I didn't seek out the opportunity to be in the studio audience for a taping of The Grand Tour, however as I sat watching my kids practice at their karate lesson I was browsing news stories when a story detailing that The Grand Tour would be taping in Nashville caught my interest. The story was fairly vague but included a link to Amazon to register to be a studio audience member.
The page the link took me to asked basic information but then asked 'what' it was about "the guys" that made me want to be in the audience. I quickly hammered out a paragraph or two on the things I enjoyed about watching the antics of the old Top Gear show, quickly got to the bottom of the page and clicked submit. I really didn't give it much more though until about 2 weeks ago when an e-mail arrived letting me know that I might get a phone call concerning the show and that the phone call would come from an unknown or unidentified number and that it was important to answer.
Later that day, my phone rang and there on the other end of the line was a woman with a very thick British accent calling from the show. She asked a few mundane questions and then asked what some of my favorite moments from Top Gear where. There are many for me, but I gave a few examples of my extensive Top Gear knowledge, but ended by stating that the best part of the show was that despite incredible writers, you can't fake what Jeremy, Richard and James do. There is obviously a cohesion that exists that I want to believe comes out of a true friendship amongst them. (Yeah, I know, if they actually hate each other, don't ruin the fantasy for me, I was devastated to learn that Adam and Jamie from Mythbusters didn't actually like each other).
The phone call ended with the woman wishing me the best of luck, and indicating that IF, and the key word was IF, I was chosen I'd get an e-mail with instructions on how to get the tickets.
Fast forward to last Tuesday, I was in Wal-Mart picking up a few things when I saw notification on my iPhone that Amazon had sent me an e-mail. I quickly opened the e-mail and saw that I had in fact gotten tickets to the show. At this point I was like the fat kid in Willy Wonka holding a Golden Ticket to a Chocolate Factory. I may have even shouted out in excitement at that moment. Watching Top Gear prior to Jeremy's departure was a bucket list item, so no reason why The Grand Tour couldn't fulfill that bucket list item on my list.
I called my brother in law, himself a huge Top Gear fan and a car nut to let him know I had tickets and that he was going to be my +1. Needless to say, the next week included a lot of insults from everyone in my sphere of influence that wouldn't be going with me to the taping.
Monday morning had us heading into Nashville for the taping. Although the ticket suggested parking more than a mile away, we actually found parking right next to the tent studio and made our way over to the line waiting to get in. From this point on most of the day was a lot of hurry up and wait. At about 9:30 they made an announcement stating that all phones must be left in our vehicles or else we would be denied entry. A few minutes later that was amended to phones could be left in our jackets at the coat check, but that no phones where allowed inside the studio. Signs everywhere said no pictures and no social media posting. The crew really went to great lengths to keep the work they where doing as secret as possible leading up to the show being shown on its intended release date.
Upon being let in, we had to show ID and then had a metal detecting wand ran over us to insure no phones or weapons. After checking our coats (it was COLD that morning) we went into a large tent that had a very nice spread of snack foods, water and coffee along with tables and chairs. Throughout the next hour or so we got several updates and instructions from one of the crew members, and then around 10:45 we were ushered into the tent studio.
Once everyone was in, the director took the stage, offered some pleasantries, and talked about multiple takes and shots necessary for a production ready show. I was surprised to learn that most of The Grand Tour crew where all ex-BBC / Top Gear employees. To Jeremy, Richard and James credit, the crew appeared to be fiercely loyal in following them from BBC to their new venture.
The director took a few audience questions, I wanted to ask if he was the one Jeremy had punched, or if that person was part of the new crew, but didn't get a chance to ask. After a few minutes Jeremy, Richard and James came out and greeted the audience. This part of the show was unscripted, the humor was funny and uncensored. Needless to say, everyone laughed, not to be polite but simply because the guys where funny.
After a few minutes, the director indicated that they where set, the guys left the stage, and the show began. I'm not going to get into the details of the specific show other than to say it was funny and I can't wait to see the finished product. What was very impressive of the guys was the ability to catch their own mistakes, reset and pick right up without the cameras every stopping their filming. Many times throughout the day Jeremy would flub a line and simply start right back up until he got it right. The final ending was actually done 3-4 times before he got it right, but it was seamless and he truly came across as professional in what he does.
Attitude wise, by brother in law who was with me truly left feeling that Jeremy Clarkson most likely is really a asshole in real life, he certainly gave that impression, but it could just be part of his schtick. Who knows, I don't know the man, but I'll tell you what, I was thrilled to have gotten to have this experience and wouldn't trade it for the world.
No one in the studio was much more than 25 feet from the stage, and multiple times throughout the taping the guys would ask the audience for input and interaction. They all appeared truly gracious after the show was done taping taking the time to sincerely thank the audience. Start to finish the show took almost 3 hours to get filmed, but the time flew despite the fact we were on our feet the entire time.
The Grand Tour episode 8 should air towards the end of the year, or maybe early next year. With the Nashville skyline as its backdrop, I'm confident car nuts will watch and re-watch this and every other episode for years to come. I told my brother in law as we left for the day that no matter how bad this episode might be, it will be our favorite episode from now until we die. The fact that it is probably pretty good only adds to our excitement.
If you remember in Ferris Bueller's Day Off, there is a scene where he states that if you ever have a chance to drive a Ferrari, I highly recommend it. Likewise, if you ever have a chance to see The Grand Tour (or whatever show Jeremy Clarkson happens to be in), I'd highly recommend it.
Take care and have a very Thankful Thanksgiving.
-00J