Forget pumpkins, Gallagher has been smashing watermelons since the early 1980s, and just like the fashions, ’80s comedy is back in style, at least in Johnson City. Sept. 6 saw the comic take the stage at Magic City Music Hall.

Born Leo Anthony Gallagher, he has had over 16 comedy specials. From 1981 through 1987 he produced one special per year airing on Showtime. While he hasn’t really been in the public eye, approximately 650 tickets were sold, according to Magic City officials. But a comic who reached popularity around the time the general student population was born doesn’t fill the seats with young adults.

Before the show Gallagher threw candy into the crowd, giving an indication of how interactive his act would be. He constantly called audience members to the stage to assist him in his act, which included a hilarious rant about spoon forks as well as an interactive skit about a bear and a rabbit in the woods. His show ran well over two hours and was followed by 10 to 15 minutes of smashing items including cottage cheese, mustard, creamed corn, apples, birthday cake and more.

While he didn’t actually smash any watermelons, he called on audience members to take part in his signature act.