"Weird Al" Yankovic | Blocks Podcast w/ Neal Brennan

[@matto3113]

Weird Al is a priceless treasure for all of humanity. Good people can win.

[@JamesOKeefe-US]

Great comment! Truth!!

[@k.c.simonsen2]

How has Weird Al not had a specific accordian MADE for him? A signature series, just like all the guitar players that don't deserve them??

[@Ottophil]

What makes you decide what guitar player “deserves” a signature model. I dunno, i might not like MgK or billie eilish, their overpriced stuff still sell, so why are you upset over worrying if they deserve to make money or not

[@derpyeh9107]

@@Ottophil What's with attributing an emotion to someone when they didn't express that emotion? Do you need to attribute an emotional motivation to someone's opinion for it to make sense to you?

[@jerrho1]

​@@Ottophilsorry you never got hugged as a child

[@sarcophage]

Well there is the Squeeze Box!

[@BrianVarvaro]

He should have a guy he calls up and says "Hey, it's Al. You know, your only client? Yeah, I need another new accordion made."

[@Ben-b9h1f]

Best guest on any podcast this year for sure. Best human/funnyman, real dude, real genius, we don’t deserve this guy.

[@leslierao2772]

Indeed

[@commaJim]

Why don't we deserve him ??

[@idontwantahandlethough]

@@commaJim its a figure of speech, Jim. It means that he's so good that it's a little surprising that something/someone so wonderful could exist in such a dark and trying world.

[@willywillywillywillywilly]

@@commaJim that guy must not. He must be a baaaad guy.

[@melp723]

He’s a national treasure!! ❤

[@kartemp]

I am always struck at how articulate and easy to understand Weird Al is in interviews and podcasts. He seems like a truly genuine and down to earth individual even though he is easily one of the most famous people on the planet.

[@BirdsOfGlass]

One of the coolest moments in my life (top 20) was seeing Weird Al at Six Flags in St. Louis years ago. After the show he was walking around (getting mobbed) & when my friend & I finally had a moment next to him we offered to buy him Dippin Dots because he was standing next to the cart & he obliged. We sat there & ate Dippin Dots with AL, hung out for about 10-15 minutes (which felt like hours to my pre-pubescent self) & he actually talked to us like we were hanging out. Other people were coming up but he kept coming back to us. It probably wasn't as incredible as I remember but the memory is there & it's real.

[@chrischar9428]

I saw him at Old Glory. Didn't know Dippin dots package was available

[@Claude_from_cincinnati]

Yo, I was a stagehand when he played Kings Island in Cincinnati, and I was going to say what's up to him when we ate lunch- he was there before everyone, and left before everyone got there, most likely to get ready for the incredible show I had no idea he put on. Costume changes? I mean, WTactualF?! My friend and I got to catering a little early, and he joked and said "you wanna go sit right next to him" because we were the only three in the tent (other than the cooks). I did think that would be funny just because there was so much room, naturally, but I figured he was busy because he had that foregone look like he was thinking about a bunch. He _might_ have thought it was funny. Each one of us going to either of his sides, then talking to each other like he wasn't there. He does have "weird" in his name... But you really make me wish I had at least said hello and told him how much I loved him. I literally heard so much popular music at the time from his versions first. And to this day, I know the lyrics to those versions and love them more.

[@WONDERBOIY]

@@Claude_from_cincinnati he's really quiet on tours. He makes sure to save his voice and energy for being onstage. Don't take it personally, if you are

[@howveyouben]

I was at that same concert! I was probably 7.

[@jason916]

Let's be honest here, the world got lucky that Al was where he was when he was not the other way around. To this day one of my top 5 artists of all time.

[@tinypinata505]

Weird Al is such a warm, intelligent and funny person. Humankind is more vibrant because of his presence.

[@williedame4406]

God I can't think of many musicians and artists that have given me such vividly specific, happy memories as Weird Al has. Thank you Al. Youre a true legend. Love from Ireland

[@mral6809]

My Weird Al introduction was on the Dr Demento. My buddies would stay up untill midnight to record the show. That's where I learned about Tiptoeing Through The Tulips.

[@SilentBob731]

I've been a massive Al Yankovic fan for forty years. Aside from being a musical and comedic genius, he genuinely seems like one of the nicest guys on the planet. He should get a Grammy every year just for being so awesome.

[@oystershucksters4206]

Amen!

[@wraithsnowyo]

I wish I could tell weird Al how much he influenced my young life, observing things in a more comedy-centric way, he’s one of my favorite people I’ve ever seen exist

[@Gettingbento]

I have so much respect for this man. I was born in 1988 and that’s when I became a fan. I also put a pillow under my shirt when I was 10 and made my own Fat music video, on VHS of course. And he’s reppin’ SLO county! (CA) Woot woot 🤘🏼 Nothing but love for Weird Al ❤️

[@WaltThizzney415]

I waited on Weird Al a few years ago, he was eating by himself. I was so star struck, he had a hat on and took it off and immediately his curly hair came flying out.

[@ericcotter4684]

Al - I'll tell you why you have longevity and shouldn't have imposter syndrome. You make parodies of songs (and originals) that are easily accessible and deceptively straightforward, but when people listen multiple times, they realize how deep the songs go both musically and lyrically, and we become lifelong fans. Even the way you'll refer back to the original lyrics and even use the same rhyming schemes are gold nuggets found upon repeated listens. I have been listening to you for 35 years and I only realized the other day when I was showing my nephew "When I Was Your Age" that it was your take on Don Henley. You're the gift that just keeps giving. Thank you for everything.

[@rogersockwell]

First time ever gonna have to say this was a "delightful" episode. A lark. Weird Al just brings a simple sweetness and silliness that makes him a pleasure to learn about.

[@theshapeexists]

Ive listened to him for my whole life. Ive seen him live and he is amazing. His band has been super tight for longer than ive been alive. Weird Al is THE MAN

[@idontwantahandlethough]

Ohhhh I'm jealous! I've heard Weird Al puts on one of the best live shows one can see. I'm not even really into parody music anymore, but I'd love to go to a Weird Al concert because regardless of my musical tastes, he's an incredibly talented musician and songwriter (and by all accounts, a genuinely decent human being too!)

[@theshapeexists]

@@idontwantahandlethough it was incredibly nostalgic. Great time

[@heather54101]

You absolutely should go. Even the tour where he played almost all non parody songs (because he does those, too), and it was a very downsized production vs his regular stage show, I went to it as the first show of his I had ever seen based on his reputation. I only knew a few of the non hits and was in the very back row. No matter-- the show was terrific, and I see several "big" acts each year. Al has such great musicianship and a terrific rapport with the audience that you would love it even if you never heard of him before. My adult son became a big fan and now we've seen him two additional times with other tours. He never fails to impress. We were 2nd row last time (not by design, we just lucked into the tickets two hours before show time). Up close, you can see him a bit off stage and his communication with his band. He is what you see on screen.

[@WONDERBOIY]

I've gone to one show in 2022 in SF, and even though the bass was way too much and I was sitting in the hall for two hours, it was so much fun and I really liked it all.

[@TheGregcawthorne]

He has a heart of gold!

[@Gnight787]

I’ve seen Al 3 times in concert and he brings the fire like no other! I’ve seen Neil live once but I fell down the stairs of Charlie Goodnight’s and had to leave 😂 Glad I found this show!

[@JoshHofer]

Goodnights! what's up fello NC'er!

[@idontwantahandlethough]

LOL

[@deannad9105]

😂

[@Football__Junkie]

Love Weird Al! Introduced my young kids to him this year and they can’t get enough of him! “Dad, can you play Amish Paradise?” 😂

[@KeatingThomas]

“Steve-O, ladies and gentleman,” was the greatest punch to this fantastic interview. Well done, Neal.

[@joekowski]

Surprised to see Weird Al on here, but I'm for it. Al's only block is being TOO AWESOME!

[@lille-mary1517]

I just got to say Neal, this interview is so good. And several of your guests on here, has become new favorites of mine because you have allowed them to talk in a relaxed and sincere way. So I have a better view of them after. And I’ve seen them in other podcasts, where that has not happened. So it is something about how great of an interviewer you are. It never becomes shouty, hysteric or too loud. And not constant interrupting either. Just great!

[@paulvash]

Hmm, have to disagree. I LOVE Weird Al and even really liked Neal’s special, but the constant interruptions are grating. I could only make it halfway through

[@hweigel528]

Al: "So I was about to play at Carnegie Hall when-" Neal: "oh btw some random person you don't know and no listener knows saw your show like 20 years ago." Me: 🙄 Yeah I agree Neal isn't really the best listener lol

[@myztik5716]

At least now he pre-empts his interruptions and reminds them what they were talking about before the interruption. Baby steps

[@brentjones3194]

Weird Al concerts are the BEST vibe. If you ever get the chance, go!! Everyone there to be themselves and be happy. So welcoming and full of joy.

[@seangregory1444]

I’ve been a 30 year fan of Weird Al, and I’m always happy to hear about him.

[@feliciab1132]

Aaaaaaand here come the Weird Al Weirdos. Hello! My brother and I would spend hours listening to Weird Al albums in our teens laughing and laughing and singing along. Then I got to see him live as an adult and recruited a friend who is a professional musician and toured with Jan and Dean and the Beach Boys. During the concert, he turned to me and said, "This guy is brilliant! I'm now an ardent fan!" Al's live shows are something to behold! Love you, Al!!!

[@ThePeej]

Al reacting to Neal’s “go ahead” bit with “thank you” sums him up his natural kindheartedness so beautifully 😂

[@Spo8]

The fact that one of the contributing factors to Al’s issue with holding onto stuff was that he couldn’t bear to throw away fan mail is so precious.

[@jmaice83616]

Weird Al Is a hero to so many people. I've seen him four times in concert and he puts on an incredible show and he just seems So nice and kind and funny and genuine! He is such a treasure to the world!

[@mountainmanwatchreviews8081]

My first concert was weird Al. My stepbrother was a stage manager who ended up working for Linkin Park and kiss but it all started with AL for his career and my love of comedy and music.

[@alwkw3783]

I heart Weird Al so much 💜

[@gemini.jewelz]

Al is a wholesome, American treasure!

[@thesimulation9651]

This is the pod I never knew I needed! I used to fill audio tapes with the Doctor demento show and listen to them on my yellow walkman. Goddamn, how'd we get so old?

[@Euridian]

Someone finally did a bit with the words behind them. Thank you Al. Keep going Neal it never stops being helpful.

[@Stinger2578]

My older sister introduced me to a cassette of Dare to be Stupid in 1985, and I've been a fan ever since.

[@Koogz406]

Wow! Amazing interview, so pure and innocent i loved every minute. When Al said, " Now tell me about that 70s movie?" I was rolling. Neals' response was perfect, too.

[@redlogicsquare]

Al is and has always been an embodiment of what this nation and world could be if it were smarter, more curious, and kinder. ❤

[@shuckslbj]

You sound like a lovely person but I just do not concur

[@shuckslbj]

Lol I thought it said "A.I." I definitely agree that Al(fred) is a good egg.

[@adamellis6785]

Neal, when I made that post that said that Live PD cop looked like you, I was neither drunk nor high. That was from the heart!

[@PatrickKeating]

With every interview with Al I see, I'm constantly reinforced and glad I wouldn't be the only one starstruck and in awe of him and his career. He is one of the good guys

[@donschiffer7400]

I remember listening to Dr Demento in the middle of the night on the radio at 7 or 8 yrs old. Greatest radio show ever!

[@beckhurrell4026]

I’m trying to remember- is the Dr. Demento show where chicken man is from??

[@donschiffer7400]

@@beckhurrell4026 Yeah I think so

[@AmbrociousXP]

I'm still waiting for his last album. I pray it comes. Before retirement. PLEASE. ONE LAST ALBUM!!! FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!!!

[@HistoricWrath]

Weird Al was my first concert and it’s still the best show I’ve ever seen.

[@crickettweeks4417]

He's been around my entire childhood! An absolute living legend 🎉

[@LokiDWolf]

I'm from the 80's era. And it wouldn't be the 80's without Al! PERIOD!!! He would actually become an icon for us and I'm glad he's still around doing it! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@allmotivation3827]

I'm with Al on the CD's. More and more I want physical media back.

[@dawn5883]

I’ve loved weird Al since childhood, some of his songs were better than the original versions! A real talent and genius! You sir, deserve all the flowers! 💐🌹

[@philipjones3793]

Man, what a killer interview. Weird Al holds true to my memories ALL through the 80s. He is Awesome and I'm glad he's well.

[@sandrinajoy]

Al is a talented, humble, intelligent and beautiful person inside and out. No contest: Way cuter than Napolean Dynamite.

[@nataliebarkhatova6471]

I love how Al takes care of his voice and doesn't let it worsen with age. 👏

[@HighFive212]

Oh hell ya... Weird Al had such a big influence on me as a kid. I always took his music seriously as an art. Just amazing.

[@hereticerik]

I've loved weird al since I was a child in the 80s, so glad you had him on! Excellent guest!

[@Red_Cupp]

His James Brown impression on Living With A Hernia is incredible!!! Weird Al is a genuine genius!

[@ryanmc8169]

I love weird al. He's so genuine, and humble and obviously hilarious. Hope he keeps making songs. Great interview

[@amandakay6330]

As a massive consumer of Weird Al content, I have to say this is the best interview of his I've ever seen.

[@Static-ash]

Al is just the best guy

[@ChiefRxcka]

Can confirm: I saw Weird Al live on his Poodle Hat Tour, and it was one of, if not the best show I've ever seen.

[@plankgje4641]

Thumbs up for the legendary Weird Al

[@SANITIZEDINC]

What a comedy/music legend.

[@samtavakoli6682]

I remember seeing Al maybe 25 years ago, because a close friends mother worked for a newspaper, and he always got free tickets for all sorts of events..... I remember being so impressed by AL, and how much work goes into one of his live performances. Definitely recommend seeing him alive if you get a chance.

[@klubberzvonhatzenbuhl563]

This is REALLY weird…but somehow I feel like I learned a LOT about MYSELF from this interview. Particularly the bits about confrontationalism, imposter syndrome, and hoarding. Vielen Dank, Neal and Al. ❤

[@binimgarten8696]

Deutsch in der comment section 😮 👀

[@klubberzvonhatzenbuhl563]

@@binimgarten8696 - Und…?

[@binimgarten8696]

@@klubberzvonhatzenbuhl563 und ich freu mich... Warst du bei einem der Konzerte in Europa bei der letzten Tour?

[@klubberzvonhatzenbuhl563]

@@binimgarten8696 - 9

[@shadowmn]

I think that was my favorite interview you have ever done, Neil. It felt like a challenge for you to pierce through the isms, but you found someone just as smart assed as you. I would have never guessed. Al is also a childhood hero of sorts. I love him even more now. Thanks for this one.

[@RyanMercer]

No clue who Neal Brennan is, but sure is a mighty fine interviewer.

[@mattrwheeler81]

One of the best yet. You can't help but love Al.

[@productdesign9626]

He who is tired of Weird Al is tired of life.

[@bibinoojen]

What a sweet, adorable man. Have only known of his music, never seen him in an interview. Great episode!

[@mysticsuzi]

We used to wait on the Dr. Demento show - Sunday nights and everytime we would hear the song about "then I slipped in a big pile of shhhaving cream..." yes folks, we used to be thrilled and titillated just by the mere thought a naughty word would be played over the radio. Then Weird Al came on and we just screamed with laughter. Just an awesome guy Thanks Al!

[@JonathanHassingerChannel]

Another great guest, Neal! Thank you!

[@bennyfactor]

Neal all your interviews are great but this one, this one is exceptional okay

[@ligairi]

Was going to write a letter but it will be thrown out-thanks Suzanne!!!-so I’ll leave a comment instead. So many warm feelings from listening to Al in my formative years. In 4th-6th grade we’d go to my friend’s house and sit in bean bag chairs and chill out with the Dare to Stupid album playing in the background. But Al’s was with me my entire developmental life. First heard Eat It in preschool! Fat and Lasagna were jams in elementary school. Was a big fan of Amish Paradise in high school! White and Nerdy was so big in college, I didn’t even know what the original was. Was excited to see him with the Aquabats on socials recently (that would be a fun collaboration). A musical featuring his hits would be amazing too!

[@aardeng]

First concert I ever saw was weird al when I was in Virginia i think in 6th grade, 20 years later I saw him in Oklahoma and he was still killing it. 🎉

[@SgtPowell]

A Weird Al / Lin Manuel Miranda collab musical would be the greatest thing ever.

[@JennyRoses1975]

I ❤ Weird Al. seen him several times including front row of his last tour. he's amazing

[@bk6827]

Loved this! So much nostalgia. He is such a sweet, cooky person, and I hope he absolutely never changes. I feel like we need a part 2 for sure after the hoarding was brought up. He’s fascinating. This podcast brought me joy to listen to his life 😊

[@hobiwankinobi4750]

Thank you. I grew up in a house that listened to spike Jones, Homer and Jethro and stomping Tom Connors. Around age 8 first discovered Dr D. Thank you thank you thank you for doing this interview and attempting to help us get to know Al. It kinda seems like most all his interviews are very campy. I have seen him 3 times live but only since about 2012. Thank you again

[@awoFalase]

That was great. I was a teenager when Weird Al came on the scene. It's great to see him still navigating a very volatile creative landscape. To his point he could have easily had his moment and disappeared.

[@jenniferrobertscreative]

Aww, Al! One of my longtime idols and it’s so comforting to know you struggle with some of the same issues I do…although I wish you didn’t suffer at all! I’m so grateful for your existence. You’ve brought a lot of happiness to me and my boys.

[@HankMeyer]

I've been to 2 concerts in my whole life. The first was the Rolling Stones, and the second was Weird Al, 20 years later. If I had to pick only one, I'd go with Weird Al.

[@AxeMan808]

I'm glad you got Steve-O back on again so soon.

[@shrewdshrew35]

Weird Al you are an icon, I loved you as a kid, you were probably my first introduction into learning about parody. You are a truly unique and PURE creative. There's no one like you on this planet THANK GOD!, you are a once in a lifetime talent. We all sang your songs as children/teens and we laughed so much! You should not have imposter syndrome. YOU made the accordion cool! You deserved and earned Carnegie Hall. And your wife is gorgeous! So glad Neal interviewed you. You're up there with Mr Rodgers, Levar Burton Reading Rainbow, an American Staple man! You're an '80s household name. Stay Weird my friend!! I wish I could experience your level of happiness, but that's not my journey. Very normal happy human being who brought joy to my childhood.

[@adamjenkins190]

Weird Al is an absolute all time great comedic genius. Enough said. Growing up with and loving his music aside, UHF is STILL my favorite comedy movie ever

[@KNosk826]

I'm so thankful Jimmy Carr gave Neal the idea for this pod. I look forward to it every week ❤

[@maritzapierreaponte8538]

I love the both of you! Born in 1968 and relate to so many things and feel nostalgic with the stories. 💙🤍👍

[@colevosburyofficial]

To Weird Al, you absolutely deserve and have earned your success because you touched people's hearts. When I was a kid my favorite Weird Al song was "The Night Santa Went Crazy" which was not a parody, but a song he wrote himself. He deserves the love.

[@chickadee677]

Less than half of the songs on AL's 14 studio albums are parodies. AL is an incredible songwriter.

[@davidcarlson6981]

This was great, because Neal went down a lot of roads I don't recall in past interviews... so many Weird Al interviews just ask the same questions we've all heard for 30 years. I felt like we got a lot of fresh content here.

[@TylerOakman]

Weird Al is the best. Thank you Neal!

[@windowboy]

In the 40 yrs watching his stuff from an early teen. This is the first time watching a decent interview. Good stuff.

[@mistermanager226]

The first album I ever bought was Running With Scissors. Thanks Al.

[@vanessawhitneypro]

Love Al. Since childhood. What a brilliant human. I've seen him twice... He and His Band are SO fantastic. Thank You, Al & Neal.

[@aminghadirian]

Love this man! He is so funny and sweet!

[@kbob9625]

Weird Al deserves all the success and I am so happy he's still around making music.

[@chrismarchand3570]

This is most likely the best interview with Al I've ever heard. Thank you Neal Brennan!

[@DevlinWilder]

This is the most open and vulnerable conversation I've ever seen with Al and I've seen/heard them ALL. Very well done Neal and team. And thank you for doing this excellent interview with the legend that is Al Yankovic. (Notice I used his real name.) He is truly the very best of us.

[@D0nut42]

I'd never seen your podcast before, and this popped up in my feed this morning. I am glad it did. Not just because of Weird AL, but because I enjoy the format you are presenting. An honest, open, and humorous discussion about our issues and humanities.

[@kamshafty]

Wonderful, honest episode Sweet guest ❤️ Al

[@no_professional12]

Weird Al seems like such a nice guy. I've enjoyed his songs for years. Fun chat, thanks.

[@JoshHofer]

This was a fucking incredible conversation! Might be my favorite of this series I've seen yet. Found myself able to relate to so many of the things Al was saying. Great talk, thank you!

[@zoozercattacrezooz4646]

Saw him in the 90s, (i think 97) I've saw many MANY shows since, still.think it's the best performance/show ive ever seen in person.

[@joerussell7856]

Great interview! Al rarely opens up like this and its awesome to hear a different side of him.

[@jajoffe]

Brennan, you are an outstanding interviewer and your empathetic understanding of how many creative people’s brains deal with conflict and human interaction is professorial. Thank you for the great content. A+ on Weird, Koy, and Carrot episodes 👏

[@badboysean86]

Loved the back and forth between them

[@amethyst0ne]

I grew up playing best of weird Al music videos on (dvd) loop. Thank you Al for being the first comedy fixation of my childhood.

[@philiproach2537]

This is about as good as an interview gets. Thanks to Neal for digging deep. I am probably biased as a lifelong Weird Al fan, but this was so deep and also pretty fucking hilarious at times