You have the Lafayette story slightly wrong. He was under the stage WITH the horse. Both died together of smoke inhalation. It was his TWIN who got out and went back in. Lafayette was in the stage ready to make the reappearance after a vanish of the twin when it went awry. Nobody even knew he had a twin so no one thought to look for the real Lafayette under the stage.
@Chad Sanborn Do you have a reference for Sigmund Neuberger (the Great Lafayette) having a twin? Several books (like the 2011 The Death and Life of The Great Lafayette) identify his double as the band leader.
I can't imagine that he was going back for his brother's horse. I'm betting he was going back for his brother! And I imagine the only way he would've been stopped is if he was physically restrained.
if it was the double that made it out, perhaps the double actually went back to get lafayette as he was one of the few people who knew he was below stage and just made up he was going to get the horse
I remember accidentally coming across the video of Joseph Burrus...It was so terrifying to watch that happen and know that everyone around him couldn't do anything to help him. You can see the desperation and it's horrifying. I don't know how I came across it, but it's definitely burned into my memories now.
I remember the video of the guy being crushed. He literally had no plan. Penn and tellers first rule of their magic is that no time is anyone in actual danger of serious danger injury or death.
Or at least they wear enough safety measures to minimize the effect if anything going wrong... Except the trick where Teller attacked Penn with Marshmallows, that was really dangerous
Wait- I think I recognize Joseph Burrus and the Great Lafayette's story from DMC's Neflix show Death by Magic where he tried to recreate their failed stunts but obviously without the dying part. Really interesting stories, loved it!!
"Consult the experts" is something everyone needs to hear, often and in all sorts of circumstances. Especially when your life is on the line, it is mind-boggling how many people flaunt the idea of genuine expertise that should be consulted with to help with good, safe decision-making.
Part of it is how often false expertise is used to shill products, or excuse company crimes. It all blends together for people who don't have the time and expertise to separate them. It's really not surprising that people are gradually losing trust in experts.
I remember the news story when the first one happened. They played the video and the image of the cement collapsing was devastating because you know a man lost his life that moment.
Tragic, but fascinating. Thanks for honestly showing passion for your craft. Some would say it’s taboo, but you addressed the subject head-on without fear. Thanks for showing that passion! Great job!!
When I was in high school (1974-1978) my specialty was escapes. In the late '70s I met The Amazing Randy. He gave me the best advice I've ever gotten: "Get out of the business. It gets harder and harder every year." Lucky I listened to him. I've done regular magic and mentalism ever since.
thanks Wes i learned something new about myself.... i can't stomach these stories.... i did hit the like button and only made it to 2 minutes... i can't stay but love the video idea..
The story of the Festival Theatre Fire is something of a legend in Edinburgh now. I actually live a short walk from Piershill Cemetery, so I might have to wander along there when I'm out with the dog and see if I can find the grave of The Great Lafayette.
Based on other sources I'm not sure Lafayette was stupid, but it's a great tale and I'm glad you told it. Lots of great retellings based on his prominence and the prominence of the theatre.
I have trouble breathing with a blanket over my face when sleeping. I cant imagine why anyone would think its a good idea to bury themselves in a coffin
The opening to the Flying Karamazov Brothers version of Comedy of Errors is great. It has Avner the Eccentric doing the opening bit and ends with a little magic...
Like the comment of Chad Sanborn, I also think the twin went back in the fire to save his brother. He was the only one that knew of this. And no one else would look for him. I also think the reason for the locking of the backstage doors was so no one would know about the twin. If they were able to keep the knowledge about a twin hidden for a long time, they would consider it very very valuable.
The problem with being buried alive is that it lacks any sort of wonder. It's the sort of thing I could envision myself doing, if I had David Blaine's setup. It's quite possible I'm wrong, but that I can imagine myself doing it makes it far less interesting to watch in others. In short: Being buried alive is an interesting technical feat, but not one that I find especially interesting or amazing.
Its funny that he thought people would steal his methods... When ive worked as a stagehand for magic shows, the other hands would look directly at a secret prop and still have no idea what it is or what it does.
Unrelated but I bought the bite and restore coin recently and practiced it enough that I could do it at work to kids. Minds were blown it was great 😂 first sucessful trick I've done in public, Bought it purely for that purpose to entertain kids
Kinda odd that the Lafayette double would go back for the horse. I get that the actual Great Lafayette would, cuz its HIS horse and HIS show. But if I were just the double in this show, then I'd think that's it, my career is up in flames(pun intended), and move on with my life. Of course, there could just be the good human nature to not bear to know that you left innocent animals to burn alive.
You can survive a week without food quite easily. Bit tougher with water but doable. The proper air exchange is the really crucial part. Though the lack of movement can lead to serious medical conditions as well. And being without any stimuli for prolonged time is also rather bad, some people can deal with it better, but some people who are trapped can go crazy within hours. Some last days. It is tough to get through a week.
So Wes, does this mean the double went in to save the horse? If he left his boss to die and saved the 🐎, could he have possibly taken the center stage? Became the great lafayette? Sounds like a great movie plot.
I complained at work one time a few years ago because people were ignoring fire regulations. One guy said, “Yeah. Those regulations are designed to give inspectors a job” I said, “Good to know. I thought they were built upon mountains of charred corpses.” Stupid me.
in modern times we think people are crazy because we don't risk our lives to do things anymore. but back in the day that was the only way that they could do it and it really showed that they cared about what they did.
So the guy running back into the building was actually the stunt double? While the real guy was just trapped at the bottom of the stage the whole time? Sheesh...
............If he was buried with his dog... did they kill the dog to make that happen? Seriously.. did I miss something about that? Lol. Btw... great vid!
But wait! There's more! Lafayette didn't care about the horse and never went back into the theatre! He never came out! His DOUBLE made it out, and went back in to find Lafayette, not for the "horse". Now you know
You have the Lafayette story slightly wrong. He was under the stage WITH the horse. Both died together of smoke inhalation. It was his TWIN who got out and went back in. Lafayette was in the stage ready to make the reappearance after a vanish of the twin when it went awry. Nobody even knew he had a twin so no one thought to look for the real Lafayette under the stage.
Ah that makes sense. Yeah it was hard to find the complete history. Different sources all had it slightly different. Thanks!
You had to be that guy huh?
@Chad Sanborn Do you have a reference for Sigmund Neuberger (the Great Lafayette) having a twin? Several books (like the 2011 The Death and Life of The Great Lafayette) identify his double as the band leader.
I can't imagine that he was going back for his brother's horse. I'm betting he was going back for his brother! And I imagine the only way he would've been stopped is if he was physically restrained.
@@WesBarker ....Thanks. I noticed this one as well. Explains a TON about the story. I didn't know the 'real thing'.
Life lessons by Wes Barker....
"It's a fire.....Fire's do not give a shit."
It’s a great lesson.
@@WesBarker he worked as forest fire fighter .I think there he learned the lesson lol
Wow, I do not think I have ever seen you so enthusiastic, passionate, and animated about something!
IMO: Watch more of his videos. Wes getting kicked in his balls is no less.
Ah, yeah, I saw that... two years ago now? I think that was more of a comedic excitement though?
if it was the double that made it out, perhaps the double actually went back to get lafayette as he was one of the few people who knew he was below stage and just made up he was going to get the horse
I remember accidentally coming across the video of Joseph Burrus...It was so terrifying to watch that happen and know that everyone around him couldn't do anything to help him. You can see the desperation and it's horrifying. I don't know how I came across it, but it's definitely burned into my memories now.
I remember the video of the guy being crushed. He literally had no plan. Penn and tellers first rule of their magic is that no time is anyone in actual danger of serious danger injury or death.
Or at least they wear enough safety measures to minimize the effect if anything going wrong...
Except the trick where Teller attacked Penn with Marshmallows, that was really dangerous
@@heidtb6746 Penn says often that they believe it's morally wrong to perform magic where anyone has a chance of being seriously injured.
Wait- I think I recognize Joseph Burrus and the Great Lafayette's story from DMC's Neflix show Death by Magic where he tried to recreate their failed stunts but obviously without the dying part. Really interesting stories, loved it!!
I was looking for this comment lol. Exactly what I was thinking of with the Joseph Burrus story.
I enjoy listening to story time with Uncle Wes. The best stories with a moral to the story. Keep safe !
"Consult the experts" is something everyone needs to hear, often and in all sorts of circumstances. Especially when your life is on the line, it is mind-boggling how many people flaunt the idea of genuine expertise that should be consulted with to help with good, safe decision-making.
Consulting the experts is only the first step. Somehow listening to them (Step 2) seems to be another major problem for most people.
Part of it is how often false expertise is used to shill products, or excuse company crimes. It all blends together for people who don't have the time and expertise to separate them. It's really not surprising that people are gradually losing trust in experts.
I remember the news story when the first one happened. They played the video and the image of the cement collapsing was devastating because you know a man lost his life that moment.
Maybe going back for the horse was just a cover story and he really went back for his boss.
That last one is plot of prestige just with a worse ending!
I wish Rick Lax would get a horse and a stage show
I wish he would stop popping up on my fucking facebook feed 🙄
hahahahahaha
Eric Leclerc your so wild bro I hope your not in one of these videos because you and Wes like to do crazy shit. Love ya bro
@@kungpochopedtuna That's his market I guess now
@@kungpochopedtuna Hold on to your luck, I get Julius "look! boobies!" Dein.
Hey Wes, has any one ever told you that you look like a younger Alan Tudyk.
Plot twist: The dog was also a double, and it was, in fact, the double's dog.
Plot Twist Twist: the horse was actually 2 dogs
The dogs faked their deaths and set the fire
Tragic, but fascinating. Thanks for honestly showing passion for your craft. Some would say it’s taboo, but you addressed the subject head-on without fear. Thanks for showing that passion! Great job!!
When I was in high school (1974-1978) my specialty was escapes. In the late '70s I met The Amazing Randy. He gave me the best advice I've ever gotten: "Get out of the business. It gets harder and harder every year." Lucky I listened to him. I've done regular magic and mentalism ever since.
Wow dude that first one, what a way to go ugh
thanks Wes i learned something new about myself.... i can't stomach these stories.... i did hit the like button and only made it to 2 minutes... i can't stay but love the video idea..
I love this!! I love weird history, if you have any more stories they'd make great content !!
So this question is gaining traction... a few people are catching on and joining me. WHERES BOB????
i guess it'll on the bob channel from this month onwards.... hopes that's what the wait
Yeah where's BOB?
WE WANT BOB!
2020 was bad enough. Lets start 2021 with BOB
Bob! Bob! Bob!
i don't know why you're channel isn't bigger. Great content! oh well I'll go rewatch Eric L's videos instead...
You are a legend Wes, I love your knowledge about things. Also keeping content fresh.
Loving all these reviewing videos!
Although I've really been missing some good ol BOB... Can't wait to see the actual barrel!!
Great video! I always wondered if it was the double who rushed back in and was trying to rescue him.
love your videos mate, binge watched them all lol
Wow. These stories are incredibly tragic, but somehow, fascinating. And the story with the great lafayette? Absolutely ridiculous
The story of the Festival Theatre Fire is something of a legend in Edinburgh now. I actually live a short walk from Piershill Cemetery, so I might have to wander along there when I'm out with the dog and see if I can find the grave of The Great Lafayette.
I do too - he’s pretty prominent, the tall white marble memorial just in front of you as you head in from the main road.
I wish you would do one on the bullet catch if you have not already. Would be fascinating. Best to you.
*unintelligible*.... NO CHANGE!
You sir, are a wordsmith.
Great first video of 2021!! I love waking up to some great content and love these videos!
Great storyteller. Penn & Teller bullet catching is great to see.
I was kinda expecting Eric Leclerc to be one of them... The tragic ending was kidnapping someone's kid lol
I have not heard of this.
@@MitchellTF th-cam.com/video/OebnqL7pXIA/w-d-xo.html
Based on other sources I'm not sure Lafayette was stupid, but it's a great tale and I'm glad you told it. Lots of great retellings based on his prominence and the prominence of the theatre.
Great video Wes, keep them coming!
I have trouble breathing with a blanket over my face when sleeping. I cant imagine why anyone would think its a good idea to bury themselves in a coffin
The opening to the Flying Karamazov Brothers version of Comedy of Errors is great. It has Avner the Eccentric doing the opening bit and ends with a little magic...
Really cool bit o history about Lafayette
Loved hearing these stories! So interesting! 👍💚
I appreciate the passion behind this video
Love this kind of video. More please.
wow that last one was crazyy!! loved this video!
Now that was really interesting, love things like that, good luck in the move by the way.
Like the comment of Chad Sanborn, I also think the twin went back in the fire to save his brother. He was the only one that knew of this. And no one else would look for him. I also think the reason for the locking of the backstage doors was so no one would know about the twin. If they were able to keep the knowledge about a twin hidden for a long time, they would consider it very very valuable.
Love the way you tell a story man.
Great video. 😊 Thank you for sharing!
I love story time with Wes.
🤣🤦🏽♀️ wow. I mean why? 🤣
Me: reviewing BOB all day
Also me: pausing BOB to jump to the new video!
Thanks for the information about stage hands amd dog and horse and Houdini
These are like people doing the bullet catch trick without first realizing that there is a TRICK to it!!!!
You are right. Anybody can catch a bullet although surviving is optional.
Bro this is NUTS!
Great video
Thanks
Legend!! Bring on 2021 #bigtrickenergy 🤙✌️
The problem with being buried alive is that it lacks any sort of wonder. It's the sort of thing I could envision myself doing, if I had David Blaine's setup. It's quite possible I'm wrong, but that I can imagine myself doing it makes it far less interesting to watch in others.
In short: Being buried alive is an interesting technical feat, but not one that I find especially interesting or amazing.
These were great stories.
Great video man
Its funny that he thought people would steal his methods... When ive worked as a stagehand for magic shows, the other hands would look directly at a secret prop and still have no idea what it is or what it does.
so who’s your horse Eric or Alex. Great content man. Keep it coming
Keep doin your thing Wes!
The lesson I learned... always lock up the horse and go back for my stage hands.. lol
The last story was great!
I'm just thinking - maybe going back for his horse was lies and actually he went because of his double.
The double ran back in for the real magician, not for his horse lol.
Love the book Magic is Dead. Such a great book.
Umm Wes, he didn't go back in for his horse, his double did.
These guys should have just tried solving puzzles. Lol. Pumpkin spiced latte on the ground.
I love "Story Time With Wes", however, for a dude with no kids, he sure knows how to "dad lecture"! :)
Yo that Joseph video was hella sad i went to check it out and seeing it fall my heart droped
Great book by the way
Those were trippy stories. The last one was sad.
Amen to all you said Wes
Unrelated but I bought the bite and restore coin recently and practiced it enough that I could do it at work to kids. Minds were blown it was great 😂 first sucessful trick I've done in public, Bought it purely for that purpose to entertain kids
Kinda odd that the Lafayette double would go back for the horse. I get that the actual Great Lafayette would, cuz its HIS horse and HIS show. But if I were just the double in this show, then I'd think that's it, my career is up in flames(pun intended), and move on with my life. Of course, there could just be the good human nature to not bear to know that you left innocent animals to burn alive.
One of the rumours is the double was his animal handler. Makes sense he would have other duties.
You can survive a week without food quite easily. Bit tougher with water but doable. The proper air exchange is the really crucial part. Though the lack of movement can lead to serious medical conditions as well. And being without any stimuli for prolonged time is also rather bad, some people can deal with it better, but some people who are trapped can go crazy within hours. Some last days. It is tough to get through a week.
So Wes, does this mean the double went in to save the horse? If he left his boss to die and saved the 🐎, could he have possibly taken the center stage? Became the great lafayette? Sounds like a great movie plot.
I love your videos
You should tell more stories!
woah!!!! these stories are just crazy, interesting....and really sad.
I complained at work one time a few years ago because people were ignoring fire regulations. One guy said, “Yeah. Those regulations are designed to give inspectors a job”
I said, “Good to know. I thought they were built upon mountains of charred corpses.” Stupid me.
in modern times we think people are crazy because we don't risk our lives to do things anymore. but back in the day that was the only way that they could do it and it really showed that they cared about what they did.
So the guy running back into the building was actually the stunt double? While the real guy was just trapped at the bottom of the stage the whole time? Sheesh...
............If he was buried with his dog... did they kill the dog to make that happen? Seriously.. did I miss something about that? Lol.
Btw... great vid!
* smiling * sadly the dog died * still smiling *
That was a great video.
Hahahahahha this last story is golden 😂 little tragic, but golden as fuck
If the Lafayette fire story get you maybe you should remember the triangle work fire
Yooooo Wes, whats your top 10 magic tricks/performances?
The Not-So-Great Lafayette
Not going to lie I thought the ending to that last story was going to be Lafayette then appears at his own funeral. That would have been awesome
Reminds me of The Station nightclub fire of 2003
Oui oui, mon ami, je m'appelle Lafayette!
wait was it the body double who went back for the horse?
Plis keep doing this
but, but, but, but, but it was his horse !
But wait! There's more! Lafayette didn't care about the horse and never went back into the theatre! He never came out! His DOUBLE made it out, and went back in to find Lafayette, not for the "horse". Now you know
That coffin looked like it came from Sansminds instructions
Hahhahaha
The last one is really one weird as one. What I take from this: _Fires don't give sht_ XDD
Well both them magicians in the boxes are very famous now! Just not the way they planned...
Off topicish but it could be great to see you react to animals reacting to magic.
No Dumb No Die...Got it! 😉😁
I remember the first one, it was on the news.