, focused, grand in its peaks. It is so wonderful to resurrect that great early Bee Gees hit. I used to listen to my 45 of it back in the 70s. I am more impressed and gratified with every song, Puddles. You are a gem.

[@RichTancredi]

Watching this video should be a metaphor for life. Don't prejudge, Don't try to "figure it all out", Just absorb the experience let become part of your collective!

[@dinogregori1191]

this guy is amazing just cant stop listening to him

[@davidwalters4014]

One of the best songs in the world! Only bettered by your talent!

[@salchaos]

Great. Great, great, great. Love the song and your version.

[@trooperbias737]

Puddles is so talented he did this song justice. Wow what a performance. Why isn't he a household name and sought after by producers and executives every where ?

[@rodorazuba144]

"Big Mike ,"you're a genius for creating the Sad Clown Puddles Pity Party man. I just found out about you this morning and have been watching all of your videos. I feel better everytime I watch you sing. I hope you win the AGT 2017. It's time for you to shine ! You deserve it !

[@BeneditoOliveira_c1]

The best of the best. Amazing!

[@toannguyenle3576]

Really want this song in my funeral!!