Weird Al’s First TV Appearance
Videogum linked to this video of Weird Al Yankovic’s first television appearance. Weird Al ruled my musical universe in fifth grade. In 1986, there were two types of fifth grade boys: the ones who were into Weird Al, and the ones who were into Iron Maiden. I was one of the Weird Al kids. The kids like me went on to listen to what was then called college rock, followed by alternative, followed by whatever the kids are calling it nowadays. The Iron Maiden kids went on to listen to Iron Maiden.
As Videogum points out, Weird Al wouldn’t look out of place hanging out in a hipster club in Williamsburg. God bless him. You gotta admire anyone who puts this much energy into his performance.
And also: what is that dope sound box his boy is playing? Where do I get me one of those?
August 5th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
I can never tell when you’re being facetious… but I’m pretty sure that’s the case from Al’s accordion.
BTW, that guy whose name I have already forgotten, his back-up guy there, Jon Something, is *still* Weird Al’s drummer, at least last I knew. Now he uses drums, though.
August 5th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
50% facetious, 50% stupidity. I probably wouldn’t go out and buy one, but I assumed it was some kind of homemade drum contraption, not an accordion case. That man can play an accordion case like nobody’s business!
August 5th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
Al has ruled from DAY ONE.
August 6th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Jon “Bermuda” Schwartz and Al were buddies at Cal Poly. Jon is indeed playing Al’s accordian case, which is what they used on the actual recording. And Harmon is right, he still tours and records with Al.
August 6th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Wierd Al has aged well, Jesus. He must use pearl cream.
And there was a third type of fith grade boys back in 86: those who listened to RUN DMC. They went on to be true players for real.
August 6th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
Sheer genius, that.
Never been a huge fan of his but there’s something to be said for that video.
August 15th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
Funny, I remember when my brother and his friends were all into Weird Al. Didn’t realize the only other choice was Iron Maiden. You chose… wisely.
(think it will mess with my little brother’s head that I’m reading and commenting on his friend’s blog?)