It all started with “My Bologna.” And after that, a career that spans four decades, winning the hearts of every adolescent boy in the process.
Indeed, Weird Al Yankovic’s career has been built on the back of juvenile humor, but that doesn’t exactly do the record-producing, film-producing, screenwriting, songwriter and musician justice. Not only has Weird Al been doing this for 40 years, but he’s managed to get the permission of every artist he’s parodied—some of whom even help with with recreating the more unique sounds found in their songs. And he plays a mean squeeze box. I admit it, I’m in it for the polka.
Weird Al’s shows have a stage production quality unlike anything you’ve seen at Red Butte before. There’s wardrobe changes, video screens and, as the name of the tour indicates clearly, Mandatory Fun.
The thing that may be most amazing about his continued success as a touring artist is that in this age of YouTube stars and reality tv, Weird Al isn’t even weird anymore, and he’s certainly not the only one making fun of popular music. But, he’s been doing it longer and he’s done it the best.
Weird Al Yankovic plays Red Butte Garden on Friday, August 5th. The show is sold-out. Doors are at 6:30, the show starts at 7:30.
I’m hoping for a Donny Osmond guest appearance during White and Nerdy. Cross your fingers.
