For several years, my partner and I had been eager to take our soon-to-be 13-year-old son, Alex, to a live concert. We suggested seeing artists like Paul McCartney (he was a huge fan of The Beatles as a child), Imagine Dragons (a band he would definitely enjoy more than us), and even Taylor Swift (who serves as a positive role model).
To our surprise, Alex turned down all these options in favor of attending a concert by Weird Al Yankovic.
“Really?” I questioned. “What’s the appeal?”
“Because he’s hilarious and totally nerdy,” he replied. “My friends and I love his song ‘Word Crimes.’”
It seems Alex isn’t alone in appreciating Weird Al’s humor. His Mandatory Fun tour was sold out at numerous venues, including the one we attended in June in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. While I had never heard his songs played on the radio, the energy in the audience showed that everyone—including me—knew the lyrics by heart.
Weird Al has been a pop culture icon for decades, referenced in various popular TV shows like The Big Bang Theory and making guest appearances in cartoons such as The Simpsons, Adventure Time, and Johnny Bravo.
I have my own fond memories of Weird Al, like the first time I heard “My Bologna.” At 15, when “My Sharona” was released, I found it audacious and full of youthful desire. So, why would someone turn that into a song about a sandwich? And then came “I Love Rocky Road” and “Eat It,” which opened my eyes to the world of parody. Alex’s understanding of sarcasm and parody has developed much earlier than mine did, perhaps due to his early fascination with Mad magazine.
Upon arriving at the concert, Alex expressed a desire to browse the merchandise, only to find an incredibly long line for T-shirts, hats, and trading cards—much longer than any I had seen at concerts for Robert Plant, the Rolling Stones, or Jack White.
The venue buzzed with parents accompanied by their tweens and teens, including a few of Alex’s schoolmates. It was clear that this was the place to be for middle schoolers.
As we settled into our seats, I noticed Alex, who typically lacks patience for lengthy events, was visibly excited, repeatedly asking when the show would begin. Once Weird Al burst onto the stage, performing “Tacky,” it was impossible not to smile. I glanced over at Alex, who was eagerly capturing photos and videos of his favorite songs on his phone.
Throughout the concert, it became evident that Weird Al had evolved beyond his iconic Hawaiian shirt, showcasing elaborate costume changes. When he and his band donned outfits reminiscent of DEVO, I briefly hoped Alex might recognize the reference, but alas, he didn’t.
However, he was familiar with the origins of “Eat It” and “Another One Rides The Bus.” Our family favorite, “Smells Like Nirvana,” was a hit, and I was grateful he had learned about Nirvana and Kurt Cobain through Weird Al. I overheard him ask my partner, “Did you ever see Nirvana?” to which he proudly replied that he had, impressing Alex for once.
The last song before the encore was “Word Crimes,” an astute commentary on how technology has affected grammar and spelling for today’s youth. I suggested to Alex that his English teacher should show that video in class. “She has,” he confirmed. No wonder kids are drawn to Weird Al.
After the concert, we made a stop for merchandise, and naturally, Alex picked out a T-shirt featuring Weird Al and Alfred E. Neuman.
On the drive home, I asked Alex if he would be interested in attending another live concert. “Maybe,” he replied, “if Weird Al comes back again.”
In summary, attending Weird Al’s concert was an unexpected yet delightful experience for both Alex and me. It not only introduced him to a unique blend of humor and music but also allowed us to bond over a shared appreciation for parody. For anyone interested in family-friendly entertainment or navigating the world of home insemination, resources like WomensHealth.gov provide valuable information, while Make A Mom can guide couples on their fertility journey.
Keyphrase: Teen Concert Experience
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