Weird Al Talks Prince Saying No to a Parody and the Future of His Craft

[@vigwig]

Pro tip, if someone says they hate Weird Al, walk away

[@Fun_With_Google_Translate]

It's the only logical option.

[@G.L.999]

I know your comment was 6 years ago, but I still feel like responding anyway. I don't think Prince "hated" him or "disliked" him personally. Prince was just the kind of guy who mostly liked being in control of his own music and lyrics and took his job as a music artist very seriously and was never really known for being the "rowdy/sarcastic fun" kind of guy!

[@davidmorley1606]

Not walk away, RUN.

[@seancoyote]

@@G.L.999 funny thing is that Al doesn't have to ask. Parody is a loophole with copyright. Refusing just show how he was probably a bit uptight, you know like sending a message to people at a music award to not look at him. That is some major DIVA shit right there.

[@NojusVala]

Saying "no" is Prince's trademark move. Most of the times he just says "no" to all offers and all new things. He's really conservative in a weird way. But good to Weird aL that he's so diplomatic, respectful and actually asks the artists if he can make their parodies. Legally actually parodist has a right to not ask anything and just do a parody without any permissions. It's legal and agrees with current copyright policy.

[@DamienDrake]

How is parody even remotely in the same ballpark as defamation? It's not about someone's character. It's a joke that utilizes the structure and melody of a song for comedic effect. Much of the time, the original song isn't even referenced, especially in "Weird Al"'s repertoire. If it was legally actionable then someone would have set a precedent by now

[@Shy-f4o]

Who cares of prince said no weard Al should do a parady to prince parady like a parady to the purple rain album ❤😂

[@gabe_s_videos]

This man's mere existence gives me joy.

[@tartgreenapple]

Weird Al is such a smart, cool guy.

[@Editslovejazzy]

He's so sweet

[@glowingone6472]

Are you always in drag? Or just for the camera?

[@mottahead6464]

Prince said no simply because Michael Jackson said yes.

[@Kryptnyt]

Well he had a long and complicated history of being robbed by people in the industry as well right?

[@Rid]

CK Savage The word slave was written on his cheek ..

[@GeneFOX70]

Al asked Prince to do a parody of 1999 in 1982, Al's first parody of Michael was Eat It (Beat It) which was made in 83 for his album in 84 and released in February of that year.

[@mottahead6464]

@@GeneFOX70 Did you get it that it was a joke? Jeez !

[@sonacruz907]

Such a friendly, cool dude.

[@RDAUGIRD]

Al is a class act. Permission? I never knew that permission was required for a parody.

[@seancoyote]

Helps keep friends in the music industry.

[@jarjarbinks_official4815]

Not required, al just does it because he's a sick guy

[@Godlike_Virus]

"Weird Al" is my spirit animal.

[@PoeticRocker]

Something is seriously wrong with someone when they personally request you don't make eye contact with them in the same room. That's just complete insecurity.

[@mmdirtyworkz]

Insane in the brain

[@Deborahtunes]

I think Prince took himself way too seriously. Thinking he was better, and above all other musical acts of that time period...

[@moragmacgregor6792]

I love Prince anyway. When he asked you not to make eye contact, it was for your own protection.

[@DayHeights]

Al is such a genius!!!!

[@jameshurley2013]

Thankyou for letting nerds know you can make people laugh. It changed my childhood...

[@Kiera-ky1bx]

I'm asking my teacher if I'm allowed to show word crimes during grammar

[@pamelazolotko]

What a wonderful brain that goes with that sexy rockstar looks. You have a scary wonderful business view. All with that happy laughter that lights up my heart. Thanks for making me smile.

[@xennial80sxberner]

I'm really looking forward to Weird Al's "singles approach" too because I figure there's been more than a few parody or pop culture targets he's missed out on...especially starting with 1996's Bad Hair Day when he'd often have 3 or 4 years between CDs

[@xennial80sxberner]

(deleted, because the post I replied too is gone now, lol.)

[@alecb.6365]

PLEASE DONT QUIT MAKING ALBUMS

[@devinoneill3854]

dude, it'll be way cooler if he's just releasing awesome viral-ready videos all the time. he's free now. this is way better for him.

[@Shy-f4o]

Weard al should do it anyways do a prince parady like a parady to when doves cry and lets go crazy parady❤😂

[@t.k.bertram3076]

"Word Crimes" is my favorite Weird Al song of all time. The combination of poor grammar, bad spelling, and "l33t speak" that comprises so much of the drivel you find on the Internet drives me up the wall. I just had a truly genius idea: Weird Al doing an updated version of the 70s era Schoolhouse Rock program as a series on You Tube. Think about it. Al is an intelligent and articulate man who has a good grasp of the issues in addition to his talents as a songwriter and performer. He'd be a great choice to explain various subjects to an eager audience.

[@WalkthroughHorde]

T.K. Bertram Yes. YES.

[@mhadman]

My girlfriend is a teacher and we both love Al. You can bet,Word Crimes will be played for her classes.

[@adamhovey407]

Word Crimes is a rubbish song, that is not even grammatically correct. Would you like me to count how many errors are in it? Well, off the top of my head, less and fewer mean the exact same thing, how they're used is largely based on preference. English, was my best subject in school, don't doubt me on this one.

[@tompratt5916]

ingenious

[@danielcowan8673]

God bless Prince. He get's a pass for his different behaviour because of he was.

[@artepjan]

Fun fact: Prince actually enjoyed Al's parody of Bad - "Fat"

[@Thomasmemoryscentral]

Yet he wouldn't let Al do a parody of his work?

[@turntablethomas2584]

“Bad” was originally going to be a duet with prince

[@CaptainFuzzbottom]

Still the king, baby!

[@thegoodthebadtheoffended6548]

Jamie Fox said in one of his stand-up specials that looking into Prince's eyes was like looking into a beautiful deer's eyes and you would be overcome with the feeling of wanting to "get to know" Prince, in the "biblical sense." So that's probably why Prince instructs people not to make eye contact.

[@ChaplinCo]

He's corny yes but someone let me hear some of his songs not just the parody stuff and he is an amazing lyricist. AMAZING

[@ChaplinCo]

But he's still a dork lol

[@Thomasmemoryscentral]

Check out his originals such as Craiglist and First World Problems?

[@DanePerryobyah]

If you don't have a sense of humor, then you might not like weird Al or his songs,but if you get him and his music and see and hear his humor then you will enjoy what his songs have to offer.its cool that he even showed up Prince with (dont look at me if i can't look at you) now thats funny.

[@MariaPerez-us4ry]

Prince is such a diva but I still love him!

[@xavierreivax9932]

prince did his own parody on the muppet show !

[@philipcarlile7662]

I've always hated the fact Prince didn't want Al to do a parody of his music. I don't think Prince had any idea how much it would have boosted his fame (not that he needed it). I'm a big fan of both artists, but the respect goes to Al here. As Al has stated, the laws protect him in doing parodies. He doesn't even have to ask permission to do so, but likes to stay in good standing with the artists, so he won't do a parody if his request is refused.

[@G.L.999]

Prince was a very conservative musician who liked being in control of his music and the lyrics that went with it. I also don't think he disliked Weird Al personally like alot of people out there claim, I think he just preferred to stay clear of funny business in general since he took his music very seriously during much of his career in the industry at the time.

[@audacyapp]

Weird Al’s ‘Mandatory’ Interview: ‘Word Crimes,’ the ‘Tacky’ Video & Prince, Who Still Won’t Say Yes to a Parody bit.ly/UfS9PR #WeirdAl #interview #musicnews

[@arabezjian1386]

prince is not a good singer

[@a.c.cordova9840]

LOL.....and u more then likely think Weird Al is somehow better. u have got to be mad or maybe def! prince is one of the best vocalist we have/had, esply live. prince is off the hook.....no one can compare 2 him.

[@audacyapp]

Weird Al’s ‘Mandatory’ Interview: ‘Word Crimes,’ the ‘Tacky’ Video & Prince, Who Still Won’t Say Yes to a Parody bit.ly/UfS9PR #interview #WeirdAl #Comedy

[@RockinRobin411]

"Weird Al" also tweeted grief towards Prince's loss. He did tease Prince, but I'm sure "Weird Al" understood and still understands that Prince was a talented and innovative musician. It's a pity that fans, and the media, like to pit one against another.

[@gabe_s_videos]

I always liked to think that the only reason Al pestered him about it was because he honestly loved Prince's music enough to want to do a parody THAT badly. I heard that he swore off ever doing Prince parodies now that he's gone.

[@ensenadatourguide.czipline361]

Not make eye contact with prince? are you serious? ...... Did they also ask you not to Breathe hes air? thats why i m not a celeb :)

[@solonsaturngaming3727]

I just want to meet Al before he dies and or I die as the guy really helped me with his gags, making us all laugh, and he’s imo just seems like a cool guy to meet. Imo Weird Al imo your a Clown without the make-up and knows how to entertain and make people laugh, just like what Clowns do back then and before Halloween ruined it do.

[@mwidunn]

Weird Al = Genius. Please, grow back the moustache as soon as humanly possible.

[@missesguitarchick]

[@moragmacgregor6792]

Did you see what he did there? He said da.da.da, "which I'm not sure I agree with." He did NOT say "which I would never agree with that." People are turning WHICH into some kind of weird conjunction. Put that into your next song Crimes Against Grammar song, Al. It must be stopped.

[@ArkStudioVids]

well that's prince for ya.. he isn't going to say yes to a parody.. that would be like defacing his art work to him..

[@princesslunaornightmaremoo315]

wierd al sat on my mom

[@Harvester236]

His speaking voice sounds similar to Jeff Goldblum.

[@blazinchalice]

+JJ H It's called Speed.

[@adamhovey407]

JJ H I would love to hear Jeff Goldblum doing song parodies.

[@adamhovey407]

round about midnight Weird Al Yankovic has never used drugs, has never been a heavy drinker, and has never had this weird obsession with sex. He's a very straight edge, clean-cut kind of guy.

[@blazinchalice]

This guy talks as if he's got to make a living, while Prince will be remembered for always talking just about his artistry. One is a hack or a joker, the other is not. Sorry, Al.

[@RockinRobin411]

+blazinchalice Both were people, they both had positive points, they both had negative points, and both were artists with different approaches.

[@blazinchalice]

Robin Rayfield You can't compare the two, they are not in the same league. Al is a Joker who makes a living off of taking others' work and making light of it (and not dead, so no need to talk about him in the past tense) and Prince was a consummate artist who had an uncompromising work ethic and good sense of humor.

[@RockinRobin411]

blazinchalice I agree that you can't compare the two. However, you seem to imply that one is more talented than the other. Comedy is an art form, and not an easy one. It also isn't necessarily easy to pull off writing a parody of a song. A lot of people can write parody words, but it takes a really creative mind to come up with some of the things "Weird Al" has done. "Weird Al" is also an insanely gifted accordion player, and he's done something few other musicians have done. He's had the same backing musicians for more than 30 consecutive years. You already know all the great things about Prince.

[@blazinchalice]

Bro, you can't compare the intellect that it took to come up with "I'm Fat" and the one that it took to come up with "Nothing Compares 2U." I get it, you're a Weird Al fan, but be more like Al and stay in your lane.

[@RockinRobin411]

blazinchalice I'm also a Prince fan.