It may be unusual for someone to credit a guy by the name of Dr. Demento for launching his career, but then again, "Weird Al" Yankovic isn’t just a regular guy. As an awkward teenager in California, he would do parodies of pop songs for the amusement of his friends. On a whim, he sent in a very amateur recording to the Dr. Demento radio show. Dr. Demento liked it, and that was all the nudge Yankovic needed.
Before he finished his architecture degree in university, Yankovic had two national singles. Now, his 30-plus-year career has seen him sell more than 12 million records and win three Grammy Awards. With a new album in hand, Alpocalypse, Yankovic returns to Toronto to play two shows on July 16 at Massey Hall.
Why is now the perfect time for the grand return of Weird Al?
People were running and screaming in the streets and on the verge of rioting for the past five years since I last released a record. As my public duty to prevent civil unrest, I decided to put out an album.
The lead single is a parody of a Lady Gaga song. Someone in her camp initially balked at the idea. What turned her around?
Well, as it turns out, she never balked. It was her manager supposedly acting in her best interests. She found out about the parody and immediately approved it…. It was definitely an awful experience for everyone involved, but it had a happy ending.
When was the last time someone said no to you?
Prior to this, probably James Blunt. I made a version of “You’re Beautiful” called “You’re Pitiful.” Blunt openly approved, but the record label decided it didn’t want the parody out. I’ve never seen a record label do that before. When I do parody, the song always sells more copies. They should have been thrilled.
You’re playing two shows here in Toronto. What are your impressions of our fair city?
Not to be overtly kissing up, but it truly is one of my favourite places in the world. In the ’90s, I was there doing a lot of specials for MuchMusic. I really love it, and playing Massey Hall, it is such a beautiful place. When we decided to do our TV special there, we had several options of locations, but we chose Massey Hall. It’ll be a real treat.
So the show will be taped for broadcast? Yeah, we’ll be taping it, but I can’t say what network it’ll be shown on yet because the ink isn’t quite dry on the contract.
Everyone seems to love the polka mixes you put on each album. When will that music finally go mainstream?
Well, I contend it just never went away. Polka is the true alternative music. It is such a big subculture. It’ll be going mainstream any minute.
What was the first song you parodied?
I couldn’t tell you the first one. I had a lot of really bad parodies when I was eight years old. But the first one of note was “My Bologna,” the Knack parody in 1979.
"Weird Al" Yankovic, Massey Hall, July 16
