Artist AGREED to Let ICON SPOOF His #1 Hit…But Went APE-SH*T After It CAME OUT! | Professor of Rock

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll; What is your pick for the WEIRD AL's GREATEST SONG PARODY?

[@rogerdeahl9629]

Amish Paradise Eat It. 😅😅

[@christineml1476]

"White and Nerdy" It's my ringtone.

[@TerrickTerran]

White and Nerdy. Practically an anthem for geeks and nerds.

[@Ganja-jh6iy]

Fat

[@Lam_3-22-23]

I Lost on Jeopardy

[@CapTexamerica]

His band never gets enough credit for their ability to play ANYTHING. The first (of many) times I saw Al in concert happened to be the same night that Deep Purple was playing in town. In honor of "everyone who chose, uh, me, instead of Deep Purple..." the band broke into a perfect cover of Smoke on the Water. No parody, whole song. PERFECTLY. Al was dead on. We went INSANE. He's a legend!!

[@reprintranch]

Ladies and gents, THAT is a true “how ya like me now?” rock star move.

[@cdizzle]

They were able to play smoke on the water? Thats incredible

[@billmartinson4205]

Exactly. No other band I know can play any genre and nail it.

[@soundthealarm83]

Seen them three times the first with the Bad Hair Tour. Same band everytime and they definitely deserve more recognition.

[@michaels.ramsey7803]

his band is studio musicians, their sole reason to exist is to be able to play anything.

[@danielcraig9666]

A buddy of mine went to one of his concerts, somehow completely lost his mind and managed to kick off, and lose his shoe. After the concert he went to the front desk to ask if anyone turned in a shoe and they told him to go around back of the building. He gets there and Al is sitting on the steps to his tour bus with Aaron's shoe in his lap, signed.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Such a great story!

[@PunguinYoga]

Great!

[@talbotdarren]

That’s awesome!

[@bonnielbailey]

I love it!

[@LazyIRanch]

NGL, if that happened to me I'd have that shoe placed in a shrine at my house, behind glass!

[@Eric_1991]

The fact that he doesn't legally require permission to parody other people's music and still asks, and doesn't parody it if they say no just shows what a cool dude Weird Al is

[@Plum_bird]

He still did it in live shows

[@Tetrastructural]

@@Plum_bird concerts are a different thing though. It’s not like he is selling these songs. He’s selling his performance. Playing a new song or a cover is something that artists do all the time at live shows. It’s part of what makes concerts a unique and special experience.

[@SoulSoundMuisc]

​@Tetrastuctural_Intelligence exactly this. I was at a rock concert in the 90s, Godsmack, Cold and one other. One of them, I forget who, covered Freebird because the indoor smoking bans were just starting and the venue came out before the show and said anybody sparking a lighter would be ejected. So they did Freebird. Hardly a hand in the audience didn't have a lighter in it. 😂

[@DozerfleetProd]

Guess I got lucky. Every Ape and His Brother doesn't make any money. It's purely done for fun. When that project of mine turned Nine Days' song "Absolutely (Story of a Girl)" into a song about the Salem Witch Trials, the original band members of Nine Days (on MySpace at the time) gave it a thumbs up. They were beyond amused that anyone would turn their song into a historical edutainment romp, even if the subject matter got dark.

[@suburban60sKid]

@@SoulSoundMuiscnow THAT"S an incredible story! Wish I'd been there to cherish that experience!

[@Pops5033]

people remark on his parodies but overlook the fact that he has sung every genre of music there is and pulled it off well. how many artists have done rock, rap, alternative, country etc. and made it sound fire? musical genius i say.

[@BEdwardStover]

Plus Polka. No one else has done polka for a very long time.

[@ellie698]

He's fabulous

[@edwardk3]

But he's attitude towards woman is not to protect

[@ronjones-6977]

@@edwardk3 If we were gonna protect the English language, you'd be in prison for life.

[@edwardk3]

​@@ronjones-6977I'm discussing something more invaluable then the language here. Woman's body isn't something anybody else owns!

[@scottburton9701]

Weird Al belongs in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame-He's worthy of that honor.

[@DC8091]

damn right!!

[@Magnumaniac]

He is more worthy of the honour of not being in that farce of an institution.

[@ProfessorofRock]

No kidding!

[@RBS_]

..I KNOW! ....ALL those categories, and they don't have One for Best humour / Comedy Album!? ...didn't Whoopi get a Grammy!? ...VERY deserved, of the 'Al', Man....

[@TerrickTerran]

Been saying it for years.

[@amandalynnlucarini9517]

The NFL needs to get its act together and invite Weird Al to do a Super Bowl halftime show.

[@justawaitress8421]

🤣 the world couldn’t handle it Freaking snowflakes melting…. Might be fun 🤔😆

[@Crazy1van]

Al has said he would turn it down if they ever did ask, because he doesn't want the pressure of trying tom please that many people with one performance.

[@JUGGALOMADNESS]

That won't happen because he got to be in Illuminati to in the halftime super bowl show and you either got to be a criminal or a slut. To be in the halftime super bowl show.

[@Areadien]

@@achimdemus-holzhaeuser1233Do the Sports Ball.

[@CrySomeMorePlease]

NFL is gay and you are also if you watch it

[@senselessbabbledotcom]

I had the honor of being a dancing Stormtrooper on stage at multiple Weird Al concerts. He is always so great in person back stage. Not wild and wacky, but really low keep and nice. He even told me to bring my son backstage to the next show I was going to be at, and he brought my son on stage. My son, who was 12 at the time, was blown away! Such a great guy!

[@JoeRitze]

First 12 of these seemingly unbelievable Weird Al stories I'm like "yeah right". Now at your comment, the 13th, I'm starting to think Weird Al just really is that cool and a bunch of random people have really cool stories about him

[@cagal1066]

Met Al in the wild of the San Fernando Valley when I was in highschool. The man was a class act to a fan!

[@GOFLuvr]

My favorite story was of when Weird Al satirized Money For Nothing. Mark Knopfler added some stipulation, and Weird Al agreed to let Mark Knopfler play lead guitar in the parody.

[@Pensfan5919]

Best part of UHF, and there's a TON of great parts.

[@GOFLuvr]

@@Pensfan5919 Great, now I have Conan The Librarian and Wheel of Fish stuck in my head. 😛

[@The_Mimewar]

@@GOFLuvrWEAVER! ARE YOU READY!?

[@Bozzin]

You get to drink from the FIREHOSE!

[@SST4SSG]

​@@The_Mimewar That's the best part! I still think it's as outrageously funny they started screaming you're so stupid as I did when I was like 10 or 11 years old

[@larryjohnson2546]

I am now 60 and my youngest daughter is 23. She was so excited when she was 10 she had discovered this great singer called Weird Al. She was so excited when I pulled out all my CDs. She still won't give them back. She loves Al's music but she didn't know most of the music he was referring to. So I had to play the original songs. Al has helped introduce a new generation to their music also. Long live King Al!

[@gerry1620]

Great story!

[@theredheadwiththread1275]

My son turns 8 next month and is absolutely in love with Weird Al. He's an icon lol

[@poochettino]

im not as enthusiastic about a.i as you are dude.

[@dehydratedwater9806]

​Nice one @@poochettino

[@LorettaBurrow]

I'm 60 and while both my kids are fans. Weird Al has keep me up with popular music. I had never even heard of Lady Gaga until "Born this Way".

[@fakefunbags]

I was lucky enough to have interviewed Weird AL on a morning radio show at about 1997. He was absolutely gracious and welcoming. He allowed my 7 yr old daughter to ask him a few questions, we had written them for her, and he laughed and made my daughter feel great. We then went to his show the next night. I was surprised at how physical he was, changing costumes regularly. He even wore the fat suit! Great guy.

[@phaedrapage4217]

What a great story! That's exactly how I always imagined Al would be in person, right down to interacting with your daughter. I bet she had so much fun! ❤❤❤

[@jammasterjay]

1. That’s pretty cool experience, especially cool for a kid to have a unique story to tell later in life. 2. You win the “best channel name”…I definitely got a good laugh from that!!!

[@firstlast5499]

I have met Weird Al because I was one of his extras at a concert… one of the Stormtroopers marching out with Darth Vader for “The Saga Begins.” He is incredibly talented, extremely humble, and an all around great guy. As much as he might be flattered by and feel undeserving of accolades he receives, he absolutely deserves every last one of them! My absolute favorite parody? “Word Crimes”… he nails nearly every modern grammar mistake in it. :)

[@stevehope6283]

You should have a thousand likes for that!! Being in the video as a stormtrooper? That's badass... War crimes is my absolute favorite. I just started playing grammar police again bc no one knows the difference between Then and THAN!😮 ✌️🤪

[@zac3392]

My kids can sing it word for word lol

[@anaritabarrettosantiago5225]

As a former EFL teacher, that’s my favorite too.

[@ClaudiaPadme]

@@stevehope6283At a concert, not in a video.

[@adamwest1138]

Work Crimes is my favourite too! It's so witty, but also flows so damn well!

[@larrycampbell6133]

I always love the story of Weird Al where he goes to some big party and feels like a nobody and Paul McCartney (if I remember correctly) was like “holy $h1t, it’s Weird Al!” And he was so humble about even being recognized, and stunned that these legendary and iconic musicians wanted to meet him. That’s how you know someone isn’t taking themselves too seriously and just likes to have fun making music

[@TheKitchenerLeslie]

Ever see when Ozzy met Paul McCartney for the first time on The Howard Stern Show? Ozzy starts weeping.

[@satchelsatchel]

@@TheKitchenerLeslie Ozzy's heart was broken. Then somebody invited Ozzy to be on the Howard Stern Show again, this time with John Lennon. Ozzy showed up and on the air he said, "Where's John, then?" and Stern said, "Ozzy, John is dead!" and everybody started laughing at Ozzy and he just bawled. It was embarrassing. But then Ozzy got Stern kicked off the radio. Stern went to satellite and he was the one who cried every day. "I miss the Earth, I miss my wife. It's lonely out in space." He was burning out his fumes, up there alone. And I think it's going to be a long, long time.

[@TheKitchenerLeslie]

@@satchelsatchel Elton John never had a wife

[@satchelsatchel]

@@TheKitchenerLeslie Thought he did, for a minute. But when I saw his 'stache, I said, "Oh, me!" and when I saw his pecs, I said, "Oh, my!" and when I saw his note, I said, "Meet me in the bathroom, just below the stairs." And John Lennon was there!

[@sgtrock59]

​@@TheKitchenerLeslieRenate Blauel would like a word.

[@dad4ever-c90]

I can't imagine feeling anything but HONORED if Weird Al chose to parody my work. It's not mockery. On the contrary, it's an homage. He only selects accomplished artists and hit songs. His parody catalog is a much more exclusive list than Grammy Award recipients. I know for me, as a music fan, it makes me only appreciate the original song more if it has been parodied by Al!

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree 1000%

[@illegal_space_alien]

I find it especially ironic about the Coolio one, since his song itself was an adaptation of Stevie Wonder's Pastime Paradise. For those who have never heard it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eH-qZIKCrJyfecUfeature=shared

[@Jims_Camera_at_dawn]

And the Rap "artists" are world famous for "samlping" previous hits by other artists. I guess it's OK if you only steal part of a song? We need to have people thinking EVERYONE LIVES BY THE SAME RULES. That too much to ask?

[@NorthernKitty]

Two of the rejections made sense. Paul McCartney only had an objection against promoting meat consumption, and was fine with Al doing a parody otherwise. It's only fair to ask your music isn't used against your personal values. The other was Michael Jackson's rejection of "Snack All Night", Michael had good business sense that this would look desperate and wouldn't live up to the level of the other two MJ parodies. Even Al admitted it was a good thing for him that Michael declined that song. In both cases, I'm sure they felt honored, but disagreed with Al's choices.

[@LazyIRanch]

@@Jims_Camera_at_dawn Please, please tell me that Vanilla Ice is NOT in the R&RHOF! I know I could google it, but I'm afraid to look. I just ate breakfast and not ready to lose it just now.

[@williamhulser7354]

"He who's tired of Weird Al is tired of life."-- Homer Simpson

[@drewtheunspoken3988]

"Damnit, Bobby, do you wanna die alone and unloved like Weird Al Yankovic?" - Hank Hill

[@TriSticle]

Little ditty, about Homer and Marge Her heart was as big, as his stomach was large

[@judgedrekk2981]

"there are 2 kinds of peopople in the world, those who love Weird Al and there's everyone else" -Me, now!

[@TheFredmac]

​@@judgedrekk2981you can't trust those kind of people.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Homer is correct!

[@BattleCryForFreedom]

If Weird Al asks to parody your song, then let it happen. He makes the original songs more famous. Plus it's a great honor to have a parody done by a fantastic musician.

[@gingersaremad]

Eh thats probably true for most, but it definitely wasn't for Michael Jackson

[@FreeUkraine69]

As a fellow vocal impersonator I know the artists who turned him down are just too narcissistic and ego-driven to share the spotkight ! Andre Philip Gagnon was the worls best and faced the same dilemma ! Both Al and Andre belong in the Hall of Fame ! PERIOD ! God Blessed them both for our enjoyment and fascination ! Octavia$

[@LauraMartinez-sf8fm]

I always say, you want him to cover your song.

[@eccojedi]

@@gingersaremadMichael himself seemed to think it would help.

[@madtabby66]

The one I loved was _You’re Pitiful_ . Blunt approved the parody, but Atlantic Radio said “if you make one penny off that song, we’re going to sue!” So Al released it for free and mocked Atlantic in the video.

[@jonny-on-the-spot]

"another one rides the bus" is probably one of his best songs ever, and almost first as well.

[@alexanderlyon]

Weird Al is a legend. The world is a better place with him and his music. We can either laugh or cry and Weird Al made the decision to laugh a long time ago.

[@sgtrock59]

Weird Al saved my friend's life. He made her laugh, when she was at her lowest point. When he came out on tour, she got to meet him backstage and thank him personally.

[@jwyllor]

That is beautiful.

[@justawaitress8421]

Wow. That’s friggin’ awesome ❤

[@DaDitka]

I have a similar story, though I am not directly involved- A friend of mine back in 2019 was in and out of the hospital doing chemo treatments for cancer. The night before he was to be released, he somehow caught a virus and got sick. Hospital protocol said that he had to stay until he got better (he ended up being there another week). Well, Al was going to be at the Verizon Arena in North Little Rock, Arkansas, for the close of his "Strings Attached" tour, and his sister was going to take him there for a birthday present. But of course he couldn't go because he was sick. So what does she do? She goes on every single media platform you can think of to try to get Mr. Al's attention, that her brother (a big fan) was going to have to miss his show (he is not on any social media platform, i believe, so he had zero clue about what was happening). Guess who visited his hospital room at approximately 2:30pm, around 5 hours before he was scheduled to be on the stage? Yep- Al and his publicist (her name was Suzanne, I don't think it was his wife but I'm not sure) came to visit him! It was so funny, according to what both said about it. When he walked in and asked for him, she immediately freaked out. He, however, needed a minute to realize who it was, and then he freaked out! I wish I could have been there to see it. He gave my friend some souvenirs, including a smashed-up guitar from his previous concert. And he was such a kind man. They made some small talk for a few minutes, and he was very polite and answered all his questions. Al is an absolute treasure. I am grateful to him for visiting a friend of mine who was battling cancer when he didn't have to do so, especially given that he was 5 hours from the start of his concert. Blessings be on him! Thanks for listening to me. I hope all is well with all of you. P.S. My friend is, as of February of 2024, is still cancer free! He gets tired rather easily and he has to watch his blood levels as he is borderline anemic, but he is hanging in there!

[@rothed16]

​@@DaDitka nice. Al seems like such a good dude

[@kevindiaz3459]

Jeebus, imagine how it would feel for a total stranger to tell you that something you did saved their life. I would bet that was not on Al's bingo card. But I would bet it's something he remembers even now.

[@davidjackson4326]

so, I was raised HARDCORE religiously, and "Weird Al" is the only secular artist I was allowed to listen to. My parents thought he was too silly and a waste of time but, clean enough to enjoy. Pop culture from 10-16 , for me, came solely through this man. Al, I wish I could shake your hand and tell you this myself

[@jackwhitbread4583]

Secular artist? He's pretty religious so I'm not quite sure what you're talking about. He may keep religion out of his act for the most part but that doesn't really make him secular

[@wendigo53]

The devil eats cheese whiz.

[@I_AM_BAYTOR]

I'm sorry you had to go through that upbringing.

[@davidjackson4326]

@@jackwhitbread4583 secular, meaning, doesn't perform Christian music

[@panicmosem5969]

Thats crazy! Imagine hearing the parodies BEFORE the original songs.... trippy! 😆 Were you familiar with the original songs or was al the ONLY way you knew the songs?

[@theanteaterparadox344]

White and Nerdy. Not just because of the lyrics, but the rapping is just top notch

[@ducttape82]

The music video with Donny Osmond is hilarious too

[@g.strobl4458]

Weird Al is not just an amazing lyricist, his singing and acting are spot-on across all kinds of genres. Incredible guy.

[@3TeamsMedia]

Emulating one or few artists is probably difficult enough, so his ability to emulate various artists/styles and genres makes him top notch.

[@de1018]

​@@3TeamsMediaSo true! The actual range of his styles, lyricism, and ridiculous topics is astounding! He is our artistic expression reflected back to us through a fun house mirror, showing us how absurd our attempts to be serious really are.

[@Jawesome1Shazam]

UHF is one of my favorite movies.

[@johnw6110]

Not to mention all the instruments he plays. Incredible person.

[@RJKYEG]

I went to see Weird Al in concert during his Mandatory Fun tour. I have gone to a good number of concerts in my life, and Weird Al can go toe-to-toe with most any performer. The guy sang his way into the auditorium and onto stage, danced through every one of his songs, he changed costumes over and over, and made time to sign autographs for her nerdy fans afterwards. Class act.

[@escarrot5089]

Wait… Weird Al is a girl?! Now THAT is weird!

[@Pensfan5919]

Same tour in Miami. I've seen other acts that were conventionally bigger (U2, chiefly), but seeing Al at that probably 3k seater theatre was pure fun in the nerdiest way. Especially doing a 10 minute late finale for those that stayed of Yoda.

[@philliphersman362]

Probably one of the best shows I've been to

[@andrewcramer9200]

Went to the one in the Omaha area (technically it was across the river in Council Bluffs, IA but that's 15 minutes from here so quite pedantic to even bring it up), concur. Fun was mandatory but also voluntary. His brilliant use of clips from all the MTV specials, internet videos (i.e. the Weird trailer with Aaron Paul that finally got the full treatment it deserved), and whatever else makes that show move FAST.

[@scotttaylor2526]

I saw that concert in Sterling Heights, Michigan. A legendary concert experience.

[@rd9102]

The thing about Weird Al is that his music while a parody is SMART in it's parody. He doesn't just push out junk and every song i have ever heard come from him is a small bit of Genius, elevating the source material in every case i can think of and in some cases bringing back the original to hit status. He deserves to be in the Rock and Roll hall of fame for his great parody catalogue.

[@StriderZessei]

And he's never too harsh with the source material. He's might poke fun, but he never kicks anyone when they're down. A real class act.

[@sabregunner1]

those lawyers violated weird al. parody is protected. it is very cool of Al to not do a parody without permission even though he has no legal directive to do so it also seems that alot of people see it as a badge of honor to be parodied, its a sign of having made it

[@HeySis-dt9bk]

I took my then 12 year old son to see Wierd Al for his first concert,in about 2008 (dream come true for both of us) And my kid kept saying "I hope he plays Albuquerque." It was his favorite of all time.I told him that song is like 14 min long, hes not gonna play it. Well he did for the encore, and we were absolutely thrilled. Thanks Al.❤

[@JM_Solo]

Dream come true. That’s amazing!

[@dustin8834]

Cause I had my ready table up and my stay in the upright position!! Holy hell, I could only listen to that song two times ever, it IS the most annoying song ever made. Glad you liked it though

[@normfromga]

@@dustin8834Yeah, just listening to it, two times tops. But watching the Breaking Bad video with it? I think I'll watch it again right now! ["Do have any bear claws?" "NAH, we don't have any bear claws!"]

[@andrewcramer9200]

@@dustin8834 Listen to Dick's Automotive by The Rugburns.

[@kendallsmith1458]

I remember hearing "Another One Rides the Bus" on Dr Demento and thinking "Who is this guy?" Nearly 50 years later he's cracking me up with the sped up "Hamilton".

[@TheEudaemonicPlague]

Only if, to you, forty-five years is nearly fifty. Doesn't quite add up. heh.

[@UberLummox]

Dr. Demento RULES!

[@Kelliebelle44]

@@UberLummoxMy brothers and their friends listened to Dr Demento. The first thing that popped in my mind when I saw his name just now is “Fish heads fish heads, roly poly fish heads. Fish heads fish heads eat them up yum! Took my fish heads to the movies. Sat right down in the very front row…”. I know there were scores of other songs but that one stuck.

[@KegstandOG]

Dr. Demento show...wow blast from the past! Best radio show ever created!!!

[@Drake2024]

Dr. Demento was the best "Another One Rides the Bus" was great. I also liked "I Lost on Jeopardy".

[@rocktoonzz]

Al is an absolute legend. The fact that he's not been invited to perform at the Super Bowl is criminal.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Right?

[@sleepyhollow783]

Great point.

[@brentmay6379]

This definitely needs to happen

[@LazyIRanch]

But then I'd be forced to watch a Superbowl halftime show! I've lived 62 years without watching a Superbowl game, but if Weird Al was the halftime show? You bet I'm gonna watch that!

[@rs8461]

@@LazyIRanch not in this day and age you can just wait til it is on youtube

[@GygaxGirl]

I loved Weird Al as a teen. One day many years ago, I heard my kids in the other room singing Weird Al songs loudly and word for word. White and Nerdy holds a special in my family's life. I was stunned and happily joined them. Thanks for the generations of nerdy fun, Al!

[@R2Bl3nd]

I was so stunned to watch the video years later and realized that it's Key and Peele in the car at the beginning. At the time I had no idea who they were.

[@nickster5286]

About 10 years ago my wife won tickets to see Weird Al at a local venue. I reluctantly went with a friend. I AM SO GLAD I DID! It wasn't a very well-attended show. Maybe 500 people. I could not believe the performance this man put on! Costume changes, song after song after song, and the energy was through the roof! It now ranks as one of my top five concerts I've ever been to.

[@S_Drake]

I saw him once in similar circumstances (local venue, just a few hundred people), and you'd have thought he was performing for a stadium packed with 50 thousand people, with the show he put on. It didn't matter that it was a tiny venue; his fans were there for a Weird Al show, and he gave us a good one. There's a guy who appreciates his fans.

[@tcr7]

I saw him in a smallish city (population less than 100,000 now and this was in the late 90s). There was definitely fewer than 100 people in the audience. I used to be a performer that travelled up and down the east coast performing, so when I give the following compliment, I mean it. Weird Al is the greatest entertainer/performer I have ever seen. His energy was absolutely unmatched. He was doing quick changes in between his songs. He was absolutely brilliant. I say this as someone who dislikes music, but the man is a genius. The only thing I disliked about the performance is that I was in the 2nd row right in front of one of the speakers. I had tinnitus for several hours after the concert.

[@marenwilliams2787]

Yaaaas! He puts on a show! I’ve seen him twice at the Washington state fair twice & it was amazing!

[@saysoun752]

He puts on a very good show.

[@incogneato790]

I hope he lives forever. I don't want to see a world without him in it.

[@addambelmont3050]

He has children...

[@Laarye]

Amish Paradise is what made me discover Weird Al.

[@Scientist_Salarian]

Same. And Coolio.

[@thrinaxadon]

While you are in the mood for discovery listen to pass time paradise by Stevie Wonder and listen to the original version.@@Scientist_Salarian

[@saltytraveller]

When I first heard Amish Paradise I had no idea what song he was making a parody of.

[@nomoresaul]

Every time I hear the real song, whatever it’s even called, I legitimately hear Weird Al instead 😂

[@The_Infamous_Boogyman]

Same. I immediately grabbed up Bad Hair Day and fell off until Straight Oughta Lynnwood brought me back w White n Nerdy

[@michellealdis1271]

Weird Al was accidentally my first concert. My childhood best friend and I were hanging around the ticket booth at the OC Fair (I think she was hoping to catch a glimpse of him) and one of his people came up to us and asked if we wanted tickets. Definitely the most high production show I've ever been to to this day; just so much heart

[@johnrose3169]

Me too - Hall County Fair. August 15, 1985 Grand Island, Nebraska.

[@ScottieD813]

Weird Al is on a level all by himself. No one can touch his greatness. Intelligent, humble, respectful and talented. The man has it all. He was one of my first "favorites" growing up, so to get older and find out he's also a really good guy who treats people well was really inspiring. Weird Al- The Man, The Myth, The Legend.

[@aaronfreeman5264]

A producer, for What's My Line, has Weird Al beat. Allen Sherman, look him up.

[@rizthebloody]

Don't forget Al's band members, all great musicians.

[@ScottieD813]

@@rizthebloody Fact. They're all very good at what they do

[@emtramone]

Yes a part two would be spectacular!!. I had the chance to perform with WEIRD AL several years ago. It was not a huge part. I was a stormtrooper for his Anakin spoof. He travels around from city to city and asks for members of the 501st to perform with him on stage. Afterward he came back stage a posed for pictures and autographed items at request. So gracious and always the professional.

[@pggysu]

Weird AL is one of those rare artists than bring generations together. And he's the only one ro do it in such a brilliantly funny and creative way. We love Al!!! Can't wait for the interview and a part 2!

[@TheMemo659]

My favorite denial he got was from Devo. Al then wrote the song "Dare to be Stupid" in the Devo style without parodying an actual song. The quote from Devo was something along the lines of "That pissed us off even more. He did our style better than we could." It's quite an impressive feat if you have not heard the song. Worth a quick search.

[@warthog075]

0.0 what an awesome tidbit! A friend (who both got me into Weird Al, and really helped broaden my taste in music) and I loved that track, and it's about time it gets back in rotation! :D

[@stephen-ng]

Dare to Be Stupid, Eric Idle as Wreckgar, and Junkions attacking the Autobots on a scrapyard planet after the Autobot Matrix was stolen by Galvatron is peak 1980s.

[@hc1314]

Al is a national treasure. He brought us laughter at the worst times and got us through it smiling

[@stephaniecranston8134]

Soon after my husband was diagnosed with leukemia, my son presented me with the cd Mandatory Fun. We listened to it all the time when I was driving him to and from his job, and to and from the hospital. It put smiles on our faces and laughter on our lips. It was the perfect time for the perfect cd. Got us through some tough days. My husband is fine now, and we still do listen to that cd.

[@maatobraggol]

Hardware Store, one of Weird Al's originals, is one of the most impressive works of songwriting ever recorded. When I first heard it, I listened to it over and over for several weeks, learned all the words, and would play it for everyone I could find that hadn't heard it yet. What a time to be alive! Love that song.

[@stevendriver1399]

I've been to 3 hardware stores, and all they have are manual circumcizers...and none of their salt and pepper shakers match!

[@JM_Solo]

Heck yeah. Hardware store is my absolute favorite.

[@Dulcimerist]

In an interview with Nirvana, they said they knew they had made it big when Weird Al did a parody of their song.

[@kevindiaz3459]

I think Al has a story about how he knew he had made it because of Paul McCartney. They were at a party and Paul had never met him before. Al said "Wow, it's Paul McCartney!" And Paul said "Wow, it's Weird Al!"

[@qjarrangements4989]

Now it’s a Narduar interview to tell if you’ve made it. Seeing Kurt got one before it was cool, I’d say that still stands

[@solidbriscoe6961]

“Will it be about food?”

[@RaptorJesus]

@@solidbriscoe6961 "No, it'll be about how no-one can understand your lyrics."

[@sumtinwong-jx9zu]

anything, and/ or everything can be done with beatles songs. "immigrant driver"(paperback writer) one of my favorites.

[@rocky-fuller]

One of the greatest things about Weird Al is he doesn't have to get permission to parody songs, but does it anyway bc he's a stand up dude

[@boombastic108]

And he sends the original artist royalties.

[@dylanwillmon5672]

He does it because of a fight he had long ago with some artist who got mad over a parody song he made. After the whole controversy he decided to always request permission first.

[@boombastic108]

@@dylanwillmon5672 It was Coolio, and it was a miscommunication between Al's people and Coolio's people. But once Coolio got a nice royalty check he was fine.

[@MikeMacYT]

I interviewed Al on the radio one morning, meeting him at his motor home while on tour. He had slept late, but was truly a “Prince.” Great guy. Couldn’t have been nicer or more supportive.

[@stephensheppard1083]

I first saw him in the 80s doing "Like A Surgeon" and "Eat It" and I instantly fell in love with his work. He is a legend, and someone who always made music fun

[@batgoat28]

I grew up in L.A. in the 70s with Dr. Demento. I remember "Another one rides the bus" done live in studio.

[@shawnhurley3815]

Ha! God I remember that one too. Hilarious. Anybody like Bob Rivers? His songs are funny as well.

[@BillGraper]

@@shawnhurley3815 "The 12 Pains Of Christmas"!!! I listen to it every year in December. 😎

[@simplysteve68]

​@@BillGraper"Rigging up da lights" "Charities" "Whaddya mean 'YOUR' in-laws?"

[@BillGraper]

@@simplysteve68 I'm not sending them this year, that's it. ...... shut up, you......... FINE, YOU'RE SO SMART, YOU RIG UP THE LIGHTS!

[@artguti1551]

Same here...Listening to Dr. Demento on the Radio in the late 70s. Hearing "My Bologna, Another One Rides the Bus, and a few others...then Weird Al hit the Big Time soon afterwards!

[@lowededwookie]

For me, the fact he learned to sing Amish Paradise backwards for the video is pure genius. In the recording of the video he's the one walking backwards and singing backwards. Then in the video it's played backwards to make it look like he's walking forward and everything else is backwards.

[@blueroseknight]

Al Yankovic is one of the musically most underrated performers of all time. His skill and range with different styles of music is unparalleled. If he were not a comedy performer, and was a 'serious' one, he'd be regarded as among the best of all time.

[@freethebirds3578]

He's also very good looking. You don't see it with the big glasses and all the hair, but when I saw the video for "The Saga Begins" I was amazed at how handsome he looked.

[@artor9175]

Hey, I DO regard him as among the best of all time.

[@anselpeneloperainblossom-s3489]

His cover of Africa with weezer absolutely blew me away. Didn’t even know it was Al until he kicked. lol

[@Frankie5Angels150]

Okay, let’s not go crazy here…

[@Frankie5Angels150]

@@freethebirds3578 Get some glasses yourself.

[@rolandsalazar9562]

Part 2 is a must. He and his band are Exceptional Musicians!! They are underrated because they can mimic ANY BANDS MUSIC seamlessly. Weir’s Al and his band belong in the music hall of fame. .

[@radwolf76]

The brief sample of Zeppelin's Black Dog in Al's Trapped in the Drive Thru is not a sample at all. Al's band is covering it. It is a flawless recreation.

[@d.christophertatum2936]

I have a lot of respect for Weird Al achieving a decades-long career while remaining a pretty wholesome guy.

[@ContentMadame]

Lol, go listen to some of his originals.

[@serendipityshopnyc]

@@ContentMadame I'm very partial to "One of Those Days" and "Christmas at Ground Zero".

[@ScrapKing73]

His commercial success has outlasted most of the artists he parodied! Now that’s crazy!

[@andrewcramer9200]

@@serendipityshopnyc How about Good Old Days wherein he murders at least two people for no reason, after growing up "torturing rats with a hacksaw and pulling the wings off of flies" in a wistful James Taylor voice? 🤣

[@serendipityshopnyc]

@@andrewcramer9200 Don't believe I've ever heard that one. Will have to look it up!

[@KevinBruce-l9m]

Weird Al s parodies are so completely realized. Very cleverly worked out and entertaining. Memorable too. He is the best

[@cpmow831]

To have your song spoofed by him is a great honor

[@EatTheMarxists]

You’ve got that right. It’s seen by many musicians as a sign that they’ve really ‘made it’ and one of their songs is popular enough to be spoofed by him.

[@laurahall3094]

​@@EatTheMarxistsYou speak specifically about Nirvana. I'm glad Kurt got that happy moment before.

[@chrispfeifer7628]

Think of how much talent is required for a band to play EVERY genre of music in concert. Al and his band are gifted musicians

[@ProfessorofRock]

They truly are!

[@fnjesusfreak]

Definitely props to his band. Given some of the talent they were recreating - Paul McCartney's solo on "Taxman", Eddie Van Halen's solo on "Beat It" (hell, that was Rick Derringer, no slouch on the guitar himself!)...

[@kajem575]

PAUL SHAFFER and THE WORLDS MOST DANGEROUS BAND.

[@rome8180]

Al is really underrated as a singer. He has a nasally voice, but his pitch is perfect and his range is excellent. There's a video you can find online of him doing a more serious a cappella song. Unfortunately, I can't remember the song name right now. But it's beautiful. It's from 2020 during the pandemic and it involves him using a looper to layer his voice.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It makes it so that you think you’re hearing the actual song but then you hear Weird Al singing.

[@pkboomer]

I didn’t know that Coolio had a change of heart about Amish Paradise, that’s really good to hear. Lots of respect to him for that. It really is one of Al’s best masterpieces.

[@rs8461]

and Coolio used Stevie Wonder's song Pastime Paradise so should he have been upset. you can just say Weird Al did Stevie's song

[@HariSeldon913]

The version I heard was that Coolio's producer gave the permission then didn't tell Coolio.

[@cathyrainey6176]

Like Al's manager said "he didn't give back the money".

[@charles2494]

@@jamieflowers1493EXACTLY!!!

[@MGower4465]

I have heard Coolio say it in an interview. He was wrong, he realized it later, and he owns the mistake. Gotta respect that.

[@vbscript2]

Glad Rivers came around later. Having Weird Al in their Africa cover video - and also having him show up at at least one of their performances of the song and play the guitar solo on accordion - was absolutely perfect. Weird Al is just the best.

[@chriskay1449]

IT was a show in LA. The video is here on KZbin.

[@vbscript2]

@@chriskay1449 Yeah, I've seen at least a couple of different videos from that show in LA here on KZbin. The music video with Al playing Rivers is also on here.

[@lisahinton9682]

I was a teenager when Weird Al first came on-scene. I think my favorite Weird Al songs are the originals, "My Bologna," and "Another One Rides the Bus," but also, I have to mention "Amish Paradise," which is truly a work of art, but in a totally different way to the rest of his very incredible art. And you know what's so amazing about Al and his band? They can play in ANY musical genre, any! I've got a degree in music and usually when one artist, who has their own genre, attempts to switch, you can hear little "errors." Not with Incredible Al! This man, he just holds a special place in my heart. I am now 59 years old and I still love Weird Al. When I am feeling down, or missing my parents, "My Bologna" is gonna get cranked up, and I am soon laughing through the tears. *Thanks, Al. If you should happen to see this, I'd like you to know that you really have made the world such a better place.*

[@steventaylor4326]

All greats but White and Nerdy takes the #1 position in my opinion.

[@indigop38]

I’m 68. Weird Al was around before my bologna. I remember him featured on a radio show called DR Demento when I was about 12.

[@Kisha_can]

​@@indigop38Nobody said he wasn't around before My bologna.

[@indigop38]

@@Kisha_can ok. You’re right. My misread. Thanks

[@BearClawAK47]

Neither are original songs. "My balona" is a parade of the Nack's "My Shirona" and other was a parade of Queen's "Another one bites the dust"

[@85inexact]

If Weird Al parodie you, its a compliment. Your music is instantly recognizable and part of that era.

[@e21steverino]

Weird Al is one of my musical heroes. I still prefer "Yoda" to Lola. Definitely do a part two of this and DEFINITELY get that interview scheduled with the King of Parody 😊

[@cheryljacobo7884]

Yesss!!

[@DanoFSmith-yc9tg]

Al is more talented than like 95% of the musicians in any sort of hall of fame. He deserves every ounce of recognition, the guy is a legend, in multiple era's. Most musicians barely last a decade, never mind a generation, or multiple

[@carlmohr9941]

Kudos to Weird Al for asking for permission though he didn't have to. That's a level of respect that is long gone.

[@Frankie5Angels150]

He has always asked permission. Only Kurt Cobain asked HIM to parody Nirvana.

[@Fivemonthslater1]

@@Frankie5Angels150Madonna did, too. She begged. (Thus the inspiration for the hilarious portrayal in the recent movie.)

[@IntheL1ght]

That is why weird al is the best

[@joshuaclaassen9325]

It's a mark of respect _now..._ but back in the '80s, it was the law, because unpermitted parodies weren't legal yet. Al kept up the habit, I suppose. 🙂

[@njlauren]

Parody has always been fair use, otherwise Spike Jones and so forth couldn't do what they did. He asked bc he doesn't want hard feelings.

[@LordSmyrnian]

I can't imagine a world without Amish Paradise.

[@Worldindecline690]

Even Ezekiel thinks that my mind is gone.

[@mvanluven78]

Omg...Al should have did prince 1999 as a $19.99 track. That would have been golden ​@susanivy3619

[@DeidresStuff]

That was a misunderstanding. Coolio's people said yes without asking him. He let it go eventually because he realized that people like Michael Jackson were ok with him doing their music.

[@cericat]

Seriously, one of Al's best recognised songs possibly moreso than the original, I definitely heard it long before I did Gangsta's Paradise.

[@powerofk]

Right? Gangsta’s Paradise was on top for a few weeks, but people generally remember Amish Paradise more. Maybe that was why Coolio got upset originally? @@cericat

[@knottheory79220]

Seriously there's been so much music I've checked out because of Weird Al. A genuine parody doesn't hurt the original at all.

[@travelsouthafrica5048]

When Weird Al approached Mark Knopfler about doing a parody of his song, money for nothing , Knopfler agreed with one condition , that Knopfler would play the guitar for the parody song ...

[@knottheory79220]

@@travelsouthafrica5048 I didn't know that, that is awesome. And Dire Straits is a band I never would have checked out if not for Weird Al. It just comes full circle doesn't it?

[@tnwhiskey68]

Weird Al never made disses of the original artist or mocked their songs. He just made great songs with others music!

[@andrewcramer9200]

Achy Breaky Song has entered the chat. "Don't play that song, that achy breaky song/you know I hate that song a bunch/and if you play that song, that nauseatin' song/it might just make me lose my lunch". Oh, and having said that: Al was right to mock that song 🤫

[@andrewcramer9200]

"Don't play that song, that achy break song/I think it's drivin' me insane/oh please don't play that song, that irritatin' song/I'd rather have a pitchfork in my brain!"

[@ericklandrud5356]

His approach has *NEVER* been any more than light fun! That's what makes him such an amazing treasure from America to the whole world

[@MrStretchification]

Weird Al is a national treasure, and we are lucky to have him

[@jimbubbatube]

I can’t wait for the interview! When I was 13 or 14, I used to play Weird Al in 3-D to help me get to sleep. Not because it made me drowsy, but because it was comforting. The other night, I overheard my teenage son asking Alexa to play his “bedtime playlist”, and I was oddly proud to discover they were all Weird Al songs. I wonder how many other people out there have been comforted by Weird Al’s happy and upbeat lyrics over the years.

[@TimRoot-dotcom]

Oh how weird ... that was the one album I owned as a kid and listened to it every night as well! What a legend!

[@robgronotte1]

I too got into Weird Al with that album, and I'm just a few years older than you. But the last song on that album is "Nature Trail To Hell", a silly but scary sounding song about a horror movie. I guess you must have always fallen asleep before the album ended, or it would have been more likely to give you nightmares than to comfort you.

[@andrewcramer9200]

@@robgronotte1 SATAN EATS CHEEZ WHIZ!

[@born_again_torinos]

I've been to many classic Rock bands concerts since the 1970s. The best by far was seeing Weird Al perform live. He gave his all for an hour and a half. I had the pleasure of going back stage and meeting Al. There he was sitting at a folding table out side of his bus with a line of about 20 of us. I've never seen Al so drained of energy. It was like someone un-plugged him. I felt so badly for him. He probably wanted to just go on his bus and lay down and rest after that killer performance. But no, he lovingly met each person, let us take photos with him and he kept smiling and was so gracious. I respected Al before the concert and even much more afterward. The man gives 100% to his fans. The photo of me with my arm around him hangs proudly in my shop.

[@theghostsofgiants]

The story behind Al asking permission to do Smells Like Nirvana is probably my favourite Weird Al anecdote

[@chaosh7040]

Cobain: "It's not gonna be about food is it? Al: "No... it's gonna be about not being able to understand the lyrics"... LOL...probably the last laugh Cobain had.

[@buddrud]

Weird Al is indeed a national treasure. He's not only been able to parody great songs, he's also managed to parody himself over the years.

[@jadevr]

Years ago, I met Mr. Yankovic, at a signing for his Jurassic Park album, at of all places... a KMart! He showed up in a Winnebago (if anyone can remember those monstrosities of a vehicle), with his signature Hawaiian shirt, and colorful sneakers! I just remember him being one of the nicest people I've had the pleasure of meeting, and it showed how much he truly loves and appreciates his fans! He recognizes that we all helped him get to where he is, and he's never once forgotten us all. Love to that man forever, our parody brother.

[@wyatthennings4327]

That's neat. Winnebagos are still popular, most just call them RV's or Campers these days.

[@Mixi_Hazbin]

Winnebago, that's a word I haven't heard in ages.

[@samuraicrunchbird]

9:14 not to mention that in Amish Paradise, he said "tonight we're gonna party like it's 1699!".

[@billfarley9015]

I like that he calls young Amish Amlets.

[@robdaviesprogm]

Al included a little dig at Prince on every one of his albums after a while. That, and the number 27, though I don't know the story behind that particular Easter egg.

[@serendipityshopnyc]

@@robdaviesprogm Maybe he's referring to the "27 Club" of artists who died at that age?

[@andrewcramer9200]

@@serendipityshopnyc I thought it was just a random number he chose but apparently it's an homage to his mother being born February 7th. This will confuse the eurotrash who write the day first and then the month "HOH HOHN SHOULD IT NOT BE 72?" NO, FRENCHIE! NOW SURRENDER! :|

[@scottply6518]

Thank you for this story of Weird Al. I had no idea of any of this. This video has made me want to listen to Weird Al again. Time to head down the KZbin Rabbit hole and watch his videos today, lol. My favorite Weird Al song is Amish Paradise.

[@kamwickw933]

He and his band are excellent musicians on their own. Amazing. And yes, being asked by Weird Al to collaborate IS a badge of honor.

[@jamesythetrue]

Al's parodies are pure gold. He writes awesome originals too, like "One More Minute," "Those Were the Good Ol' Days." "Dare to Be Stupid," and "I'll Be Mellow When I'm Dead." I'm stoked for your interview with him!

[@joeterp5615]

I love One More Minute! My favorite of his songs!

[@williamshafer1996]

I love those were the good old days. "And pulling the wings off of flies....."

[@DTD110865]

"I'll Be Mellow When I'm Dead," is one on his first original tunes, and I've never lost my love for this time.

[@sub-jec-tiv]

His originals are always my faves on the album. His ‘original songs in the style of’ are always great. His version of TMBG, ‘Everything You Know Is Wrong,’ is as good as TMBG’s best work.

[@hellshade2]

Al's song "Dare to be stupid" was on the movie soundtrack for the transformers animated movie back in the 1980's!

[@ricodog3652]

What a badge of honor it would be to have Weird Al parody one of your songs.

[@DrelvanianGuardOffic]

It's funny that Weird Al was rejected on making Yellow Snow, but then shortly after Prince's death, comedian Tim Hawkins ended up releasing "Potty Train", a song joked as being "Prince's first song, written as a message to his mother"

[@Paulafan5]

Weird Al could've done a Prince song without Prince's permission; he just preferred to get the artists' permission.

[@jeffreyenglish1815]

I saw Weird Al at a Keyboard Magazine event at a NAMM. Al is an ungodly accordion and piano player. The audience was stunned by his prowess.

[@Astraeus..]

It's cool that he goes out of his way to ask the artists before he does anything even though he has absolutely no legal requirement to do so. I also like that he'll still do the songs if they say no on occasion, but only ever as a live performance and not on a record where he'd be making a bunch of money for many years on it. It's just the right level of "fu@$ it" and respect, and it's probably why he's so well liked by most of the folks who's music he's parodying.

[@cericat]

He's also prone to turning up in odd places as a bit of fun, ie Cybertronic Spree's cover of Dare to be Stupid at the end of the music video.

[@travelsouthafrica5048]

if it wasn't for Weird Al , I never would have discovered the foo fighters .. his parody was the first time I ever heard their song

[@tbbigrocker149]

"even though he has absolutely no legal requirement to do so." Surely you don't believe that? Tell you what, try to post a video with COPYRIGHTED material here and see what happens. He is LEGALLY REQUIRED. Why do you think he DIDN'T when he was told NO? Come on, get with it.

[@joeb8935]

@@tbbigrocker149apparently you don’t know what a parody is

[@Rammstein0963.]

@tbbigrocker Parody falls under fair use, as it's transformative enough to not be identical to the original.

[@ACCER]

I love Weird Al. I REALLY love that he shows the original creators respect by seeking permission when he doesn't have to do so. It shows what a stand up man he is in addition to his amazing talent!

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

He doesn't have to, but the line isn't always super clear about where the line is exactly and these things can get tied up in litigation even if the use is legitimate. Plus, I'm sure he's got no shortage of material at this point. There's more than a century of music to parody, and more being released every day.

[@vivsavagex]

⁠@@SmallSpoonBrigadewhile u may be correct that an unknown could certainly get hung up in litigation and would have to go way far over the top in documentation and intention to make sure its provable satire. Weird al as a world famous well established satirist could definitely get away with it

[@DJREZEREKT]

I think we've all gotten a laugh or two from this guy... No bad words should ever be said about this man

[@JETZcorp]

When I was a kid (90s+00s), I listened to almost nothing but Weird Al. Even after graduating high school, I'd keep hearing songs for the first time that I'd known first as an Al parody or polka. The first concert I ever went to was Weird Al. He did a song that NO ONE ever talks about called "My heartburn will go on." Al was the sound of my childhood. Absolutely goated.

[@penismightier9278]

I was the exact same way with listening to his version before I heard the original.

[@vernonsanders9696]

I heard Heartburn as part of a medley

[@lexis8704]

Its nothing but more publicity for the celebs that he parodies. 😅

[@paulendicott9151]

I always loved the fact that he always seemed to be saying, don't take life so seriously, we are supposed to be entertaining our fans. Good show as usual.

[@rebecculousrk]

I immediately knew you had to talking about Weird Al. I was 15 in 1986, MTV was everything, and Weird Al's satire was a highlight of the era.

[@sbloomis]

He;s told the story of teen spirit -- they thought of him as the "food song guy." When he clarified that he was going to make fun of how no one could understand them, they thought it was funny and gave the green light. Reflects well on both sides - one of my favorites to this day.

[@andrewryan9655]

I remember watching live when Weird Al took over MTV for a day on April Fools Day. Classic moment in music history. I was a kid and I completely bought the spoof and thought he was really pirating MTV from his home. LOL

[@who-ge1gu]

Weird Al is the only celebrity i would want to meet in person.

[@shawnannul]

I've met a few and he's the only one I would starstruck for

[@ModelA]

Me too. And I have. He was super nice.

[@nothingforyouhere418]

What about fred durst

[@VinnyMartello]

I would rather be parodied by weird Al than to receive a gold trophy.

[@satchelsatchel]

That's what I used to think. Then Weird Al parodied me. He got up on stage and said, "Has anybody even noticed this loser?" Then he acted like me and I saw all the stupid things I did, and how I looked funny. This girl beside me in the audience said, "You smell like piss!" and everybody booed. And it was all true. I was repulsive and worthless.

[@spook75a28]

UHF flopping in the theatre isn't surprising, it takes multiple viewings to appreciate the genius as an adult, but as a kid it had me laughing so hard I nearly pissed myself. I completely lost my shit when Emo Phillips cuts off his thumb and squirts blood all over the place. God, what a great movie.

[@andrewcramer9200]

It was also unfair what other movies came out at the same time: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Ghostbusters II, freaking Batman, etc. etc. etc. The box office was famously stacked that summer.

[@mneugent7658]

It is a damned shame that the R&R Hall Of Fame hasn't found a spot for him in their museum. He should have his own space there.

[@freethebirds3578]

HOF is run by fools. The stars they leave out of their little club have more staying power than most of the ones they let in.

[@Randyluck1]

You misspelled wing. 😁

[@mneugent7658]

@@Randyluck1 We can call it a wing. I have no objection to that. And I do love chicken wings. Elon should just finance a parody of the R&R HOF right next door and put long curly hair on it.

[@johntiggleman4686]

@mneugent7658 RRHOF is a bloody joke anymore.

[@hx823]

@@johntiggleman4686 Especially since they haven't inducted John Denver

[@Arizhel6]

I saw Weird Al on his "The Unfortunate Return of the Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour." He played at the Santa Fe Opera to a fairly small crowd (the venue only seats ~2100) and the show was amazing. No props or gimmicks, just Al and the band in Hawaiian shirts playing their hearts out. They gave us a nearly 20-minute rendition of Albuquerque. I'm so glad I finally got to see him!

[@MandyRussell-g3w]

Weird Al is a genius. Who else could give us “Bob”. A whole song of palindromes. Been a fan since the beginning. Had a meet and greet last year, I think I was the oldest person there, I’m in my sixties. But I was delighted to see many young teenagers there who were obviously enamoured with him. He reminds us that it’s ok to dare to be stupid and not take the world so seriously.

[@chrissmith7669]

Bob is stunning

[@theemmjay5130]

I still remember Al tweeting (years before Prince's death, obviously) "Every so often I call Prince to see if he's gotten a sense of humor."

[@Soon_Solstice]

If I wrote a song that was good enough to be parodied by Weird Al, then I would be extremely flattered. That's how you know that you really did make it big.

[@stephencoppins9467]

Yes please for part two of Weird Rejections. Fingers, arms, legs, toes and eyes crossed that the stars align for your interview with Weird Al!

[@kcgunesq]

I am glad to have experienced Dr. Demento, Weird Al and the rest of the crazy 80s.

[@Juliet475]

Dr Demento was a Guilty Pleasure for me..Normal suburban Stepford wife by day and laughing my behind off at night.

[@LegendStormcrow]

I remember discovering Dr Demento songs back in the 00's. Oddly, it was Weird Al that got me in that direction.

[@jimt902]

Fish heads, fish heads, rolly polly fish heads, eat em up, yum. Burned into my brain since 1977.

[@citizenstranger]

90s.

[@Teeveepicksures]

Fish Heads Forever ❤

[@MrNightraider]

My dad had been to many famous artists concerts including Elvis. He and my mom went to a Weird Al concert. He said it was the best concert him and my mom ever went to.👏🏼❤️

[@mneugent7658]

Weird Al has so much class that he actually asks the artists if he can do the song when in no way does he have to ask. The ones who don't like the idea should show equal grace and just say "just do your best". But I'd bet many don't know that he doesn't have to ask.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Such a respectable man.

yes he does it's called copyright law...

[@Charles.Wright]

1:59 Parody and satire are exempt. Get a clue.

[@mneugent7658]

No he does not. At all. In any way. Parody is covered under the fair use exception to copyright law.

[@mneugent7658]

@@Charles.Wright Boom. Nailed it. Parody and satire are considered comment and criticism and are 100% covered. No permission needed.

[@022171]

You're gonna interview someone, and that someone says you cannot make eye contact with them? At that point I'm cancelling the interview.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha! No kidding.

[@andrelambert7180]

Sooooo… who was it? 😮

[@Cicilo1983]

@@andrelambert7180 I'm guessing it juste had to be Prince.

[@johdo_lodet]

If I can’t look you in the eye, where the hell should I be looking? Ears? Chin? Chest? Past your shoulder?

[@LazyIRanch]

In the 80s my boyfriend's sister worked at some fancy club in Atlanta where celebrities often visited. She said most were nice... except for Madonna. She would shriek obscenities at the wait staff if they attempted eye contact. Autographs? Fuggitaboutit! The worst was when beloved superstar of the Atlanta Braves, Dale Murphy, visited the club and saw that Madonna was there, he asked his waitress (my BF's sister) to ask Madonna's permission to meet her. Such a gentleman! "NO! I don't want to!" she snarled. I don't know baseball, but I looked him up... Murphy has 398 career home runs. He won consecutive Most Valuable Player Awards (1982-83), the National League's Silver Slugger Award four straight years (1982-85), and the National League's Gold Glove Award five straight years from (1982-86) He is a lifetime .265 hitter and has played in more than 2100 games as well as scoring just under 2,000 runs. The Atlanta Braves retired his number (3). Also, the man was _gorgeous!_ He reminded me of actor Rob Lowe. What a dum-dum she was to snub that man!

[@deborahblackvideoediting8697]

I've loved Weird Al since back in the eighties. My favourites are Amish Paradise and White and Nerdy. As a (non-professional) songwriter, I always thought it would be the greatest honour for any artist to have him parody their song. How amazing that would be?!

[@AskJoe]

Weird Al is a national treasure. He's had success in every decade since the 70s. Not many artists can say that. From My Bolonga in 1979 to his Oscar worthy biopic in the 20s, and every decade in between.

[@charliebrownie4158]

Imagine how cool it would have been had Al done You're Pitiful, James Blunt saying the song was too epic to be mocked. As one radio DeJay said it might have added another 30 seconds to his 15 minutes of fame.

[@jerrymontgomery3617]

Actually, Blunt was ok with it. He was a fan of Al. Unfortunately, it was Atlantic Records that said no. They had turned him down on other songs as well.

[@JonazDrumBrain]

I mean, it was released 2006 as an exclusive free download online (since he was forbidden from releasing it commercially), so he did do it. He had already recorded it before getting the ban from James' label, so he instead just released it online

[@bbdoogie]

He performed it live at one of the shows I had the privilege of attending.

[@charliebrownie4158]

On Casey Kasem's top 40 radio station he was playing the song and he was he was the one who said it that it was blunt who who had said no to Weird Al about the song. I loved Casey talking shite about the top 40 song Shannon has gone away about a goddamned dog.

[@markbooth3066]

The Wikipedia page for "You're Pitiful" has the full details. In summary though, after the Coolio debacle, Al started making sure he got permission directly from artists, and Blunt gave him permission, so the song was recorded. Then Blunts record company said no, and Blunt opted not to challenge them, so Al pulled it from the album but released it online as free download. That defiance, which wasn't really legally challengable, is probably why Al was denied for both Essential and Squeeze Box too.

[@Tkizuka]

I met Weird Al and I geeked out, we were doing radio interviews backstage at the Grammys. He was so congenial, well spoken and most of all even with a great glow up, he remembers his roots. He took an epic picture with me and I will always cherish that moment.

[@jasonbryant1552]

To me , that's how I know a band really made it. Being parodied by Weird Al has to be a great honor.

[@BigAL68xyz]

This was nenevr clearer to me than when watching Dick Clark's New year's Rockin' eve 1996. The Presidents had just played a song and went to sit in the front row. Then Al took the stage and played "Gump." The camera caught the Presidents down there in the front row with huge grins on their faces, singing Al's lyrics to THEIR music. Loved it.

[@brushylake4606]

Apparently, Cobain was excited that Weird Al had parodied them. He saw it as a sign they had hit the big time.