It’s been a long 13 years since the initial start of this fire breathing, sword swallowing stage show madness that is all done in the name of entertainment. These stunts and performance art have been gracefully done and displayed by Hollywood’s one and only carnival style sideshow attraction known as Freak Show Deluxe. The leader of this group, the one and only Mr. Reverend Tommy Gunn, took time out of his schedule for a candid interview.
Gunn, who has over 30 years of on stage experience, presented a more relatable and caring view of himself and members of his group. He will be performing at this year’s 4th annual Texas Showdown Festival and is eager to return to El Paso and hit the stage with his crew. “I am very excited to return to El Paso,” said Gunn over the phone during a late night interview. “We have done a good amount of Tattoo shows and festivals and the Texas Showdown Festival is the best! I’m just really looking forward to going back to El Paso because it’s one of my favorite places to go and visit.”
Freak Show Deluxe is a collection of over 25 talented members whose sole focus is performance and entertainment first and foremost. The members of the group take risks and do stunts that no other show or performer would ever dare to try. “Freak Show Deluxe is no ordinary show,” Gunn explained. “Our youngest performer is six and there are people who are heavily involved in these stunts and body modification, so it’s important to keep Freak Show Deluxe going because we want to keep this art alive.”
What originally started off as a company benefit intended to help members of the community escape negative after effects of the September 11, has quickly grown to a nationwide traveling show that sometimes has up to four different groups traveling at any given time. Although Freak Show Deluxe is an entertainment show, its original key meaning shouldn’t be overlooked. The members of the group work hard at keeping a dying art alive. “A couple years ago there were only 50 known sword swallowers throughout the world,” Gunn explained, “now there are over 300! Freak Show Deluxe really wants to improve and capture a bigger audience so we can really show them that this is important.”
Gunn explained how his belief in expansion has led him to countries like Brazil and Africa where he decided to dedicate himself entirely to his performance. “While I was there [in Africa], I was going through a phase where I was thinking about giving up performing,” Gunn explained. “I had a great job a good paying career and yet I was not happy. While I was in Africa I started to change.”
Gunn came back to the US quit his job and has dedicated himself to the important things in his life ever since. “I sit down once a year and really examine the things affecting me at the time. In my 13 years with Freak Show Deluxe, there are times where I think it’s time for something new, but I decide to keep going because, my son is the youngest knife thrower in the world, and uses his six year old sister as target practice. This is why I keep Freak Show Deluxe going.” You’ll be able to catch Reverend Tommy Gunn, his kids and members of Freak Show Deluxe when they take the stage during The Texas Showdown Festival.
freakshowdeluxe.com
texastattooshowdownfestival.com
TEXT: MATTHEW EUZARRAGA | PHOTOS COURTESY OF FREAK SHOW DELUXE
