Who doesn’t love “Weird Al” Yankovic? We sure as hell do! His parodies have poked fun at literal decades of classics, and in doing so, many have become certified hits themselves. We were feeling extra nostalgic for Running With Scissors, so we called up his agent to get Weird Al in for an interview. Or at least we thought we did. Anyways, here’s the interview.
Hard Times (HT): Hello, Weird Al! So stoked you could make it. It’s truly an honor to have you.
Weird Al: Happy to be here.
HT: Alright, let’s get right into it. We know you always ask permission from artists before parodying their work, and some say no. Who was your most painful rejection?
Weird Al: Ah, good question. There have been a few artists that told Mr. Yankovic they didn’t want to be parodied. Prince stung the most though. “Purple Rain” had so much Weird Al parody potential!
HT: A missed opportunity indeed. We need a “Polka Rain!” Speaking of polka, out of all the instruments out there, why did you decide to play the accordion?
Nardwuar: Ah, a common misconception! Mr. Yankovic didn’t choose the accordion. It was his parents! In the album notes of Permanent Record: Al in the Box, he revealed a door-to-door salesma—
HT: Sorry to interrupt, but is there a reason you keep referring to yourself in third person?
Weird Al: Ah, I see the source of the befuddlement. Alas, I am not Mr. Yankovic. I am Nardwuar the Human Serviette.
HT: Wait, so you’re not Weird Al? We could have sworn with that long curly hair and quirky outfit that you were him, not to mention your Weird Al knowledge.
Nardwuar: Nope! I’m just a Canadian serviette who does his research! Soo-rry for the mixup!
HT: Well, this is awkward. I guess since you’re here and know a lot about Weird Al, we could just…ask you about him?
Nardwuar: Certainly!
HT: What was you–sorry, Weird Al’s biggest success?
Nardwuar: Well, I guess that depends how you define success now doesn’t it? “White and Nerdy” cracked the top 10 in the Billboard Hot 100, so that’s a logical answer. But did you know “Like a Surgeon” was actually Madonna’s own idea? That’s a pretty big milestone of success too. Oh, and we can’t forget abou–
HT: Actually, I’m going to stop you there, Nardwuar. No offense, but this is just too weird.
Nardwuar: No offense taken, The Hard Times! Keep on rockin’ in the free world. Doot doola doot doo…!
HT: …doot doo.