YouTube Jukebox: An Insightful And Deeply Disturbing Interview With Tim & Eric

The last time comedians Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim toured Australia, their opening act consisted of them wearing cat ears and singing about diarrhoea as they shot the front row with water pistols loaded with brown water. Everyone in the rows behind those disgusted people were super excited when Tim and Eric announced another Australian tour for the end of the year.

I’ve been a fan of the duo for a long-ass time — ever since posting their early internet videos on my MySpace page, illegally downloading their first show on Adult Swim (Tom Goes to the Mayor), and forcing episodes of their most celebrated work Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! on my friends as often as possible. I saw them twice last time they were here, and have since laughed heartily through their Billion Dollar Movie and their most recent series Bedtime Stories. Any time spent trying to work out exactly how many hours I have spent watching their videos would be much better spent watching more of their videos.

When I was offered the chance to interview them, all I wanted to know was one thing: what are the hilarious YouTube videos that Tim and Eric watch? What clips inspire them and make them laugh, as much as I have at their videos? I wrote them a handful of extremely specific scenarios in which they could recommend a video, as well as a few other questions, and waited to receive what would surely be the most hilarious YouTube playlist of all time.

Here’s what they sent back.

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You’re on a first date and the conversation comes to a standstill. What video do you play to break the ice?

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A good friend asks you to sum up Australia with one YouTube video. What would you pick?

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Your life partner of 20 years decides to leave you with no explanation. What video do you play them to convey the deep sadness in your heart?

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Your best friend just came out of an eleven year coma. They don’t even know what YouTube is yet. What video do you play them first?

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A time traveller from seven million years in the future appears before you one sunny afternoon. What video do you play them to best sum up the culture of our times?

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You find yourself between two leaders of countries who are seconds away from all out war. What video will you play them to show them that peace is possible?

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What video will you instruct your loved ones to play at your funeral?

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You’re about to run on stage for your first Australian show this December when suddenly you both lose your voices and your ability to stand. There’s no chance you can perform. What video will you show the angry crowd that could possibly be as good as a Tim and Eric live show?

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Since you last toured, your Bedtime Stories series aired on Adult Swim. Have any of the characters introduced there been added to your live show? I was particularly fond of the out-of-work actor roommates.

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What’s the next logical step after releasing several TV shows, a movie, starting a production company and most recently, a book? Is there something even bigger than all of that you’ve been keeping your eyes on?

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It’s clear that you’ve got a pretty good understanding of Australian culture, from featuring Midnight Oil and Men at Work songs in your Australian tour videos to knowing what a bogan is. When are we going to see you attempt to portray an Australian character, live or on TV?

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Thank you for your time!

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Tim And Eric’s ‘Stralia Zealand Experience

Perth: Tuesday December 8, Wednesday December 9 @ The Astor Theatre

Sydney: Friday December 11 @ The Enmore

Brisbane: Tuesday December 15 @ Brisbane City Hall

Melbourne: Wednesday December 16 @ Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Auckland: Friday December 18 @ Auckland Sky City

Tickets on sale from here.