I had a great time last night singing Karoke, and did indeed attempt Bohemian Rhapsody. My favorite Karaoke song is now Everybody wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears (who also incidentally just released a great new album called "Everybody Loves a Happy Ending").
On the way to my first business meeting, I found myself softly singing some of the songs from the previous evening and wondered whether the concept of a Karaoke Taxi would be popular in Japan. The idea is that you could order songs from a device in the back of the taxi and then sing along to them on the way to your destination. This could be a great way to pass the time, and I would definitely use this service. Each song would add a small amount to the fare, allowing taxis to make additional incremental revenue. I'm not sure how many people would enjoy Karaoke without also having a drink, so perhaps the taxi could also have a Saki dispenser!
Don't they already have taxi-cab confessionals? I would dearly love to get video from some of these supposedly private karaoke performances.
For me the question is: would my singing affect my chances for arriving safely to my desired destination? I'd have to wonder about the taxi driver's ability to focus in the midst of amusing distraction.
But alas, I'm begging someone to please post the mpeg of Graham singing Bohemian Rhapsody...
Posted by: Bill Eisenhauer | Feb 18, 2005 at 01:12 PM
Interesting idea :) Here's a driver who took cab entertainment to another level: http://www.ultimatetaxi.com/gostory.htm
Posted by: Ben | Feb 19, 2005 at 11:23 AM
Thanks for the link Ben, that cab is amazing!
Posted by: Graham Glass | Feb 20, 2005 at 02:06 AM
Hi Graham-san,
It's not taxi, but it's common that there is a karaoke box in sightseeing tour buses.
And, I bet you like this.
http://www.rakuten.co.jp/u-max/513999/456776/556907/
Sorry for japanese, but it says that you can enjoy karaoki with just connecting it to your TV. And you can download new songs from the Internet!
Tomoki
Posted by: Tomoki Sekiguchi | Feb 20, 2005 at 06:42 PM
Hey this is a cool idea, and drunken singing on the way to the pub is an excellent way to start the night.
Hope this idea goes well: check out this web sitehttp://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_339888.html?menu= (Singapore)
http://www.djzone.net/pg/0004/ka00045.shtml (Bangkok)
Posted by: Belinda | Mar 08, 2005 at 06:14 PM
I drive a karaoke taxi in Wokingham, UK. I also have a bubble machine and smoke machine fitted as well as 3 networked pcs and a pda.
Mark
Posted by: mark miles | Dec 12, 2005 at 06:22 PM
The idea of karaoke in a taxi seems to be very popular. It certainly helps me to earn a living in Wokingham. My car is not quite as extreme as the ultimate taxi but does feature smoke machine, bubbles, lights and a 15" monitor as well as the obligatory microphone.
Posted by: Mark MIles | Jun 12, 2006 at 05:19 AM
For a karaoke taxi in Northern Ireland contact Karaoke Taxis on 02890 71.81.91
Posted by: Dave Mateer | Oct 25, 2006 at 03:58 AM
HI I,VE BEEN RUNNING THE FIRST KARAOKE KAB IN BELFAST FOR A WHILE AND LOVIN EVERY MINUTE OF IT.YOU CAN REACH ME BY CALLING 07867864445, OR MY WEBSITE WWW.ORIGINALKARAOKEKAB.CO.UK
Posted by: PETER ROWAN | Apr 18, 2007 at 12:47 PM
To Book one of the only 8 seater DOE approved karaoke taxis in Belfast check out www.karaoke taxis.com Unlike some of others, we don't exceed the maximum amount of passengers stated on our PSV plates.
Posted by: Big Dave | Aug 07, 2007 at 10:51 AM
Does anyone have contact details for the Karaoke Taxi in Wokingham? Or know the name of the company so we can call to book a taxi Thanks
Posted by: Dean Penn | May 18, 2008 at 04:04 AM
How did that dude get a licence for a karaoke taxi with a smoke machine etc...in the UK! The licencing of taxi's there is unbelievably anal.
Check the one I started for the Edinburgh Festival 09: www.kabeoke.com
Posted by: Howard | Nov 09, 2009 at 06:56 PM