The original troupe came from the great Pacific Northwest and performed over 300 live shows in a dozen countries. They came together to revive an old art form, which had been nearly lost but not forgotten. They shocked two million people and even seduced the electronic media that in another era had shunned their kind. And who were they?

The Amazing Mister Lifto performed a strange and scandalous update of an ancient Saduh act.

The Torture King brought back classic Sideshow feats and caused the most faints with his phobia-inducing Human Pincushion act.

Slug The Sword Swallower and his Human Terrarium act evolved into a modern version of The Wild Man of Borneo and The Great Omi.

And then there was Matt The Tube Crowley, the inventive pharmacist from Montana. Besides his strongman feats, Matt created a truly new act: a blue-collar hit called "Gavage."

Dolly The Doll Lady provided the inestimable link to the past.

Leading the Human Marvels was the maniacal hype master himself: Jim Rose, with his wife and assistant, Bebe The Circus Queen.

Before rock-and-roll there was Sideshow, which also mystified, disgusted and enraged those who didn't get it. When the two came together, it caused screams and faints for a brand new generation.

And when it all came my way, I wasn't quite ready to pack my bag and jump on board. But who ever is?