Weird Al Yankovic can sing! Vocal ANALYSIS of Weird Al's parody of Michael Jackson's "Beat It"

[@mymusic-fh5jd]

Weird Al actually goes into detail about talking when he first made this video. He got permission from Michael Jackson and his management to utilize the exact same set that Michael Jackson used for his beat it video so everything you see is from the original Michael Jackson song is also in weird Al’s video.

[@armandosaenz328]

And most of the actors in the video are from the beat it video

[@Nitro1000]

Same backup dancers too

[@robbob5302]

He stayed shockingly close to the original videos as well in Fat, Living with a Hernia, and Smells like Nirvana.

[@Mitheledh]

I thought I remember reading that this particular set had already been dismantled, so they rebuilt it the best they could. But for Dat they had the exact same set.

[@Daehawk]

Michael loved Al and his paradys. He helped him get access to those sets and was on site during a lot of filming. He loved it.

[@DarkXid]

That is a picture of Dr. Demento. The DJ who brought Weird Al to the attention of the world. He played his music on his radio show and then funded his first record. Dr Demento used to have a national radio show.

[@zippymacadoo6336]

WLIR on Tuesday nights in the 80's!

[@KevinLockamy]

For those that miss the old show, you can hear them again on YT, several people have made play lists of whole episodes.

[@teemusid]

I hadn't listened to Dr. Demento for a while, so I made a point to listen one weekend, and I heard the release party for Al's first album. I had missed his rise on the show, but after hearing "Ricky," I was hooked. At a show in the 80's, I was taking a picture during this song, and someone threw a banana that ended up in the shot and in focus.

[@SuperDave1426]

I remember that - I used to listen to Dr. Demento's live show on KMET Los Angeles on Sunday nights back in the 1980's. Four hours (as opposed to two hours for the nationwide syndicated show) of demented goodness, with a Top Ten during the last hour (instead of the Funny Five during the last half hour of the syndicated show). Great stuff. Weird Al had been sending in tapes that he'd recorded (and Dr. D would play) - and then the fateful night when Weird Al came to the studio with his accordion to perform Another One Rides the Bus live on air. He opened his case and the accordion fell on the floor! Oops! 🤣 But it was undamaged, and he performed the song with no other problems. It was glorious! 👍‍🥰 And, as they say, a star was born! 😋

[@thomasparker2447]

Doc D had a 4 hour live show Sunday night on KMET in Los Angeles in the 70's. I never missed a minute.

[@dugferd2266]

The picture in the background in the bedroom is Doctor Demento, from the syndicated radio show of the same name. He played comedy, offbeat, and rare recordings (he has a massive collection). He's largely responsible for launching Weird Al's career by playing Al's first parodies such as My Bologna (My Sharona) and Another One Rides the Bus (Another One Bites the Dust) Mainly those were just Al on accordion and some added percussion and sound effects.

[@devenscience8894]

Just making sure someone else mentioned it.

[@unattributed1641]

There was also the parody of The Kinks "Lola", which was the Star Wars "Yoda" song, which Weird Al later re-recorded in the studio.

[@Hammerthegrey]

Came to show love and spread the word of our late, great Doctor Demento. Great post friend!

[@johneagen]

@@Hammerthegrey Dr. Demento is still kickin'. 82 years old.

[@aaronpearson2389]

I used to listen to the good Dr. When I was a tween in the early 80’s. That’s where I found Al and many other great comical songs!

[@Slaphitter]

Elizabeth analyzing the attack and decay of fart noises is simply next level. And I’m here for it.

[@niftyjig]

This is the famous armpit organ. Also used on Another One Rides the Bus. A signature sound of Yankovic, in greater complexity with reverb and such.

[@NorCalDubber]

Well said! 😂

[@woodside4life]

It’s all in the details

[@kellyhoward6941]

@@niftyjig I grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, & the only cool thing the city ever did* was to use "another one rides the bus" for public transpo ad, & some cuts from the Who's "Tommy" for a public service announcement. *well, besides having Jerry Springer as mayor.

[@DRWDesigns]

Musical Mike Keifer is creating the fart noises with his hands.

[@martinslagle3061]

The squeaky "fart" noises are actually the sounds of the hands of "musical" Mike Kieffer. Known as a Manualist, the art of playing music by squeezing air through the hands, he is featured on a few of Als earlier songs and had a minor career of his own.

[@capp00]

Weird Al is one of the most creative and genius musicians in any genre. 40 years of being THE example of how to do a parody. Been a big fan since the 80s myself. Also, the picture hanging on the wall above the bed is Dr. Demento. The show that got Al his first start.

[@skyhawk_4526]

Thanks for the info on the picture! I didn't realize that, but I grew up listening to the Dr. Demento Show.

[@achimdemus-holzhaeuser1233]

I just recently saw "Weird" .. such a honest and true movie.

[@ad9aggie]

@@skyhawk_4526 Same!

[@kens-jr2vv]

The picture falling off the wall wasn't part of the video but they decided to leave it in.

[@likeorasgod]

Kids these days have no clue about Dr. Demento's show and staying up with the radio on listening to it while in bed at night.

[@rom65536]

damn near forty years later, and I can still sing every lyric of this song. EDIT: the picture in the background on Al's wall is a radio comedy DJ named "Dr. Demento" - the guy that gave Al his big break with his song "My Bologna". Dr. Demento used to have a sydicated radio show where he played funny songs ranging from stuff by Tom Lehrer to T-Bone Stankus.

[@Supersharkman]

Aha! You beat me to it. I loved listening to Dr. Demento. He had a skit on his show called "Star Dreck" that I still quote lines from. "Don't have a spaz Snotty!"

[@mustangdebbie56]

Dr Demento still has a show but online.

[@stevenwoodward5923]

My favorite from Dr Demento is "Hello Mudduh, Hello Fadduh!" or sometimes called "Camp Granada". You should hear it if you haven't.

[@Lurker-dk8jk]

I was about to post this. There was a station in Ann Arbor, Michigan that aired Dr. Demento for a while when I was younger, if I remember correctly.

[@Uphold-your-Rights]

"Fish heads, fish heads, rollie-pollie fish heads..." That was a song on the Dr. Demento show.

[@theworldofron2712]

As a huge Weird Al fan I have to mention that Al is a perfectionist and has an extraordinary band that for over 40 years has been playing every genre of music you can think of. What Weird Al does is not easy. Which is why he is the only one consistantly doing it and has been making legit hits for over 40 years. He has even starred in his own hilarious film which he helped write called UHF. He has also directed other people's videos. Many people may not realize that Al has also recorded the entire Peter and the Wolf album and has written children's books. He is an all around savant.

[@WeerdMunkee]

He's literally a genius. Graduated high school as Valedictorian at the age of 16! Got his MASTERS(!?!) in architectural design by age 20.

[@KennethPorter]

UHF was brilliant. I continue to quote the gags in that.

[@theworldofron2712]

@@WeerdMunkee u es from Cal Poly.

[@WaterFaucet24]

@@KennethPorterSpatula City!! Buy 11 Spatulas, get the 12th for free!!

[@control_the_pet_population]

I will disagree to a point... what Weird Al does is actually very easy. It doesn't take much talent or effort to parody or make fun of somebody, we all do it every day... the genius of Weird Al is that he's very very good at it... He takes something that everybody does and raises it to Olympic levels of accomplishment. "Like a Surgeon" isn't exactly an insanely groundbreaking idea... like most of Weird Al's work, it's 3rd grade nonsense.... but the brilliance of Weird Al is taking that silly concept all the way to perfection. He nails the zeitgeist almost every time.

[@FratinandMadrik]

18:53 Not only did Eddie Van Halen play that solo, but he did it for free (if you don't count the two 6-packs of beer they brought in for him in the studio) and he did it all in basically one take

[@ladybuggs11]

Steve Lukather from Toto is also on this track.

[@mikemiller1671]

But Von Halen didn't.

[@DJKr15py]

​@@ladybuggs11Lukather wrote and recorded all the other guitar parts, Eddie only did the solo.

[@ladybuggs11]

@@DJKr15py Yes.

[@peterwestall2285]

Van halen did both solos

[@Juhadre]

The picture at the end is of Dr. Demento. The Dr. Let Al do "Another One Rides The Bus" on his radio show early on. The Dr's show inspired Al to work on comedy and parody music. A beautiful homage to his origins while in the throws of his success 🧡

[@PaulthePhilosopher2]

throes

[@jwolfe01234]

Dr. Demento had a radio program for decades that featured all manner of novelty music. Although he's no longer on the radio, he still does a show every week and posts it on the Internet. The first song of Al's that Dr. D played was called Belvedere Cruisin'. He's played all of Al's major songs and many of his minor songs since then. Al did play Another One Rides the Bus live on Dr. D's program, and that's when he met his drummer, who's been with him ever since. Dr. D was a big inspiration for Al, and with all the radio airplay Al got on his show, it's not an exaggeration to say there would be no "Weird Al" without Dr. Demento. Dr. D appears in many of Al's videos, often in person, and he's acknowledged in every one of Al's studio albums.

[@jeremybrooks7415]

If someone hadn't answered her question as to who it was, I was going to answer. Love me some Dr. Demento.

[@chuckhouse5179]

​@@jwolfe01234 In case anyone was wondering his drummer is Jon "Bermuda" Schwartz. Love that name lol.

[@MailleGrace]

Of course, Weird Al's drummer's name is "Bermuda" Schwartz. Perfection@@chuckhouse5179

[@astrosteve]

The amazing thing about Al is he can sound like whoever he's parodying while still sounding like himself as well. It's not just Eat It, it's every song he does, practically.

[@kelaEQ2]

It's not just Al his whole band, they all can pretty much sound like who ever they want to.

[@lkmalee627]

Except on "Girl Just Wanna Have Lunch". It's my opinion since he couldn't do Cyndi Lauper well, he did the Anti-Cyndi Lauper.

[@Caseytify]

The man's a chameleon.

[@ArchoniusXXVII]

@@lkmalee627nah that was a contractually obligated record exec mandated parody so Al literally half-assed it.

[@thatguy5942]

what i have learned going to a lot of karaoke bars is that "sounding" like the artist is more about getting their phrasing and inflections down than it is matching their timbre. i have heard a lot of people who can match timbre, not be able to match vibrato (for example) who wind up not sounding like the artist at all. al is a great impersonator

[@Nothin-but-the-blues]

MJ was a great fan of Al and left him the original locations for both "Eat it" and "Fat" (Al's persiflage of MJ's hit "Bad"). He stuck to the "Beat it" video so closely that you can play them side by side and you have to admire the synchronicity of Al's "remake".

[@billkeithchannel]

Thank you. Discovered a new word. Your comment is far from persiflage.

[@edmandziuk3858]

Also the set was scheduled to be struck that afternoon and either Al or his producer had to get ahold of the crew before they started.

[@HappyBeezerStudios]

Every scene is the same, but with a joke. A hilarious twist.

[@kspoons3479]

There is no artist more dedicated to his craft than Al. The level of quality he’s maintained for decades is without equal.

[@sulatlalaki]

He OWNS this genre. No one even touches it.

[@Tekloiddnb]

pink floyd.....

[@jenniferabraham4551]

I saw him a few months ago in Sydney and he was incredible and his band was tight!

[@gidleykevin]

Yes, Al is a musician's musician... as well as a builder of bridges between the comedy and the music. Kind of a badass. And he's real, too. What a fantastic human.

[@pappajudas9267]

Weird Al's diction when singing is not only amazing, it's super important to his craft. He has to make sure you hear every word for those jokes to land, while fitting it into someone else's song.

[@j.munday7913]

He always picks words that mirror the sound of the original lyrics too. I don't know how to explain it but his lyrics have the same flow.

[@BAN0N]

Damn, I never considered that.

[@macmcleod1188]

Wierd Al and Puddle's the Clown are the two singers with the best diction on the internet (I dare say... the world). In Puddle's case, I have understood lyrics after *decades* of hearing misunderstanding the band singing the same lyrics. He is amazing. And in Wierd Al's case... his entire shtick depends on people *understanding* the words. And he is a wordsmith.

[@brucecooley70]

The fact you're a fan of Weird Al just makes you even that much better. He is a national treasure.

[@SilentGloves]

I took my mom to see Weird Al, thinking it would just be a goofy good time, and it was legitimately one of the best concerts I've ever attended. Not only was I crying laughing through most of it, but he is actually very talented. Like even just the quick-changes he did were impressive. Walks behind the drums in a suit, comes out from behind them in a spongebob t-shirt and a tutu. It was ridiculous, hilarious and very entertaining.

[@nerissarowan8119]

He’s an amazing performer. I’ve seen him twice now; the first was his parody work, and recently we saw his originals tour - I actually think the second one was a better show, because his originals are fantastic.

[@Strider91]

My favorite wierd Al fact, is that I saw an interview with MJ and a few other celebs back in the day where they were asked how they felt about AL covering/ parodying their music. And they all said the same thing "I'm actually honored by it, the man has surprising talent. Like he can really really sing, rap, and dance" they all were firmly of the believe that Al could have been a serious musical badass. . . Yet respectfully refected that to just have fun instead. And I can't get over that lol

[@divemonkeys]

So many felt that when "Weird Al" parodied one of their songs they had 'made it'. Madonna was reported to have said 'when is "Weird Al" going to parody Like a Virgin"

[@thomasmacdiarmid8251]

@@divemonkeys Nirvana were particularly thrilled when he did Smells Like Nirvana.

[@DragonLandlord]

Lady Gaga apologized for her manager telling Al no.

[@AO968]

@@divemonkeys Madonna was the only one, who actually got her request granted. After that, he would always approach the original artist himself. And then, there's Coolio....

[@spacecadet35]

@@AO968 - Coolio later said that his rejection of Amish Paradise was his biggest mistake ever. Also, at a later date they actually performed on stage together. But Weird Al did learn a lesson as well.

[@wild_lee_coyote]

Eat it was Weird Al’s break out hit. It helps that he used the same sets and dance choreographer for his parody. It is amazingly accurate and uniquely Weird Al. Not to mention that he is still relevant today is a testament to not only his musical talent but he vocal range that he can still sing all these styles and range but still sound like Weird Al.

[@troybradford856]

Not just the choreographer - the dancers as well =D

[@billyboblillybob344]

And that Michael Jackson approved pretty much everything Al asked for with enthusiasm and encouragement; pretty heady stuff coming from the King of Pop...

[@DragonLandlord]

​@@billyboblillybob344Al said Michael put him in touch with them after he asked for permission.

[@Tangoram]

Yes, you can't say it better.

[@brianknapp6215]

Yankovic also got Eddie Van Halen to parody his own guitar solo from "Beat It"...

[@82gamerprincess31]

Weird Al has always had a philosophy that absurdity, his specialty, is best done as seriously and accurately as possible to the point he often gets access to props, sets, crew, etc from original videos. Most artists take being parodied by Al as an honor and go out of their way to help out. It’s been proven to be incredible promotion for the original songs too.

[@melrupinski88]

So true. Wasn’t it Madonna who actually asked Weird Al to do a parody of Like A Virgin?

[@EvaCzarnojanczyk]

@@melrupinski88, yes. Both she & Al mentioned that in various interviews.

[@EvaCzarnojanczyk]

@82gamerprincess31 Unless you’re the Red Hot Chilli Peppers & get all butt-hurt about Al’s parody, even though they gave him their permission. 🙄

[@sarahkinsey5434]

I don't think he needs permission legally but asks permission out of common curtesy

[@joshuaburba1048]

​@@melrupinski88Not exactly. Madonna made a comment to someone along the lines of, "I wonder when Weird Al is going to do 'Like a Surgeon,'" and that person contacted Al's manager and it got back to Al that Madonna had said that, and he decided it was a good idea. So, she never actually mentioned anything directly to Al. Just a bit of clarification to answer your question.

[@camerondodge2070]

The fact that Al's guitarist, Jim West, has to emulate not only Eddie Van Halen, but also Rick Derringer (who did the solo here), when doing this song live really speaks to his skill on the instrument, and the same can very much be said about the rest of the band. Those guys have serious chops for such a comedic group.

[@richardadams4928]

I was going to comment on the "Weird Al's producer" comment referencing successful pop artist Rick Derringer, but kudos on beating me to it.

[@ericgarboushian5658]

Agreed! His whole band is super talented and I can't say enough about his drummer Jon "Bermuda" Schwartz (sp?)......

[@mamayl8592]

Weird Al is a national treasure. His parodies are funny and pay homage to the original song. Most artists are honored when he creates a parody of their song.

[@whodoesntluvpapas]

as they should be. It was hilarious back in the day when Coolio (supposedly) got mad at him for covering his song (which was ALSO a cover)! Also: spam is amazing once or twice a year....just sayin'

[@glennjanot8128]

@@whodoesntluvpapas I don't think he got mad (especially when he got the royalty checks). Al had asked for permission and the record company had given it. Coolio later said how stupid he was for rejecting the parody.

[@AhHereWeGo]

Not coolio though

[@LiannaBabeli]

You know you have made it when you get parodied by Weird Al.

[@mamayl8592]

@@LiannaBabeli Yes. Most artists look at it that way.

[@montanamade8712]

Saw Weird Al in concert with 2 of my sons, years ago. We were only 5 rows back from the stage and I gotta say- it may have been the best concert I’ve ever been to! The man worked SO HARD during that show- at least 30 costume changes (and yes, his fat suit was in it!). He is a true artist and such fun. His band was so tight- always in sync with every song. Great act and a national treasure.

[@EricSelje]

Agreed. Expected a good show and it exceeded that so much. May be the best concert I've ever seen and I've seen a lot.

[@johnrust592]

I've seen Weird Al in concert three times. The man is an incredible live performer.

[@astheticdork7456]

I met him and his band as a kid. My uncle was their caterer at the state fair. We had a food fight with birthday cake! He was so fun in person too

[@sairhug]

Saw him at one of his rare UK gigs ... it was 2015. So many great moments, but he won the hearts of the audience (even more than before) when he changed the word "aluminum" in the song "Foil" (parody of "Loyal") to the British version: aluminium. It definitely did not go unnoticed - a big roar of approval went up! ❤

[@hejshari]

Phenomenal show…we’ve seen him four times now and he never disappoints!

[@dstressr110]

If nobody has mentioned it yet, the picture is of Dr Demento, the radio DJ that always played Al's latest and greatest. He did a whole show, I think 2-4 hours of parody and novelty songs and music each week on Sunday night. This is Al's nod to his one man marketing campaign.

[@markmm1066]

I saw Al at a community college snack bar. It was just before Like a Surgeon broke. Dr Demento was the opening act. Amazing.

[@morganalori]

Loved the Dr Demento show. Miss it

[@PunkJr]

I would stay up until the WEE hours of the morning in Germany where my dad was stationed in the Air Force, listening to AFN to hear Dr Demento in the late 80's.

[@AregPone]

Dr. Demento appears in a few of his videos. Maybe more than a few.

[@jeremybrooks7415]

@dstressr110 I was going to comment the same.

[@bigdream_dreambig]

For any who are confused by the yellow slitted eyes at the end: Beat It was released as part of the Thriller album, and the video for the title track ended with Jackson sporting similar eyes.

[@Martin-jk2ng]

One of the most impressive live acts you will ever see. He and his bamd are incredibly good musicians. It's wild seeing them seamlessly go through all styles just crush it. Al could never be appreciated enough.

[@chesteradams7423]

Yeah, his band can literally play anything.

[@missingnola3823]

I have seen him live, summer of 2019, and I can confirm that it is well worth it!

[@philipgroves4186]

Yup, I saw them in concert and it was one of the best concerts I've ever seen

[@ARKavli]

I've absolutely been waiting for you to hit some Weird Al. Even though his work it parody, his ability to sing in the style of all those different artists is amazing. He's a true artist with a lot of songs. I hope you do many more! //GUSH OFF//

[@shadowfox2120]

His ability to rap is pretty impressive.

[@DanielOrion74]

@@shadowfox2120this statement is irrefutably correct.

[@jackstrawjr2963]

Al & his band are killer musicians who can cover a LOT of ground musically, and make it look deceptively easy.

[@droid8472]

He also rhymes a lot with the original

[@entelechy00]

​@@shadowfox2120trying to suggest Hardware Store

[@a3s1r1986]

Weird Al is the epitome of the man who takes being absurd seriously and that brings so much joy into the world. And that itself is magnified by him just being a decent guy off the stage. I usually go through his choice of lyrics but hearing an analysis of his voice is much appreciated.

[@scottgorski7931]

Boy, that took me back. In the 80's if Weird Al did a parody of your song it was a huge badge of honor. MTV couldn't wait for Al to cover a popular song, the cover video became as big as the original in some cases.

[@williambanks2223]

So true. In fact, several artists went to Weird Al and asked him to parody them.

[@PsychoticFruitfly]

in a lot of cases, weird Al's version of something would get around the world FASTER than the original and cause said original track to get a "secondary pop" in sales/airplay.

[@5peciesunkn0wn]

I'd say it's still the case lol.

[@laterreurrouge1917]

"Like a surgeon" is a good example of that. I rolled off my couch from laughing so hard, when I watched the clip.

[@Darth_Lunas]

If weird al covered you. You knew you made it.

[@spiercephotography]

How Al changes his voice/vocals around slightly to be more in the style of the artist he's paradoy-ing is actually really amazing! He's always been a favorite musician of mine and his talent has always been really obvious

[@ChristyBrown-kc1st]

Weird Al’s concerts are epic. He was so good and so much fun, that after seeing him live in my hometown, we immediately went home and bought tickets for the next night about two hours south of my city. He’s the only artist that I’ve seen back-to-back nights. I couldn’t get enough of his talent in a live setting. A remarkable musician, singer, comedian, writer and performer. And his band is unbelievably talented. I’m so glad I saw him twice because I never had another opportunity to go to his concert again.

[@rhov-anion]

He's one of only two artists who I've seen live more than once, and for him, I've seen three of his concerts and would attend a 4th without hesitation. They are EPIC! You're right, it's not just Weird Al, but his band as well. They emulate the styles of all of these artists, and that isn't easy. In some cases, these are famous guitarists with unique riffs, and in other cases it's a random studio musician, but the SOUND is iconic. To play the guitar, drums, and keyboard in all those varying styles is mind-boggling.

[@ChristyBrown-kc1st]

As a fellow musician, I couldn’t agree more!

[@tctheunbeliever]

I went to see him for the 3rd time last year. This tour ("Ill-Advised Self-Indulgent" something) was all about his style parodies (e.g. One More Minute, Craigslist) and it was great. He even sang one oldie from our hometown hero.

[@hurin1]

You really need to cover his Hardware Store song. He broke a record recording that song of the longest single breath rap. Its why he doesn't perform the song live. He nearly passed out recording it the first time. It is a stunning song that needs to be assessed.

[@AaronAlthaus]

YEs please. I would love to see this happen!

[@84SuperBeast]

Look at all that stuff

[@kurtfrazier526]

I concur

[@Nareimooncatt]

The song that shall not be sung live.

[@christopherbrown9434]

I saw Weird Al live for the first time in March. It was incredible and whoever did the mixing for his live performances deserves a medal. It wasn't until I was sitting there that I realised, not only does he have to sing well, but every word needs to come through clearly in concert in order for his jokes to land. This was particularly pertinent since he was singing only his "deep cut" original songs, a couple of which i hadn't even heard before. He is a rare talent and probably aligns more with musical theater in how he has to sing well and play a character.

[@RustyDust101]

40 years of Weird Al's parodies. It became a sign you made it when Weird Al parodied one of your songs. That he still does it from time to time tells you he still hasn't lost it.

[@clydekimsey7503]

​@tconlon251 lighten up, Francis. AL has talent and humor 😅

[@joemaven3426]

After 40+ years his final album was the first comedy album ever to reach #1 on the charts. So yeah, dude hasn't lost it... Absolute legend.

[@rikk319]

My introduction to Weird Al was my dad's single of his first song, Another One Rides The Bus, we both loved it because we both loved Queen. When Eat It came out, then, I was over the moon that he'd made a parody of Beat It.

[@burgerchamp]

Just saw him live recently and it was all original songs. Fantastic and his backing band is one of the tightest groups of musicians I’ve ever heard. As good as his parody songs are, his original songs are where he really shines.

[@theworldofron2712]

I went and saw the concert in my area and he was terrific. I argue he has on the the best and most versitile bands there is. From the old days when he only had Bermuda Shwartz was beating on his accordian case as percussion in the song my Bologna.

[@taytertotg3933]

Hopeful this leads to an interview with AL. I've always thought he was super underrated as a singer in his ability to mimic styles, and would love to hear more on his process. I would also check out his Tiny Desk performance. One of my favorites.

[@evanneihouser9567]

When Weird Al was first starting out, one of his things is that he wouldn't parody an artists song without their permission, even if the studio had already given permission. He had a hard time at first getting artists permission, until he approached Michael Jackson who loved the idea so much he not only showed him the exact set locations and gave him props from his music video to use, but went to all of his fellow artists and advocated for Weird Al and convinced a lot of them to allow him parody their songs. MJ was the first and biggest Weird Al fan.

[@dranet47]

That's not just his producer playing guitar, that's Rick Derringer, definitely one of the best guitarists in rock.

[@CineSoar]

Apparently, Eddie VonHalen wasn't available 🤣

[@dranet47]

@stephmon lol, yeah, I noticed that too.

[@DarthV506]

@@CineSoar RIP. Eddie only did the solo. The rhythm guitar was done by session/studio guru (along with other things like Toto!) Steve Lukather.

[@billiam247]

​@@DarthV506he also completely rearranged the song.

[@CineSoar]

@@DarthV506 all true. Luke did a rash of interviews about the topic a little while back, including a really good interview with Rick Beato.

[@FreyaofCerberus]

It's an insanely long shot but it would so awesome if you did one of Weird Al's Polkas because they really show off his insane level of range and talent. Loved this video :)

[@clydekimsey7503]

But, his originals are boring 😅

[@pigskinpoetry]

Honestly, his polkas show off more of his vocal variety then many of his parodies.

[@clydekimsey7503]

@@pigskinpoetry but not funny or enjoyable

[@President_Starscream]

I played Bohemian Polka from the jukebox at a bar once, several people expressed annoyance, but I didn't care, I love his silly polka rendition.

[@President_Starscream]

@@clydekimsey7503 The Transformers: The Movie (original 80's movie) would beg to differ. Fun fact: Dare to be Stupid was the theme song for Junkion and introduced Wreck-Gar, years later in Transformers: Animated, the character Wreck-Gar was voiced by Weird Al.

[@richard_n]

Weird Al really is incredibly talented when it comes to singing and songwriting. Plus he's a great guy all around from what I've read and heard.

[@metal_nick]

Not only is Weird Al tremendously talented, his band is also incredible.

[@kenzieeakin1394]

Weird al is a national treasure. I want him to parody dolly

[@DavidBeserock]

Maybe, but he was a jerk to me when I met him.

[@SweetThing]

The guy in the picture over Al's bed is Doctor Demento, who was a radio broadcaster & had a radio station and that was the first place that Weird Al performed and did the song "My Bologna", as a parody of "My Sharona" on his accordion. Lol! And Al's career was born! You should react to Weird Al's "Living with a Hernia" with was a parody of James Brown's "Living in America". Al is a genius!

[@gortapocalypse]

Weird Al is a treasure. Live, the band is always tight. Especially when you consider the costume changes and all the on stage antics. Funny yes, but a total professional. I introduced my kids to Al when they were very young. They love him to this day. I am a great parent.

[@robfranklin2228]

I bought this album as a kid when it first came out. The best part was that Michael Jackson’s “Bad” was all lined up on the shelf with posters, and right next to it was Weird Al’s “Even Worse.”

[@WaterFaucet24]

Yep, this was one of my first vinyl records

[@HappyBeezerStudios]

Those two albums really deserve to be put right next to each other.

[@Mrsockmonkie]

Very shocked you haven't gotten to him before...people always underestimate him because of his silly songs, but he's a crazy talented musician. More please!

[@neil2444]

That's the thing. His talent is often diminished because he's copying someone else, but what they fail to take into consideration when they say this is that he still had to have the talent to be able to reproduce that very same rhythm and style. If Prince is talented for doing a guitar solo, then so is Weird Al for doing the exact same guitar solo.

[@davidschmidbauer3609]

Like Frank Zappa.

[@anthonytaylor6841]

Poppycock! If he was so talented he would've made his own original stuff and sold it. Anyone with some musical background can copy someone, and can especially make it sound like the original in a studio. Originality is where its at and this guy mocked the industry with his kindergarten skills imo. Performers like him impair the talent pool and advance an agenda for anyone with no real talent to reach the mainstream.@@neil2444

[@robmcgrath5202]

Definitely more. I might suggest "BOB", "Genius in France", or "Bedrock Anthem" to show off his range of styles.

[@pauldobson8863]

Weird Al is hands down one of the greatest musicians of all time.

[@ketatgenhorst]

Weird Al is a favorite. I love hearing artists talk about a Weird Al parody being a "special level" or achievement. Also, Weird Al puts great love and respect into his parodies. Another thing I just learned that I love, is watching you watch something very silly. I felt all that joy, thanks!

[@devinphillips9704]

I've always been a fan of Weird Al, but I didn't fully realize just how amazing his vocal abilities are until I saw him perform live a few years ago. He seamlessly transitions from one vocal style to another, with killer range and pinpoint pitch accuracy. Not a bum note in the whole show.

[@MsThebeMoon]

Would have loved to see him live. I'm jelly

[@suzglass]

He can sing while running up steps in the theater. Great control, never winded. Amazing singing.

[@gamephreak5]

22:05 That picture is "Dr Demento", a radio DJ Al loved and listened to all the time in college who played wacky and silly songs on his program. Weird Al got his start in musical stardom from submitting his first ever parody "My Bologna" to Dr Demento's show, which stayed as the #1 song for 3 weeks straight and helped Al get his first record deal.

[@Retromags_Brian]

Finally! If you listen to his other songs, including his originals, you'll see that he has an incredible range in his voice and can sing just about anything in any style.

[@livinginparallel]

Literally anything! He's brilliant and so is his voice🩷

[@neutron5000]

Why Weird Al is not in the Rock Hall of Fame yet is a crime!!

[@OpDDay2001]

Should we introduce her to Albuquerque?

[@Lurker-dk8jk]

Especially Polka.

[@brianknapp6215]

​​@@OpDDay2001 She needs to do "Yoda" next... or "Dare To Be Stupid"!

[@destro6971]

Eat It is a classic for sure, but Word Crimes may be Weird Al’s all time peak writing performance

[@ScottHillEnglish]

I think that Word Crimes far outshines the song it parodies.

[@JesseCohen]

@@ScottHillEnglishThere’s quite a few of those in his catalogue. It’s sorta his thing! Parody AND Improve…

[@JesseCohen]

Ok, true story. The first “album” I ever bought with my own money was a cassette of Weird Al “In 3D”. I’d been catching Dr.Demento shows every Saturday for a year, and of course Mr.Yankovic got heavy rotation, along with the occasional video on MTV. My love of music, in terms of self discovery, beyond what my parents enjoyed, really started with Weird Al. Legend doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of the iceberg-to-mountain that is his maestro levels of mimicry and lyric craft. The mind boggles!

[@ScottHillEnglish]

@@JesseCohen You are preaching to the choir, my friend. 👍The first concert tickets I ever bought were for the In 3-D tour.

[@RadioactiveLobster]

I mean, Bob is up there as well.

[@mikeb.7183]

Al’s band is top notch musicians and everyone I know who has seen them live were more than surprised by the level they performed many different styles and genres.

[@chrisbenson6683]

Think about it. They have to play every hit in EVERY genre! That's just staggering.

[@OutsidePasser0]

More Charismatic Voice reactions to Weird Al is something that I need in my life.

[@christophermollan1684]

Weird Al has had the same backing band from the beginning and they are masters at their instruments.. Criminally underrated... BTW my favorite parady is Aluminum Foil!!!!!!

[@murasaki848]

My favorite is a 'style parody': "Stop Forwarding That Crap To Me", followed a very close second by "Christmas at Ground Zero".

[@Jims_Camera_at_dawn]

Al has so much talent. He had 2 Star Wars tribute songs, The Saga Begins and Yoda. The band deserves credits also. They can play most any style music very well.

[@Thom1212]

I remember first hearing Yoda on the Dr Demento Show way back in the 80's. It's where I also learned that Bill Mumy (from the "Lost in Space" tv show) was part of the duo Barnes & Barnes, famous for their silly song "Fish Heads".

[@lisakaz35]

Apparently, Don McLean's kids got him to lapse into Weird Al's lyrics.

[@burningtheworld]

Weird Al and his band are without a doubt some of the world's greatest musicians to ever walk the Earth. Look at all the different genres they have done with amazing accuracy and creativity. There are not many people who could be able to have the range that they have.

[@grathxvii]

Plus they hold up live, I've been to six of his concerts and it's never a disappointment even as he's gotten into his 60s; a bunch of relatively-contemporary rock/blues bands I've gone to see (albeit they are often 5-10 years older than Al) it's been "well, half the band is replacements for the original band members who are dead or retired, and the other half should strongly consider retiring."

[@sawboss216]

You're enthusiasm is intoxicating on these analysis videos! It keeps me coming back. Wacka Wacka!

[@scottwalker6671]

I never truly understood how good Weird Al is as a straight vocalist until I saw the video of him singing George Harrison’s What Is Life at a tribute concert in 2014. Live, out front, with nowhere to hide, and not an easy song to sing, and he absolutely kills it. Would love to see your reaction to that.

[@billboyd9028]

Great reaction and superb "burp analysis"! You might enjoy his song "BoB" which is composed entirely of palindromes. The title and every line of the song is a perfect palindrome - very creative! Great reaction, really enjoyed it!

[@Arashmickey]

The burp analysis was such a cool and amazing surprise!

[@marchitibang2]

Elizabeth, so great to see you having so much fun with this, combining the technical aspects with the sheer joy that is Al.

[@adambailey7932]

The fact that you are a Weird Al enjoyer is amazing! Thanks for doing this one!

[@EB64]

I believe the "fart boxing" is actually done with the hands by one of his band members. Al and his band are incredible at what they do. It's quite fun seeing your reaction! EDIT: If he does another tour, I highly encourage everyone to go! It's insane how much work they all put into their live shows.

[@seanparada6809]

Yes, they're done by "Musical Mike" Kieffer. You can see him making the sounds in the video for "Headline News".

[@Grizzlox]

This song inspired me to learn hand farting. It's amazing how many different sounds you can get if you practice.

[@kurtsnyder4752]

Leslie Nielsen used to do that with his hands.

[@DjKorppi]

Yes, he does have a "manualist" in the band.

[@Toobeegort]

There is a really good shot of how fart boxing is done in "I Love Rocky Road".

[@cmiles97x38]

Great reaction. I am glad someone with your musical education and background is dissecting how great Weird Al is at adapting to who he parodies plus the detail he put into his videos and songs. Add the fact that his lyrics are funny and match the song perfectly while still making sense. Besides his live action videos, he has some of the greatest animated parody videos as well. One of my favorites is Word Crimes. One that is underrated and really shows off is his voice is his Jurassic Park a parody of MacArthur Park. Basically he tells the whole Jurassic movie story in the song.

[@SRQ5150]

Al's ability to get the inflections in people's voices is amazing. You should do the saga begins

[@thomaslaverick8428]

OMG, Thank you for reviewing this song. Weird Al was an amazing vocalist. I wish you grew up in the 70's and 80's, that would give you a much greater understanding of this song. We were not allowed to leave the table until we ate everything on our plates, if you didn't eat you went to bed hungry! Every time you would hear there are thousands of kids starving in (Country changed with every time it was said).... Spam and Tang were a staple in our household, for breakfast you had fried spam and eggs with toast on a good day, and for dinner it was a fried spam sandwich with a random vegetable! As our parents said if it's good enough for the astronauts, it's good enough for you!!!

[@Arquibus]

Al was the first concert I ever went to. It was the Poodle Hat tour, so I must have been 14ish? Al's range of vocal and musical styles has got to be unmatched. And so many costume changes. If you're familiar with the "Amish Paradise" era than you might already know "Everything You Know Is Wrong", but if not, it's a great listen. Also, I didn't see anyone else mention it in the chat (but it goes by too fast for me) but Al's producer who played guitar on this song was Rick Derringer, who played with the McCoys ("Hang on Sloopy"), both Winter Brothers (Rock and Roll, Hootchie Koo", "Frankenstein") and had a solo career as well.

[@sarahleonard7309]

I think we should also show some love to Al's long-term band members who were also able to adapt to the styles of the artists they were parodying. Those guys are talented artists in their own right. What isn't obvious from most of the videos is that they perform some very complicated choreographies in their stage shows.

[@j_freed]

Yes Al can sing right on pitch in concert! I'm glad this video was so short, love ❤️ your channel.

[@rocklarNC]

Your appreciation of Weird Al's diction is so deserved! I've listened to his stuff since I was in middle school (some...ahem...30+ years ago) and I've always loved how comprehensible his delivery of lyrics is! It may be a natural tendency for him, but I could also see that being an intentional effort since, with parodies, the lyrics matter tremendously! If the details of the lyrics are lost, it's possible the theme would be lost as well. Thanks for reacting to an absolute favorite performer of mine!

[@DefinitelyNotBender]

I grew up watching all of Weird Al’s videos(born in ‘84). I had an older cousin that was a huge fan and we’d binge his videos when I’d go visit. He also lived here in my hometown when I had my first job at a movie theater in the mall. He’d come in there all the time to watch movies and every time he’d show up early and stick around afterwards just to hang out with the employees. He’s such a genuine and just awesome human being. Great reaction🤘🏼

[@tyghe_bright]

Weird Al is a tremendous musician. A lot of people think of him as a comedian and miss his musicianship. One of my favorites is Generic Blues.

[@urfaes6878]

Weird Al is a musical genius. I grew up listening to him when he was first broadcast on Dr. Demento. I never stopped.

[@0okamino]

And who just happens to be in the picture she mentioned? Dr. Demento himself, of course. 😄

[@urfaes6878]

@@0okamino I listened to Dr. Demento for years. I'm glad to have had the opportunity to. He introduced the world to comedic music. I still play videos about Boot to the Head with friends. Or how dead puppies aren't much fun.

[@DavidSingleton1701D]

I very enthusiastically recommend Al's song Hardware Store, if you haven't already heard it. It's one of his originals, and there is no official video that I'm aware of, but the vocal acrobatics he does in that tune are nothing short of godlike. Personally, it's probably my favorite song of his. Just, when he says "would you look at all this stuff," don't pause. Calling it magical just sells it short. Cheers.

[@bigorange2082]

Yes!!! She has to review Hardware store.

[@ComputerGeeks-R-Us]

I've seen Weird Al live 3 times. He and his band are so incredibly talented and his shows are entertaining from beginning to end.

[@ericsaculla8501]

Ok, this is gonna be a fun one😂

[@supernova2233]

Oh yeah; always fun with Al 😂🥰

[@flor9389]

He’s so faithful musically to the originals that artists will sometimes sing his words and not their own when performing live.

[@danuttall]

This has happened to Don McLean with American Pie. When his daughters were teenagers, they would be playing and singing The Saga Begins so much at home, that, during live concerts, Don had to consciously make sure he was singing the correct version of the lyrics and not slipping in Al's words. "A long, long time ago, in a galaxy far away. Oops. Let's start that again. A long, long time ago, I can still remember when..."

[@flor9389]

@@danuttall I think Kurt Cobain would throw in lyrics from Smells Like Nirvana - maybe deliberately - and The Presidents of the USA would switch into Gump lyrics accidentally.

[@ParodyKnaveBob]

@@flor9389 The P.U.S.A. purposefully changed the last line in concerts, though, because they liked his film homage so much, lol.

[@luna228_]

Oh my god yes!!! A Weird Al analysis! Thank you, I would have never expected this!

[@ericthompson3982]

Can I just take a moment to appreciate how you're touching on foods you find delicious that you want to get your child into while you're also analyzing an absolutely ridiculous Weird Al song about making kids eat? I find this vastly enjoyable.

[@dwaynebrietzke]

Not only did Al parody the song lyrically, he parodied the video visually as well. That was his genius.

[@sixpakshaker88]

I think for this and FAT Micheal actually shared the locations with Al for his videos. He was a good sport about being parodied.

[@joyfulyes]

@@sixpakshaker88 anymore it's an honor to be parodied by Wierd Al. It's a milestone in a famous artist's career!

[@Metalrogue]

Weird Al is such an unrecognized genius! His voice and his ability to not only imitate another person, but to recreate the vibe of the song through parody. Absolutely brilliant! It's funny you mentioned Amish paradise, Coolio always complained about the parody but never mentioned that he ripped off the song from Stevie Wonder past time paradise. Great video!

[@jaisaacson]

Glad someone still knows this, Stevie's Pastime Paradise was the original.

[@nickredd6168]

I'm fairly certain that people recognize his genius.

[@davidl8ly]

I have probably seen this video a hundred times, but to watch you crack up over it gives it a whole new fresh take.

[@carleakins2153]

Weird Al is an underrated vocalist due to the fact that he's, first and foremost, a comedy act. Approximating all those different musical styles and techniques isn't easy.

[@DavidLazarus]

Todd Rundgren is quite good in that regard too.

[@carleakins2153]

Absolutely!

[@Toeken42]

Thank you for covering this, Weird Al has always been an amazing character and his excellent choreography and music parody is always worthy of any recognition. Great coverage and fantastic showing of appreciation. Bless you.

[@Rydgen]

The fart-boxing is actually done by Musical Mike, who does it entirely with his hands. You can see him in a couple videos. Edit: That photo near the end is of Dr. Demento, who pretty much gave Al his big break. Glad you're enjoying Al's work!

[@MrJusskippy]

"Fart-box"....."You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." - Inigo Montoya

[@Rydgen]

@@MrJusskippy that's how Elizabeth described it in the video, so I used the same term for easy identification. Take it up with her.

[@williammaddock9179]

Elizabeth, this video is a PERFECT illustration of why you are the best reaction presenter IN THE UNIVERSE. So many others pretend. You, though? A couple times in this video you almost fell out of your chair with purely honest laughter. You brighten my day. Thank you.

[@suemiller2522]

Al makes it a point that for the first few seconds you REALLY think it's the original, and they're so good at it! My 13yo son's first live concert was Weird Al last year and it was such an amazing show! Can't wait til he comes back!

[@LonHulick]

Take a listen to "Pastime Paradise" by Stevie Wonder!

[@digibirder]

Weird Al is a generational talent. So many levels to appreciate. I'm so happy to hear Elizabeth's take!

[@gl15col]

One of my favorites by Weird Al is "Living with a hernia" based on "Living in America" by James Brown. He uses the same dancers and singers as the original, and it's a classic. Al is still around because he is a perfectionist with the music and dances, and is not being mean or hateful with his parodies, but does them with love.

[@ghjong001]

Not only that, James Brown himself taught him how to perform the dance moves. He absolutely what Al did with the song.

[@bbb462cid]

_I feel bad_

[@thomasmuir5653]

If I remember that story. James Brown is in the video as well.

[@markfrombriz]

Gotta love the pasion and energy she brings to every analysis, great to love your job so much

[@RicoCosta317]

As people have said, Weird Al is a musical genius who can mimic any style, like a really good voice impersonator. He's also a brilliant lyricist and a damn fine dancer. It should also be noted that his band of many years are pitch perfect with their rendering of the music and there's never any sampling. My favorites out of many, many great parodies and original songs are Smells Like Nirvana, a dead on rendition of Smells Like Teen Spirit and it's accompanying video and The Saga Begins, a takeoff of American Pie with a Star Wars theme. Really just go through his catalog A-Z and pick one, he's that good!

[@Lurker-dk8jk]

The first Star Wars parody song of his that I heard was Yoda in the '80s. LIked him ever since.

[@RicoCosta317]

@@Lurker-dk8jk I actually never heard that one before. Is is a parody of Lola? Have to check it out!

[@Lurker-dk8jk]

@@RicoCosta317 Correct. I hadn't heard Lola before Yoda, so I thought Yoda was the original. I was quite young.

[@kat021171]

My first experience was listening to an old Cleveland station (one that has since changed its call letters) back in the summer of 1983, and they were interviewing Al and they played "Rickey" during the interview. Not long after, on that station's Sunday night show that was equal parts serious radio show and Dr. Demento-style comedy, they played "Another One Rides The Bus". I was an Al fan for life from that point on.

[@MikeSmith-gk3yx]

​@@kat021171 From a displaced Cle, I can't even remember the station it played on but it was a few years after 83' I started listening to Dr. Demento. My father and me would make time to listen together.

[@Jakoshdw]

Seeing this video side by with the original really goes to show how much effort Al went to do a proper homage.

[@donk3ypunchzero]

You gotta do "Hardware Store" lyrical and vocal gymnastics in a musical theatre style with THE most incredible breakdown the you MUST NOT PAUSE but will know when it's coming.

[@Fastwinstondoom]

Came here to say the same thing, Hardware Store is just insane. INSANE.

[@tubasaur]

Here for the "Hardware Store" recs. But you're right, she cannot pause that part. Play it, then go back.

[@thedarkdragon89]

We need more Weird AL! Albuquerque and That's your Horoscope for today are two of my favorites.

[@kfraz43]

A talented musical technician breaking down Weird Al just made me complete. He's such a part of my life that any time he's brought into modern times is amazing. One important thing to remember with Al is the era in which he became famous... The flashy 80s and the grungy/emo 90s took themselves so seriously, but Al was able to do his thing with a vast majority of the artists he parodied approving.

[@SynphamyMusic]

Yeah Van Halen played the guitar solo in the original and the rest of the guitar was played by Steve Lukather from Toto... a band i'm surprised you haven't really touched on yet. They were a band of top class session musicians that all contributed quite heavily to Michael Jackson's solo success. They're all over Thriller. Plus every singer Toto had was incredible.

[@petebenes948]

And the solo here was done by Weird Al’s guitarist, Jim West. Heck, all of Al’s band are really underrated as musicians because, they have a wide variety of styles and artists to emulate, and they all do it so flawlessly.

[@jengoodwyn2715]

Oooh! Toto's Africa!!!!

[@RockGuitaristJay]

@@petebenes948 actually, the guitar solo on Eat It was done by Rick Derringer.

[@Kylora2112]

@@RockGuitaristJay Correct. But yes Jim, Steve, and Bermuda are all amazing musicians.

[@ComradeNerd]

I guess she doesn't want to bless the rains down in Africa. 😉

[@goldenhide]

Weird Al does have amazing attention to detail when it comes to the parody music videos. Its often said that for "Smells like Nirvana" he was wearing the same underwear brand and deodarant as Kurt Cobain. And thats the level of detail we expect from Al. 😅

[@g54b95]

Wait! Kurt wore deoderant?

[@blainekelley816]

burp analysis!! 😆 this was epic. Thx for the laugh + double shout out to parenting and the joy of pickles!!

[@_DavidLeBlanc]

Weird Al and his band are so good! I went to one of their shows about five years ago and they legitimately put on one of the best live shows I've ever seen.

[@bazzakrak]

And amazingly as well, they have stuck together since the start, it is still Jon “Bermuda” Schwartz on drums, or accordion case as he was drumming on for the original another one rides the bus for the Dr Demento show

[@rdm1000]

Elizabeth - Al is always fun to watch. But it is more fun watching you talk about him. When I think back on the truly great teachers I had, they all had one thing in common - passion. When the teacher loves what they are talking about, it comes across to the students, and makes them interested, brings out their passion. Yes, you are primarily entertainment. But your viewers always learn. All singers do not sound alike. And all sounds simply don't just happen. And you teach us why that is. As always, this was a joy because of what you being to the conversation.

[@Mechjoc]

Always impressed with how well Weird AL could mimic the music videos. Up to getting the same set and extras for his Smells Like Nirvana.

[@SweetThing]

Eddie Van Halen did the guitar "solo" in Michael Jackson's video, but Steve Lukather aka "Luke" from the group "Toto" was called in by Quincy Jones to smooth out the guitar solo, because Quincy thought Eddie's version was a little too rough. React to some songs by Toto; they are a band that has been having hits over 40 years (and they are still performing); with Bobby Kimball singing "Love Isn't Always on Time" And Joseph Williams performing "Burn" live. Joseph Williams is the son of film composer John Williams, who has composed music for Star Wars, Jaws, Schindler's List, to name a few. RIP Eddie.