Some people think the Max Headroom interviews were pre-recorded and edited at length, then played back to the interviewee, who only responded with scripted dialogue. However, the Max Headroom team was fully capable of taking Max on the talk-show circuit, with Matt Frewer in full costume and makeup off-camera, spontaneously responding to questions via a closed circuit video display. Frewer really was as quick-witted in person as he was onscreen, and the "computerized" video glitches in his delivery could be added johnny-on-the-spot by his effects technicians. This was proven during the Max Headroom appearance on the David Letterman show in 1988(?). Matt Frewer (appearing via television monitor onstage) extemporaneously fielded Letterman's often snide questions and occasionally knocked them out of the park, much to Letterman's obvious dismay. For instance, Letterman tried insulting Max by asking, "Do you have a plate in your head?" and Matt Frewer instantly answered, "Buddy, I've got a whole set of China!" Which brought down the house, upstaging Letterman.
Whoever posted this clip truncated the very end, where Max asks Sting "Who does your hair?" and Sting - feigning offense - snaps back, "Who does YOURS?" Max answers, "My hair is a mold." XD
I often wonder how much of this was pre-scripted? I mean, did they manage to interact live or is sting just reacting a pre-taped video? Are stings answers pre-scripted? And if it is live, how much of the content does Max actor Matt Frewer ad-lib? Anyway: A memory of better times.
You know...there really was a point in time where Sting and Bono were virtually indistinguishable from each other...the same air of self satisfied pomposity seems to have swallowed even their features into a sort of wannabe stylish but actually somewhat bland whole. I suppose Sting must have been playing along to a degree, but its a shame they don't do this sort of ironic and irreverant style celebrity interview anymore. I can think of a few celebrities who could use it.
Some people think the Max Headroom interviews were pre-recorded and edited at length, then played back to the interviewee, who only responded with scripted dialogue.
However, the Max Headroom team was fully capable of taking Max on the talk-show circuit, with Matt Frewer in full costume and makeup off-camera, spontaneously responding to questions via a closed circuit video display. Frewer really was as quick-witted in person as he was onscreen, and the "computerized" video glitches in his delivery could be added johnny-on-the-spot by his effects technicians.
This was proven during the Max Headroom appearance on the David Letterman show in 1988(?). Matt Frewer (appearing via television monitor onstage) extemporaneously fielded Letterman's often snide questions and occasionally knocked them out of the park, much to Letterman's obvious dismay. For instance, Letterman tried insulting Max by asking, "Do you have a plate in your head?" and Matt Frewer instantly answered, "Buddy, I've got a whole set of China!" Which brought down the house, upstaging Letterman.
My soul permanently resides 20 minutes into the future.
Sting wasn't annoyed :) he was acting along with it! He's a very witty man that Sting
This is from the last episode of the original British series; before the Americans took it and stuffed it up. This vid rocks. Thanks for posting
Excellent. Good old Max created in the UK by C4 and loved by the UK.
Thanks for this Sting flash-back .Love Max -he was an original.
Max debuted In the USA in 1987, but started on British TV in '85
this is fantastic, i still remeber it so well, this could be played now and still be cutting edge, its still really funny.
Yep, that was the highlight for me too. gave me a nostalgia trip for the days when humour was witty and not just people acting stupid! X: )
I was annoyed by this character as a kid ( and a little bit scared ), but now I love him:)
Whoever posted this clip truncated the very end, where Max asks Sting "Who does your hair?" and Sting - feigning offense - snaps back, "Who does YOURS?"
Max answers, "My hair is a mold." XD
Nope Sting went into a big sulk, the vain prick was really pissed
Sting's smile is soo charming.
a classic
"Jazz musicians.........trrrrrrrrrrrrrendy!" LOL
Totally better then the US show. Way more Max in this, and that is good.
I often wonder how much of this was pre-scripted? I mean, did they manage to interact live or is sting just reacting a pre-taped video? Are stings answers pre-scripted? And if it is live, how much of the content does Max actor Matt Frewer ad-lib?
Anyway: A memory of better times.
Does anybody know where I can get hold of the two seasons of the Max Headroom show, these interviews were brilliant.
Why all the coloured lines behind him
Sting sting sting.classic max
Golf is an old men's game. Still true after 30 years.
Best bit from 8:38, Win A Country...
Shame you can't get the original Channel 4 Max on DVD (Max at his best!!!)...only the crap after the yanks got a hold of him
That feet joke is stupendous
the kinky boots interlude is hilarious.
I stand corrected.
What's with the weird glasses?
Stings very deep here.
@paintmn1 Oh, goodness... Must we be so negative? I find him witty and intelligent, and I happen to be American.
Can someone translate the Cockney? I only speak Chav!
"Irishmen and Irishmen." Lol.
Eschew sentence continuity!
Good clip, but it's not from 1985. Max Headroom debuted in 1987.
swami 7774 introduced in 84, aired in 85
You know...there really was a point in time where Sting and Bono were virtually indistinguishable from each other...the same air of self satisfied pomposity seems to have swallowed even their features into a sort of wannabe stylish but actually somewhat bland whole. I suppose Sting must have been playing along to a degree, but its a shame they don't do this sort of ironic and irreverant style celebrity interview anymore. I can think of a few celebrities who could use it.
Dentists with harry arms! Ha! LMAO!
Size 7-1/2 shoes??!!! Well, you know what they say, "Small feet, small _____."
...small minded comment ?
nice, the redskins 'bring it down' just pops up in there.
"Christ figure, huh" LOL
its a known fact that sting likes feet alot.
sting was really anoid with this guy
Botox?