You best have He-Man–level courage to sing at Karaoke Gong Show, which takes place each month at the Trocadero. The host of the song fest, Skeletor, welcomes folks to the stage and then gongs them off if they don’t meet his approval—which could mean either they totally blow or they’re just so good, they’re annoying. No one is safe! Looking to make it all the way through a song on your next outing? In celebration of the show’s 10th anniversary, Skeletor shares his five most-gongable tunes with Time Out Philadelphia. Avoid them at all costs!
“My Way” by Frank Sinatra
“This is the worst karaoke song ever. It seems to take a lifetime. Old men think somehow by singing it they can reflect on their lifetime—which they secretly know is a failure. Please, Pop Pop, just stop.”
Anything by Billy Joel
“If you want to hear Billy Joel, turn on your radio. He will be waiting there for you.”
“Summer Nights” from Grease
“Nobody cares and it’s terrible.”
“Jeremy” by Pearl Jam
“See: Billy Joel.”
Anything by Train except “Drops of Jupiter”
“That song rocks! It’s the best soul latte I ever had.”
Catch the 10th anniversary Karaoke Gong Show event on Saturday, September 16, starting at 10pm. Admission is free.
Photograph: Jen Corsilli