Al is a humble guy and never ever took himself seriously and immensely creative
His spoof of Michael Jackson song “I’m fat” is a classic
Weird Al is younger than me? No way! I’ve been listening to him forever.
Amish Paradise is gold
I do love Weird Al, but Bill Rivers is even better.
We saw Al in concert a year ago or so. What fun! He doesn’t have a real strong voice but he sure puts on a show. If you ever have the opportunity, see him!
Supplies!!! (non-PC reference to the movie VHS)
I have been a fan of Weird Al since his first album just before I became a teenager. He does parody without the mean spirit that seems to overwhelm others, he does it clean, and (most amazingly) he does it so well.
One of the things that surprises me the most is how talented his band is. Jon Schwartz teamed up with him in 1980, and in 1982 his core band was filled out with Jim West and Steve Jay. For 35 years (!!!!) they have played with him on albums and in concert, and they can play any style of music exceptionally well.
Listen to:
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana, and then listen to “Smells Line Nirvana” by Weird Al.
“Complicated” by Avril Lavigne and then “The Complicated Song” by Weird Al.
“American Pie” by Don McLean and then listen to “The Saga Begins” by Weird Al.
“Riding Dirty” by Chamillionaire and then “White and Nerdy” by Weird Al.
If it was just his incredible writing ability, he would not have lasted 35 years. His band and their talent has supported his weird and fantastic mind, and I think that is the most incredible part of his act.
The problem for me with Weird Al is that, as popular music became so awful, it was too awful for me to even want to hear him parody it. His original stuff is still good, and he’s good when he writes new parodies of old material (it ain’t new now, but his Jurassic Park parody of MacArthur Park is an example of a great parody not of its own time).
I love Weird Al......so talented to come up with these spoofs of famous songs. Keep ‘em comin’ Al.....lol
He was the viral video star before there were viral videos! His Nirvana parody is still my favorite.
I’m glad his last release did well. He is a legend that I hope will never quit.
But the headline makes me think of Steve Carell's character on The Office thinking he's a songwriter because he changes a few words in songs to make a parody.
Al is more talented than Carell's Michael Scott, but I suspect he'd be the last to claim stardom for himself.
Recently saw an interview of Al, and I must say he was very humble,charming and an all around great guy. He honored the memory of his parents in the way he spoke of them. To my shock, in this interview, he said both his parents were killed in a carbon monoxide accident, I think it happened about 10 years ago. He is also a proud parent, if I recall correctly he has a daughter and is happily married.
Weird Al is one of my favorite artists.
I first heard him LIVE on Dr Demento around New Years of 1980.
Al’s friend played drums on his accordian case and Dr Demento did the “hand squeeze” noises.
Al and the crew performed “Another One Rides the Bus”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Eg7JYDrYCI
I STILL laugh when I hear it.
I have heard Al’s concerts are quite good. Never seen one myself.