- “Weird Al ” Yankovic w/Emo Philips
- Kaufman Center for the Performing Arts/Kansas City, MO
- September 2, 2022
Roger Daltrey. Tina Turner. Robert Plant. Freddie Mercury.
These amazing people possess some of the greatest and most powerful voices in the history of Rock and Roll. To that list I humbly add Mr. Alfred Matthew Yankovic. That’s right…”Weird Al.”
In a show that, except for the Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer,” included only original songs – there was a brief medley of some of his more popular parody songs towards the end – Yankovic gave a show that I would put up against any concert I have ever seen. After opening the show with “Fun Zone,” Yankovic reminded the audience that this was going to be a show that some fans have complained about, because he was doing the “funny” stuff. He noted that “the name of the tour should have tipped you off.” And he was right, as the show was billed as “The Unfortunate Return of the Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour.” Not a lot of leeway there. And while I secretly hoped he’d break out his new “Hamilton” medley, I went home utterly amazed at what I’d just witnessed.
True fans of Yankovic are, of course, familiar with his parody hits, but also enjoy his original tunes as well. On this night, he interspersed several of his more popular originals – “One More Minute,” “You Don’t Love Me Anymore” and “The Night Santa Went Crazy” with an array of great tunes, some done much differently then their album versions. “Dare to Be Stupid” was done like a 60s lounge song, while “Craigslist” could have easily been included on an album by the Doors. He really let his rock chops loose when he introduced a song he claimed he’d written for the band Rage Against the Machine. Apparently, the band didn’t record it, so he did. The song, “I’ll Sue Ya,” brought the audience to its feet with its growling vocals and kick ass music. And I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that the musicians accompanying Yankovic on stage were amazing, showing the skill, and tightness, of a band that had been together for over four decades!
Opening the show was comedian Emo Philips, whose comedy I was introduced to late at night while listening to Dr. Demento with my friends. I always enjoyed his style of comedy and it was a true treat to have the opportunity to see him in person. Speaking of Dr. Demento, early next week (September 14th) will mark the 42nd Anniversary of when I heard “Weird” Al live on Dr. Demento’s radio show introducing his first big parody song, “Another One Rides the Bus.” Wow! I should write a book titled “Everything I Need to Know About Life I Learned from Dr. Demento!”
“Weird” Al’s “The Unfortunate Return of the Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour” continues through the end of October. Many shows are sold out, but if you’re thinking about going – and after reading this review, why the hell aren’t you? – click HERE
SET LIST: Fun Zone, Close But No Cigar, Melanie, Bob, One More Minute, Dare to Be Stupid, Dog Eat Dog, Velvet Elvis, Craigslist, You Don’t Love Me Anymore, I’ll Sue Ya, Franks 2000” TV, Don’t Download This Song, The Night Santa Went Crazy, Skipper Dan, Good Old Days, Albuquerque. ENCORE: Psycho Killer, UNPLUGGED MEDLEY – Amish Paradise/Smells Like Nirvana/White & Nerdy/Word Crimes/Yoda.