XFM The Ricky Gervais Show Series 2 Episode 40 - The tennis ball

The Ricky Gervais Show Broadcast 31st May 2003.
MECHant: www.man-moth.com/
(Incase you're in the market for some Rock Buster prizes. Full disclaimer, I quite enjoy making things so I'll be adding to them over time and I also get 3-4 English pounds when someone actually buys one. Hope you don't mind and as always, I'm massively grateful).
Thanks for all your support, it's a privilege to be able to document these shows for other like-minded people to enjoy.
Series 1 is here... • All Of Series 1 The Ri...
Series 2 is here... • All Of Series 2 The Ri...
Series 3 is here... • All Of Series 3 The Ri...
Series 4 is here... • All Of Series 4 The Ri...
Rarities, Specials & Compilations are here... • Rarities, Specials & C...

[@ManMoth]

Hey guys, sorry for pinning this comment on all videos but I want to give you an update on the channel. I've been slowly adding a show archive to the videos including a full transcript added as sub titles and a full track listing (with links to KZbin videos for each track). Pilkipedia archive link has been added as well and I've been having fun illustrating some of KP's best bits, I'm adding these to a shop incase anyone is interested: www.man-moth.com/ It's taking me a while to update the archives, especially as I don't work Mondays so please bear with me as I chip away at it. Lots of love, Man Moth.

[@JeppeN93]

⁰0

[@adityaiyengar]

Amen! I think its like a little family.

[@arbutuscliff1]

Ur doing Gods work

[@triambak]

I think the same 400-500 of us have heard these so many times that it has 160k views

[@kanjoracer4914]

I must have listened through all the series at least 7 times

[@odw_99]

Haha true!

[@mr.beepers2119]

It never gets old

[@redux386dx]

A wise man once said "Class, like gold, never grows old" ...an' that.

[@creativeamerican8811]

Triambak Kala Yup. I used to listen when the shows were split into 6 parts, way back when ...

[@RodOfRassilon]

"So the.. Little cheek of the freak we've gone for -" "The what?" "The freak of the week". Always makes me laugh.

[@samuelheadley2454]

you're cute 😉

[@gibbs7444]

And they lived happily ever after

[@samuelheadley2454]

+C.J Lightfoot go on then have your say

[@samuelheadley2454]

lol im back for another cycle and this made me laugh

[@GrubShackBaby]

Are you a cuppla benders?

[@crazyotto9770]

The silence after “Right, well that’s another listener gone...” One of my favorite moments of the whole show!

[@sundaygirl5]

Lmao I love this episode with the monkey news and rockbusters, and Ricky’s reaction! At least we don’t have to wait a week to find out what’s in Karl’s brain.

[@lucky-two]

I actually thought that my computer crashed when that happened!

[@williamsmith666]

"... ... ... What'dya mean??"

[@UltraGinormous]

Funny enough, New Odor (New Order), is the only Rockbusters I think I've ever gotten on my first listen through. The rest I've heard 100 times and still have no clue until he says 'em.

[@georgeohunt2263]

@@UltraGinormous surely you got Herman's Hermits?

[@FIFFAN18]

Ricky wrote 40 minutes of stand up, translation, he paraphrased conversations with Karl and Steve and wrote them down.

[@colonelsanders1349]

Ricky Gervais..stand up? Christ that stuff is shit

[@kinganimal3075]

You American?

[@Christoff070]

+Colonel Sanders Hey Colonel, I enjoys your chicken I've a week. Any chance of sharing one of the secret spices?

[@mAcroFaze]

19:24 - I love how aggressively Steve doesn't want to discuss the split tennis ball XD

[@SamwiseGG]

that 5 seconds of absolute silence after NEW ODEUR

[@nefariousnilbog]

Abradolf Lincler made it so so funny, that air of complete disbelief

[@capnhawkins]

and the way Karl stutters as he says it. So tense.

[@mAcroFaze]

Nearly spat out my coffee during that!

[@studkickass513]

I tend to rewind that part 5-10 times each listen

[@Scallion_D]

@@studkickass513 Ha yeah. It's so good.

[@clarkzy]

I’ve been listening to these on repeat for years, whenever I’m down or feeling rubbish, these guys always bring me mood up

[@THCgoodness]

Same here mate!

[@shippoisalegend5789]

💯

[@BoManton]

After all these years, how likely are you to get the rock busters clues?

[@clarkzy]

ah mate i would say a solid 8/10 !!@@BoManton

[@amitbenhur3722]

Merchant is amazing... Everyone praises Ricky for their achievements but the real Office/Extras/Ricky Gervais Show etc. fans know it was 50-50. it's just that Steve was probably really shy at first and their success snowball had Ricky's name all over it and it stayed that way.

[@MrChaes]

Although, Steve has done more solo projects and I spotted him playing a villain in a movie called something like 'the girl with the cloud tattoo' in 2018.

[@butcherax]

Well Ricky is the performer. Steve is hilarious as Darren Lamb but I can't see him carrying the Golden Globes, or crying on film with as much emotional power as Ricky.

[@Sightation]

Steve is sharp as a tack. Ricky is so competitive that I think Steve figured out way back that he needed to let Ricky shine. Steve saves Karl all of the time from Ricky’s abuse.

[@ejayman]

@Sightation agree completely. Makes a lot of sense when you consider their personalities and interactions

[@JustinKlineTheComedian]

Keep in mind that Steve was doing these shows with Ricky at the age of, what, 22 and being the wittier one. Even in this episode, I think he's only 29. He's mentioned at least four times other jobs he's held before. He was on Blockbusters. And he's the brains and wit behind The Office and Extras.

[@frankieaglow]

33:54 One of the best Ricky squawks.

[@gracemorgan9608]

frankieaglowl

[@YourFriendlyNeighbour]

Frightened the shit out of me.

[@MrPaddyR]

Fantastic squawk and set up from Karl haha

[@jasewildheart]

That line from Karl was perfect cos he'd just told the story like he'd given up on it...then delivers that punchline.

[@igotthisphoneright]

Missed the bit right at the end the first few times. Ricky: "Is it about a brain that nicked a motorbike and drove it across to Switzerland?" Karl: "Ah, you've heard it."

[@Christoff070]

bwhahaha

[@Elitenuke]

I think reading comments we can all agree that these will never get old and can relisten to them forever without getting bored n not laughing at them

[@deadowl833]

It's been about 10 years for me and I never get tired of them. It's pure magic.

[@djb_15]

love how Steve laughs when he introduces "the jump off" featuring "Mr cheeks" :-) proper childish haha

[@ejayman]

That always makes me laugh for some reason haha

[@barryoffeastenders]

😂😂 One of my favourite moments

[@mattgibson9991]

It goes along with when he back announces Ride Wit' Me - Nelly ft City Spud

[@barryoffeastenders]

@@mattgibson9991 😂

[@Rickzenbackzer]

At 51:45 when Karl reads the last Rockbuster answer and Steve says "well that's another listener gone" and there's just silence hahahahaha, comedy gold!

[@studkickass513]

Eye Beam Big time agreement. In fact, I always have to rewind a few times and listen again.

[@mvprockerz1249]

I would love to hug each of these blokes as they have got me through so many rough days, I laugh at every pod as if it was my first time listening. RSK we thank you

[@AutomaticDuck300]

Elvis, Peter Kay, John Merick, a bloke with one arm, the round the world yachtswoman, chatting to Kym Marsh. Genius.

[@alandodd7195]

Ahhhh old aunty Nora makes a return. Love Ricky Steve and Karl....thanks for uploading these....I've listened to these now from 1-4 on a loop for what must be about 20-30 times. Easily.

[@WollongongWacko]

happiness is 1-4, then repeating

[@ManMoth]

+Alan Dodd there's nothing that'll warm the cockles like a discussion about the shape of aunty Nora's vulva.

[@GerryBolger]

+Man Moth Or uncle Hazel's...

[@Pebble_Collector]

Ricky was wrestling with one of the co-creators of the Inbetweeners.

[@jasoneaton4520]

49:08 "he drove to Spain?" I love when Steve repeats the main point seriously 😂

[@jasoneaton4520]

And 48:28 Karl laughs 😂 Gets out of character.

[@LifeOfRy]

@@jasoneaton4520 he was never "in character" ffs.

[@geeknorthwest6892]

these videos help keep me sane.

[@Glozboy22]

I wonder if Dicky Anderson has any idea that people still listen to these shows and talk about him?

[@byebye1813]

The Dick Machine

[@Nullllus]

Dickmeister General

[@jiayojames]

Yeah he knows his twitter is the real randers

[@jd9171]

DICKY DOCKY DOO!

[@capnhawkins]

Little dicky docker

[@youweechube]

i doubt ricky, steve or karl would have had any idea how much of a cult following these radio shows would have, and what they were saying at the time would be listened to over and over in the future. These shows are so damn good its almost like theyre scripted (and i know theyre not!) how they pulled off such chaos and make such a funny show, i dont think we`ll hear the likes of again.

[@williamsmith666]

We, the proud XFMentalists.

[@ideamachine39]

mad world innit

[@Georgiahulse]

There’s one episode where Ricky talks about potentially recording the day-to-day events at XFM; behind the scenes stuff, etc. He’d have made a fortune if he did!

[@youweechube]

@@Georgiahulse I bet he's gutted, I hear he's short of a few $$$

[@UnbelievablyGauche]

Yeah, so consistently funny.

[@RiC_David]

32:13 It was literally 17th century. After all these episodes. And nobody seemed to notice.

[@MrNottyNotty]

I always hear "cheeky freak of the week" like a Harry Hill TV Burp segment

[@igotthisphoneright]

didn't, but I will now.

[@AA-hg5fk]

TV burp was great in the early 00s but took a dive a few years after.

[@Daniel-ku8hj]

I’ve listened to these on repeat for about 3 years now, must’ve listened through them all 3/4 times. Listen at work and to fall asleep, they’re so relaxing whilst sleeping I don’t understand

[@alastairstoner8656]

Uncle hazel

[@mAcroFaze]

Oonkle'ayzul.

[@GalacticAstroparticles]

"Why didn't he just look both ways?"

[@HopeVJustice]

Class! :D

[@capnhawkins]

"HAAAAAAAAAAA"

[@studkickass513]

@@HopeVJustice When I see your commenting "Class" I have a palovian reaction that makes me think you're hella cute. Since I think Claire Sturgess is super cute and I love how she says, "Class!"

[@notmyname9261]

@@studkickass513 You smooth talker.

[@ggandei]

Ricky and merchant have the best banter. This show is genius

[@Camcordant]

Listening to these during the 2020 corona lockdown and suddenly the references to SARS don’t feel so dated...

[@lukebigtunes7078]

In isolation on my own these shows are the only thing to get me through

[@kitpalmer1583]

Before the full lockdown happened I had a chinese taxi driver who started coughing and I'm ashamed to admit, I immediately thought of Steve saying "I had to get the tube, I saw a chinaman sneeze, I was terrified"

[@ejayman]

BAFTAs, I think I brushed up against one of the guys from Banzai!

[@xvCMvx]

Cant believe theres a full paragraph on iain Morris' wikipedia dedicated to that wrestling story hahaha lol

[@imnotgayyy8489]

Wow Haha

[@justinkline8437]

Met Iain once. Before it was even on his Wikipedia, I brought it up to him. He just laughed and asked me where I'd heard about it. It was great.

[@indecentproposal9473]

lol brilliant.

[@justinkline8437]

And to think I'm American. Iowa. Was flown to MTV studios for the American remake of The Inbetweeners. Was in a group of about ten actors auditioning to play Will, including Jonathan Lipnicki. Had to audition with and take notes from Iain. And Brad Copeland. Everyone for Will was let go except for me. I was the last one left. Read in front of MTV CEOs and execs. Despite being the last one left, I ended up eventually losing the role because I looked too much like another actor on MTV at the time (RJ Berger). Berger was cancelled by the time American Inbetweeners premiered. Could have been the big time, but it was bad luck. Honor to meet Ian, though.

[@HaydnG266]

@@justinkline8437 you must be glad you didn't get the part considering what a shambles it was

[@abenhur100]

The silence that begins on 52:10 is so intense it's hilarious...

[@emiel255]

And absolutely deserving. What a shit Rockbusters this was hahah. They should have shut down Rockbusters permanently after this one (really they should have done it earlier but still). Same as with monkey news hahah

[@feelthejoy]

"No no, 'cryptic' doesn't mean 'it's wrong' !" Lol

[@samuelheadley2454]

'is craptic a word?'

[@Christoff070]

lol

[@Scallion_D]

Ricky: What do you mean? There's not a group called New Odour. Karl: No, no it's cryptic. 😂

[@LittleWittleKitty]

The silence at the end omg

[@kevinflemming5928]

I love all of the awkward silences. They are so cringe-worthy.

[@mikeydoc11]

I love how he ends the cheeky freak of the week story so anticlimactically that when they probe him about it he lands the zinger so unexpectedly 😂

[@benjaminayson4658]

The title should be "I call her uncle Hazel" haha.

[@ErrantSoul83]

Thank you so much. I never fail to laugh out loud at Karl's "uncle hazel" comment, even after about 10 rounds of listening!

[@Christoff070]

I know, right? The man is a better comedian than Gervais :D

[@AA-hg5fk]

There's nowt wrong with her!

[@The_ZeroLine]

Steve saying “This Steve Martin?” and, of course, “this listener said if the answer is New Order they’re never listening to XFM again.” are classic.

[@Adelehalsall]

LOL this whole time I’ve been wondering why the listeners ever complained about Rockbusters as it’s my favourite thing about this show. But then I put myself in the shoes of someone listening at the time, trying hard to approach the clues cryptically and then having them revealed to just be bizarre projections of Karl’s brain and therefore almost impossible to get. Yeah I’d be mad 😂😂

[@bluetimmy24]

33:50 - holy shit, Ricky's laugh just deafened me

[@LiamWindle]

Hot picture... :’)

[@MerelMystery]

loveeee these! thanks for uploading them. I just had a very important job interview. Before the interview I listened to these podcasts and they really calmed my nerves.

[@ManMoth]

+MerelMystery That's ace, hope you got it!

[@adlalamb6229]

Did you get it?

[@MerelMystery]

+Adam Lamond haha yeah I did.

[@adlalamb6229]

+MerelMystery good going!

[@hmmttfn]

33:55 that has to be Ricky’s best reaction laugh ever!😂

[@guscox9651]

Well it has to be one of karls greatest punchlines of all time

[@mikelarry88888]

Why couldnt Steve have laughed at that one? It was genius and funny , from Karl. I don't know what more Steve could've asked for.

[@Nickersons-Theme]

​@@mikelarry88888Steve just didn't laugh because he was wondering how a person could get knocked down in 1629 😅

[@markhoyles7245]

The tennis ball.. best title of them all. Say no more.

[@magicalmysteryollie]

Ricky's standup < Karl Pilkington's Rockbusters

[@odw_99]

As much as I'd agree, I still think Ricky Gervais' stand up is criminally underrated, and Smerch doesn't get enough credit for his tour either, which was very good also

[@CountryRoadist]

+The2011Collector Is it fuck. Disecting children's stories and the bible is tired and very primitive. He picks on very easy targets and makes very easy jokes. Gervais has turned into a total sell out and beyond The Office and Extras, his output has been very average.

[@colonelsanders1349]

+The2011Collector Other British comedians like Billy Connolly and Frankie Boyle shit on Gervais tbh. Gervais is better at creating funny characters and discovering talent than actually being funny himself.

[@indecentproposal9473]

I've always thought Ricky at his best in bantor. when he has other people to play off of. he's quick

[@Whi5keyFingers]

Ollieh oooohhh, provocative,

[@fiwen9673]

"What does this say? ..tnuc?" the best xD

[@kevinflemming5928]

Profanity.

[@KieranFuller17]

This episode should have been called "Why wasn't he looking both ways?" - tennis ball gets a very brief mention, it's a rare titling error from the LEGENDARY Man Moth. These episodes are keeping me sane at work whilst there's not much else to be done...

[@AJPflooringuk]

It is absolutely brilliant to listen to,these 3 should still be doing this.

[@Lamedvavnik]

"Freak of the week" Karl even inspiring the pop music of 2015. Everyone steals Karl's material.

[@stoox006]

+Matt Russell Haha, had to look it up, never heard of the song before. Karl the trendsetter, a prophet :D

[@DavidMcmenemy]

The silence at 52:10 pretty much sums up this show as a whole.

[@DavidMcmenemy]

The inability to respond to some of the stupidity. XD

[@arsenaljay91]

I still find myself making XFM references and no one gets them. I pray that one day I’ll do a reference and someone will get it, instantly they will become my best friend

[@Adelehalsall]

I wait for that day too!

[@NatS3703]

23:45 - I love how they giggle so much at mr cheeks 😂

[@BigPMitchell]

Always cracks me up

[@bullshitman5092]

the silence after new odour is just brilliant hahaa!!

[@deltaframes-os4km]

no more Rockbusters

[@EvilEll666]

When Steve says can i suggest Lobster Man is incredible! Always tickles me up!

[@tumourfish1035]

I've listened to these shows so much I can't hear the term 'cryptic clue' any more without hearing ricky in my head going 'well...'

[@AI-tc8fv]

33:54 extreme Ricky laugh explosion. Loudest I've heard I think.

[@sweatybandit0]

Ricky: "what does that say? TNUC." good one, Ricky ;)

[@samuelheadley2454]

profanity

[@rooty]

He's from Manchester, please forgive him

[@JamesEHart]

49:05 - When Ricky says "facts", how much does the end of the word sound like he's just opened a coke can?

[@tomlucas4866]

I've been listening to these for years now and I can honestly say I haven't heard this one, the gift that keeps on giving

[@Nick-ev6im]

One of many that fall asleep to the show night after night 😂

[@wra7h]

An episode with only karl and steve would of been well funny

[@scottdebest]

What I love about this episode, that I can’t see anybody else commenting on, is Karl saying he would have Peter Kay at his dinner party. He said that on purpose, knowing there’s history with Ricky, but Ricky can’t respond because their on air. Would love to know what happened between Peter and Ricky.

[@Ch1pp007]

The head squeezing, while funny, will never not be insane to me. Like, how did they all come to accept that as normal?

[@SkandiaAUS]

23:52 one of Steve's best. Featuring Mr Cheeks!

[@JustinKlineTheComedian]

"On a lighter note, Muffy the hamster..."

[@kieranflaherty3316]

Just highlighting my favourite moments from each episode for my next visit : 47:16 "Think! He didn't have a word with the monkey"

[@martin63613]

The episode when they play Bob Marley - Stir it up. I always pause the show and I have to listen to it. XFM and abit of bob, perfect

[@user-ru6sp7dx8d]

These radio shows might be the only videos on KZbin without negative comments on. Timeless stuff

[@ShadyPlatinum777]

It’s the nicest place on the internet

[@callumhenderson4016]

Still on these every night 😂

[@appearce55]

I lost my shit at New Odour and the ensuing chaos.

[@BlastNolSe]

"What does that say? Well read it... T-N-U-C? Yeah i did it in the mirror". Must have listened to these at least 20 times round now but had never picked up on that until now.

[@jakeroberts2333]

"WHat do you mean a couple of the faCTS right there are no FACTS" best line ever makes me laugh every time

[@Adelehalsall]

lol I love how he says “facts”!!

[@leah1172]

Just in time for bed! Thanks Man Moth :-)

[@ManMoth]

You're welcome mucca :-)

[@simonmoon8773]

He was having a fight with the waiter and snipped off his nose 😂

[@wizzaard12]

"Does that pig of a postcard still read your letters" - Ricky recently used that in AfterLife, 15 years on. Lost count of the amount of times that things from these shows has popped up in their later material.

[@studkickass513]

Those postcards are such pigs ain't they? Thank god for the postmen.

[@RudeFoxALTON]

This show may as well have been called the "Karl Pilkington show Starring Ricky Gervais' incredible laugh"

[@matt2585]

Got out of claw

[@dollyabby]

love u man moth

[@lesleyb13]

Does anyone else, on the repeat trip around the episodes over the years, get mad anxious imagining a time that they disappear. Thought legit terrifies me cause these shows get me through any other anxiety (including terrible hangovers 🤣) I face.

[@robet007]

I really hope that never happens!

[@AutomaticDuck300]

I have them saved so it’s fine

[@Adelehalsall]

I also fear that day but loads of people on YT have uploaded them so I doubt they’ll ever be gone forever!

[@EngliscSaxon]

Download them yourself

[@KieranFuller17]

Also, the conclusion to this episode is absolutely amazing. You could always guarantee Ricky's anger when Rockbuster results are announced but this is a whole other level. Steve's, "well that's another listener gone"! And the absolute furious silence is genius radio!

[@shaneg8607]

On my worst day, my go to for happiness in any, and all forms are these 3 S.O.B's! and it works.... everytime! VIVA LA RSK!

[@RickTroutner]

The silence at 52:10 is one of the greatest moments in comedy & radio history

[@cartmanofsp]

keep the guitar riffs up lads

[@jonhayes7322]

Check out the Justin Hawkins Rides Again - pure class! 🎸

[@benvarma3427]

“That’s like saying what animal am I thinking of, frog” K: “what animal am I thinking of” S “monkey” K “see it works

[@BigPMitchell]

Merchant saying conjoined twins have a similar taste in clothes is so genius, gets me everytime

[@HopeVJustice]

Karl is not alone, I still write and receive letters! (; That deadly silence after New Odour!!! X'D Gotta love Karl! :D

[@custardcreams92]

33:35 Ricky's after sudden laugh after this has got to be the most legendary of all!

[@jonhayes7322]

I’ve listened to this most recently 🥳🥳🥳🥳

[@Nickersons-Theme]

7 seconds of just dead air near the end, after the second rockbuster answer 😅

[@enthrallingusername]

Mr Cheeks 🤣🤣 Merchant's pronunciation makes it funny. 23:45

[@columbiasound8869]

The Nelson Mandela bit of this episode is brilliant

[@Scallion_D]

New Odour killed me. 😂

[@deanpointon41]

The beginning segment of this... I just can't get past that the writers of The Office amd The Inbetweeners were top less wrestling in a lounge... the cream of British comedy crop acting like 7 year older while the executive producer of Teachers filmed it on a camcorder 😅

[@Adelehalsall]

Haha I never thought of that!!

[@wesmonsTER78]

4:55 always catches my ear as it does Ricky's haha....

[@magicaIpineapple]

elvis, john merrick, peter kay, a bloke with one arm, the round the world yachtswoman and kym marsh

[@shegarfis2046]

"It was an automatic" ....😂

[@grease_monkey6078]

Man Moth, if this rockbuster turns out to be New Order I'm never watching your channel again

[@masonseymour2455]

“You’re the sort of person who would send a potato chip to Esther rantzen and say doesn’t it look like Norman cook” is possibly my favorite rsk moment 33:13

[@LizT-xv5qk]

I listen to this nonsense as my standard sleep track. Always sleep through bits, so I'm good to relisten... don't know what I'll do when I know it all word for word. 😂

[@AdzSONLINE]

Why wasn't he looking both ways, classic

[@joshwa12341]

i'd call this 'number 86', it made karl laugh for christ sake.