He Performs This Way

This is my review of a Weird Al Yankovic concert. We've all had experiences with Weird Al.   My kids have recently reignited my interest in Al's music (which I have loved since the 80's.) If you're too lazy to read the whole review, do yourself a favor and find some of his music (recent or classic-it's all good.) I guarantee you'll smile, laugh, and/or just be amazed at his talent.

Weird Al brought serious entertainment to Boston Saturday night. For a guy known for parody and comedy songs, his "Apocalypse" tour is no joke when it comes to showmanship, musicianship, and, yes, laughs. Not just a comedy show, this was a 2-hour 10 minute multi-media good time.

The crowd in the filled-to-capacity Orpheum Theater was rocking, laughing, and singing along from the opening song "Polka Face," a medley of current songs done in true polka style with Al on accordion and videos of the original artists "singing along" above the band.

Then came nearly 20 songs played with exact detail by his excellent 4 piece backing band. These guys have done more than learn parody songs. They transform you into each genre and style, making them musically authentic and true the the original, and adding even more credibility to Al's sharp, smart, and laugh out loud lyrics. There was Rock (Smells Like Nirvana, Canadian Idiot) Pop (Party In The CIA; Perform This Way; E-Bay) and Rap (White and Nerdy; Amish Paradise) Plus some originals tackling pop culture and human nature (TMZ; I Wanna Be Your Lover) Not to mention the multi-song, mid show medley of food songs like My Bologna, Lasagna, Rye Or The Kaiser, to name just a few.

While music was the star of the show, it was only one-third of the entertainment. Al and his band changed costumes before nearly every song. They dressed like Nirvana, The White Stripes, Lady Ga-Ga, The Doors, Amish people, rappers, CIA Agents, lounge singers, safari explorers, Star Wars characters, and, of course, the Michael Jackson "Fat" suit.   And during the costume changes, the crowd was treated to video clips. Some featured Al doing mock interviews with musicians "MTV" style, some featured fake 1950's educational films, and some were hilarious moments from TV shows of the last 20 years making references to Weird Al. These references prove that whether he's the subject of the punch line or the creator of it, Weird Al is one of the best entertainers of our time. He's survived a lot longer than many he has parodied. And he still puts the "show" in "show business," a lesson many can learn from.