What happens when a city’s grand vision for an architectural icon goes hilariously—and gloriously—off the rails? In this episode of Fail Hard, we unpack the bizarre and captivating tale of the Memphis Pyramid, a towering stainless steel structure that’s equal parts ancient grandeur, space-age ambition, and commercial spectacle.

Originally conceived as a cultural centerpiece to rival the pyramids of Egypt, the Memphis Pyramid was destined for greatness—or so they thought. Instead, it became a symbol of wild mismanagement, financial disaster, and... a Bass Pro Shop. Yes, that Bass Pro Shop.

Through lively conversations with host Will Hall, architect Peter Warren, public artist and architect William Dodge, and architectural photographer Keith Isaacs, we uncover the Pyramid's tangled history: its ambitious beginnings, disastrous design flaws, and the over-the-top spectacle of its groundbreaking ceremony, complete with helicopters, a glowing shovel, and, um, the theme song from Shaft. 

From a mysterious crystal skull hidden at its apex to the massive glowing Bass Pro sign slapped on its side, this episode explores how the Memphis Pyramid transformed from the so-called “Tomb of Doom” into a bizarre monument to capitalism, mismanagement, and largemouth bass.

Is it an icon? A joke? A masterclass in reinvention? One thing’s for sure: The Memphis Pyramid is unforgettable. Tune in for a wild ride through architectural missteps, cultural symbolism, and the strange poetry of second chances.

CREDITS
Guest: William Dodge, Architect and Public Artist 
personal: https://www.instagram.com/williamhdodge/
work: https://www.instagram.com/p_u_b_l_i_c___/
https://www.p-u-b-l-i-c.com/
art: https://www.instagram.com/a_gang_of_three_/
 https://www.agangofthree.com/

Guest: Peter Warren, Architect 
https://ooba.design/
https://www.instagram.com/officeofbasicarchitecture/

Guest: Keith Isaacs, Architectural Photographer
https://www.isaacsphoto.com/
https://www.instagram.com/keithisaacsphoto

Host: Will Hall
https://www.willhall.co
https://www.instagram.com/willhall.co/
https://www.youtube.com/@willhallco

Engineer: Martin Nayeri
https://kariom.art/
https://www.instagram.com/kariomart/
 
Associated with ByDesign
https://www.bydesign.global/
 
Sponsored by Adobe.