"Weird Al" Yankovic | Blocks Podcast w/ Neal Brennan
Vložit
- čas přidán 10. 06. 2024
- Neal Brennan interviews "Weird Al" Yankovic about the things that make him feel lonely, isolated, and like something's wrong - and how he is persevering despite these blocks.
----------------------------------------------------------
00:00 Intro
2:02 How He Got On
8:20 Imposter Syndrome
32:07 General Social Awkwardness
37:45 Fear of Confrontation
49:26 Pressure to Make A Comeback / Stay Relevant
56:45 Dread of Mortality
59:56 What He’s Done
1:08:01 Goals
----------------------------------------------------------
nealbrennan.com for tickets
Watch Neal Brennan: Blocks on Netflix: www.netflix.com/title/81036234
Theme music by Electric Guest (unreleased).
Edited by Will Hagle
----------------------------------------------------------
Sponsors:
GameTime App Code: BLOCKS for $20 off your first purchase
Babbel.com/BLOCKS for 55% off your subscription
Shipstation.com Promo Code: NEAL for a FREE 60-day trial
MarineLayer.com/Neal15 for 15% off
#podcast #comedy #standup #music #interview #weirdalyankovic #impostersyndrome - Komedie
Weird Al is a priceless treasure for all of humanity. Good people can win.
Great comment! Truth!!
How has Weird Al not had a specific accordian MADE for him? A signature series, just like all the guitar players that don't deserve them??
What makes you decide what guitar player “deserves” a signature model. I dunno, i might not like MgK or billie eilish, their overpriced stuff still sell, so why are you upset over worrying if they deserve to make money or not
@@Ottophil What's with attributing an emotion to someone when they didn't express that emotion? Do you need to attribute an emotional motivation to someone's opinion for it to make sense to you?
@@Ottophilsorry you never got hugged as a child
Well there is the Squeeze Box!
He should have a guy he calls up and says "Hey, it's Al. You know, your only client? Yeah, I need another new accordion made."
Best guest on any podcast this year for sure. Best human/funnyman, real dude, real genius, we don’t deserve this guy.
Indeed
Why don't we deserve him ??
@@commaJim its a figure of speech, Jim.
It means that he's so good that it's a little surprising that something/someone so wonderful could exist in such a dark and trying world.
@@commaJim that guy must not. He must be a baaaad guy.
He’s a national treasure!! ❤
Let's be honest here, the world got lucky that Al was where he was when he was not the other way around. To this day one of my top 5 artists of all time.
One of the coolest moments in my life (top 20) was seeing Weird Al at Six Flags in St. Louis years ago. After the show he was walking around (getting mobbed) & when my friend & I finally had a moment next to him we offered to buy him Dippin Dots because he was standing next to the cart & he obliged. We sat there & ate Dippin Dots with AL, hung out for about 10-15 minutes (which felt like hours to my pre-pubescent self) & he actually talked to us like we were hanging out. Other people were coming up but he kept coming back to us. It probably wasn't as incredible as I remember but the memory is there & it's real.
I saw him at Old Glory. Didn't know Dippin dots package was available
Yo, I was a stagehand when he played Kings Island in Cincinnati, and I was going to say what's up to him when we ate lunch- he was there before everyone, and left before everyone got there, most likely to get ready for the incredible show I had no idea he put on. Costume changes? I mean, WTactualF?! My friend and I got to catering a little early, and he joked and said "you wanna go sit right next to him" because we were the only three in the tent (other than the cooks). I did think that would be funny just because there was so much room, naturally, but I figured he was busy because he had that foregone look like he was thinking about a bunch. He _might_ have thought it was funny. Each one of us going to either of his sides, then talking to each other like he wasn't there. He does have "weird" in his name...
But you really make me wish I had at least said hello and told him how much I loved him.
I literally heard so much popular music at the time from his versions first. And to this day, I know the lyrics to those versions and love them more.
God I can't think of many musicians and artists that have given me such vividly specific, happy memories as Weird Al has. Thank you Al. Youre a true legend. Love from Ireland
I wish I could tell weird Al how much he influenced my young life, observing things in a more comedy-centric way, he’s one of my favorite people I’ve ever seen exist
Neal, the diagnostic process for autism spectrum disorder is a lengthy and comprehensive undertaking, especially for adults, due to a variety of reasons.
This is especially true for adults getting diagnosed for the first time because ASD features are nuanced, with the presentation being subtle and varied, and hence likely to be missed if a clinician is inexperienced. A lot of psychiatrists tend to miss it as well for the same reason. I’m saying all this to essentially drive home the point that online ASD questionnaires including “masking” questionnaires have poor reliability to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. So it makes sense that your experience with these tests have yielded different results.
I highly recommend your viewers to seek out a psychologist specialising in autism and ADHD if they suspect they may be on the spectrum.
I’m on the spectrum. Neal doesn’t seem like he is in any way on the spectrum. I think a lot of people want to be different, so they claim spectrum status.
nah it's all a scam
I've been a massive Al Yankovic fan for forty years. Aside from being a musical and comedic genius, he genuinely seems like one of the nicest guys on the planet. He should get a Grammy every year just for being so awesome.
I waited on Weird Al a few years ago, he was eating by himself. I was so star struck, he had a hat on and took it off and immediately his curly hair came flying out.
Ive listened to him for my whole life. Ive seen him live and he is amazing. His band has been super tight for longer than ive been alive. Weird Al is THE MAN
Ohhhh I'm jealous! I've heard Weird Al puts on one of the best live shows one can see.
I'm not even really into parody music anymore, but I'd love to go to a Weird Al concert because regardless of my musical tastes, he's an incredibly talented musician and songwriter (and by all accounts, a genuinely decent human being too!)
@@idontwantahandlethough it was incredibly nostalgic. Great time
You absolutely should go. Even the tour where he played almost all non parody songs (because he does those, too), and it was a very downsized production vs his regular stage show, I went to it as the first show of his I had ever seen based on his reputation. I only knew a few of the non hits and was in the very back row. No matter-- the show was terrific, and I see several "big" acts each year. Al has such great musicianship and a terrific rapport with the audience that you would love it even if you never heard of him before. My adult son became a big fan and now we've seen him two additional times with other tours. He never fails to impress.
We were 2nd row last time (not by design, we just lucked into the tickets two hours before show time). Up close, you can see him a bit off stage and his communication with his band. He is what you see on screen.
I just got to say Neal, this interview is so good. And several of your guests on here, has become new favorites of mine because you have allowed them to talk in a relaxed and sincere way. So I have a better view of them after. And I’ve seen them in other podcasts, where that has not happened. So it is something about how great of an interviewer you are. It never becomes shouty, hysteric or too loud. And not constant interrupting either. Just great!
Hmm, have to disagree. I LOVE Weird Al and even really liked Neal’s special, but the constant interruptions are grating. I could only make it halfway through
Al: "So I was about to play at Carnegie Hall when-"
Neal: "oh btw some random person you don't know and no listener knows saw your show like 20 years ago."
Me: 🙄
Yeah I agree Neal isn't really the best listener lol
At least now he pre-empts his interruptions and reminds them what they were talking about before the interruption. Baby steps
I’ve seen Al 3 times in concert and he brings the fire like no other! I’ve seen Neil live once but I fell down the stairs of Charlie Goodnight’s and had to leave 😂 Glad I found this show!
Goodnights! what's up fello NC'er!
LOL
😂
First time ever gonna have to say this was a "delightful" episode. A lark. Weird Al just brings a simple sweetness and silliness that makes him a pleasure to learn about.
Al - I'll tell you why you have longevity and shouldn't have imposter syndrome. You make parodies of songs (and originals) that are easily accessible and deceptively straightforward, but when people listen multiple times, they realize how deep the songs go both musically and lyrically, and we become lifelong fans. Even the way you'll refer back to the original lyrics and even use the same rhyming schemes are gold nuggets found upon repeated listens. I have been listening to you for 35 years and I only realized the other day when I was showing my nephew "When I Was Your Age" that it was your take on Don Henley. You're the gift that just keeps giving. Thank you for everything.
Someone finally did a bit with the words behind them. Thank you Al. Keep going Neal it never stops being helpful.
Weird Al is such a warm, intelligent and funny person. Humankind is more vibrant because of his presence.
Love Weird Al! Introduced my young kids to him this year and they can’t get enough of him!
“Dad, can you play Amish Paradise?” 😂
Wow! Amazing interview, so pure and innocent i loved every minute. When Al said, " Now tell me about that 70s movie?" I was rolling. Neals' response was perfect, too.
I’ve been a 30 year fan of Weird Al, and I’m always happy to hear about him.
Surprised to see Weird Al on here, but I'm for it. Al's only block is being TOO AWESOME!
Weird Al concerts are the BEST vibe. If you ever get the chance, go!! Everyone there to be themselves and be happy. So welcoming and full of joy.
With every interview with Al I see, I'm constantly reinforced and glad I wouldn't be the only one starstruck and in awe of him and his career. He is one of the good guys
My Weird Al introduction was on the Dr Demento. My buddies would stay up untill midnight to record the show. That's where I learned about Tiptoeing Through The Tulips.
Al reacting to Neal’s “go ahead” bit with “thank you” sums him up his natural kindheartedness so beautifully 😂
I heart Weird Al so much 💜
Oh hell ya... Weird Al had such a big influence on me as a kid. I always took his music seriously as an art. Just amazing.
Al is a wholesome, American treasure!
This is the pod I never knew I needed! I used to fill audio tapes with the Doctor demento show and listen to them on my yellow walkman. Goddamn, how'd we get so old?
He's been around my entire childhood! An absolute living legend 🎉
The fact that one of the contributing factors to Al’s issue with holding onto stuff was that he couldn’t bear to throw away fan mail is so precious.
Weird Al was my first concert and it’s still the best show I’ve ever seen.
This is REALLY weird…but somehow I feel like I learned a LOT about MYSELF from this interview. Particularly the bits about confrontationalism, imposter syndrome, and hoarding.
Vielen Dank, Neal and Al. ❤
Deutsch in der comment section 😮 👀
@@binimgarten8696 - Und…?
@@klubberzvonhatzenbuhl563 und ich freu mich...
Warst du bei einem der Konzerte in Europa bei der letzten Tour?
@@binimgarten8696 - 9
I'm with Al on the CD's. More and more I want physical media back.
Weird Al Is a hero to so many people. I've seen him four times in concert and he puts on an incredible show and he just seems So nice and kind and funny and genuine! He is such a treasure to the world!
I'm still waiting for his last album. I pray it comes. Before retirement. PLEASE. ONE LAST ALBUM!!! FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!!!
I love weird al. He's so genuine, and humble and obviously hilarious. Hope he keeps making songs. Great interview
Al is and has always been an embodiment of what this nation and world could be if it were smarter, more curious, and kinder. ❤
You sound like a lovely person but I just do not concur
Lol I thought it said "A.I." I definitely agree that Al(fred) is a good egg.
I remember seeing Al maybe 25 years ago, because a close friends mother worked for a newspaper, and he always got free tickets for all sorts of events..... I remember being so impressed by AL, and how much work goes into one of his live performances. Definitely recommend seeing him alive if you get a chance.
I've loved weird al since I was a child in the 80s, so glad you had him on! Excellent guest!
Can confirm: I saw Weird Al live on his Poodle Hat Tour, and it was one of, if not the best show I've ever seen.
I’ve loved weird Al since childhood, some of his songs were better than the original versions! A real talent and genius! You sir, deserve all the flowers! 💐🌹
Aaaaaaand here come the Weird Al Weirdos. Hello!
My brother and I would spend hours listening to Weird Al albums in our teens laughing and laughing and singing along. Then I got to see him live as an adult and recruited a friend who is a professional musician and toured with Jan and Dean and the Beach Boys. During the concert, he turned to me and said, "This guy is brilliant! I'm now an ardent fan!" Al's live shows are something to behold! Love you, Al!!!
To Weird Al, you absolutely deserve and have earned your success because you touched people's hearts. When I was a kid my favorite Weird Al song was "The Night Santa Went Crazy" which was not a parody, but a song he wrote himself. He deserves the love.
What a comedy/music legend.
His James Brown impression on Living With A Hernia is incredible!!!
Weird Al is a genuine genius!
Thumbs up for the legendary Weird Al
Man, what a killer interview. Weird Al holds true to my memories ALL through the 80s. He is Awesome and I'm glad he's well.
One of the best yet. You can't help but love Al.
He who is tired of Weird Al is tired of life.
I ❤ Weird Al. seen him several times including front row of his last tour. he's amazing
Weird Al deserves all the success and I am so happy he's still around making music.
Did not expect this to hit so close to home.
Same.
Neal all your interviews are great but this one, this one is exceptional okay
Weird Al looks weirdly good
That’s weird
Loved this! So much nostalgia. He is such a sweet, cooky person, and I hope he absolutely never changes. I feel like we need a part 2 for sure after the hoarding was brought up. He’s fascinating. This podcast brought me joy to listen to his life 😊
First concert I ever saw was weird al when I was in Virginia i think in 6th grade, 20 years later I saw him in Oklahoma and he was still killing it. 🎉
That was great. I was a teenager when Weird Al came on the scene. It's great to see him still navigating a very volatile creative landscape. To his point he could have easily had his moment and disappeared.
I'd never seen your podcast before, and this popped up in my feed this morning. I am glad it did. Not just because of Weird AL, but because I enjoy the format you are presenting. An honest, open, and humorous discussion about our issues and humanities.
Weird Al is an absolute all time great comedic genius. Enough said. Growing up with and loving his music aside, UHF is STILL my favorite comedy movie ever
Great interview! Al rarely opens up like this and its awesome to hear a different side of him.
This is most likely the best interview with Al I've ever heard. Thank you Neal Brennan!
Another great guest, Neal! Thank you!
Thank you. I grew up in a house that listened to spike Jones, Homer and Jethro and stomping Tom Connors. Around age 8 first discovered Dr D. Thank you thank you thank you for doing this interview and attempting to help us get to know Al. It kinda seems like most all his interviews are very campy. I have seen him 3 times live but only since about 2012. Thank you again
He has a heart of gold!
I love being reminded how funny Weird Al is in interviews. Seems like such a genuinely nice guy and never curses yet is top-tier. I'd love him to do more non-song comedy. Another movie or something
I urge everyone that has not seen Al in concert to jump on it at your next opportunity.
Loved the back and forth between them
All my heroes are growing so old. Its sobering.
Love Al. Since childhood. What a brilliant human. I've seen him twice... He and His Band are SO fantastic. Thank You, Al & Neal.
SPATULA CITY spatula city. Spatula City, we sell spatulas...and thats all!
WEIRD AL ❤❤ YES!!! He has been a big part of my music history. Influential, legendary, and so funny.
I'm glad you got Steve-O back on again so soon.
I love how Al can be honest and very funny at the same time
THE BEST ONE YET!!!!
I always enjoy watching Jim Bermuda Schwarts in the another one rides the bus video. Looking so serious and professional.
This was a fucking incredible conversation! Might be my favorite of this series I've seen yet. Found myself able to relate to so many of the things Al was saying. Great talk, thank you!
Fantastic. Absolutely fantastic. Thanks guys!
In the 40 yrs watching his stuff from an early teen. This is the first time watching a decent interview. Good stuff.
I love the both of you! Born in 1968 and relate to so many things and feel nostalgic with the stories. 💙🤍👍
Was going to write a letter but it will be thrown out-thanks Suzanne!!!-so I’ll leave a comment instead. So many warm feelings from listening to Al in my formative years. In 4th-6th grade we’d go to my friend’s house and sit in bean bag chairs and chill out with the Dare to Stupid album playing in the background. But Al’s was with me my entire developmental life. First heard Eat It in preschool! Fat and Lasagna were jams in elementary school. Was a big fan of Amish Paradise in high school! White and Nerdy was so big in college, I didn’t even know what the original was. Was excited to see him with the Aquabats on socials recently (that would be a fun collaboration). A musical featuring his hits would be amazing too!
55:07 Al explains his career like a video game. Solid metaphor. Good laugh. Nerd hero.
Weird Al you are an icon, I loved you as a kid, you were probably my first introduction into learning about parody. You are a truly unique and PURE creative. There's no one like you on this planet THANK GOD!, you are a once in a lifetime talent. We all sang your songs as children/teens and we laughed so much! You should not have imposter syndrome. YOU made the accordion cool! You deserved and earned Carnegie Hall. And your wife is gorgeous! So glad Neal interviewed you. You're up there with Mr Rodgers, Levar Burton Reading Rainbow, an American Staple man! You're an '80s household name. Stay Weird my friend!! I wish I could experience your level of happiness, but that's not my journey. Very normal happy human being who brought joy to my childhood.
Al is such a great guest. Loved this episode. ❤️
Best guest so far!
Love Weird Al so much! Sweet man
This is the most open and vulnerable conversation I've ever seen with Al and I've seen/heard them ALL. Very well done Neal and team. And thank you for doing this excellent interview with the legend that is Al Yankovic. (Notice I used his real name.) He is truly the very best of us.
Weird Al is the best. Thank you Neal!
This is the best podcast in comedy and it's not close. Great stuff, and an excellent guest this week.
Great interview, this might be one I watch again🤔
This is about as good as an interview gets. Thanks to Neal for digging deep. I am probably biased as a lifelong Weird Al fan, but this was so deep and also pretty fucking hilarious at times
I like the way Neil edits his jokes in-situ, and they always get better.
Great interview.
Weird al was my 1st live music experience
Yes!! I'm so excited! First concert!
Excellent interview!!
Brennan, you are an outstanding interviewer and your empathetic understanding of how many creative people’s brains deal with conflict and human interaction is professorial. Thank you for the great content. A+ on Weird, Koy, and Carrot episodes 👏
I've been to 2 concerts in my whole life. The first was the Rolling Stones, and the second was Weird Al, 20 years later. If I had to pick only one, I'd go with Weird Al.
Great interview, Neal.
By far my favorite Blocks - just fantastic. You guys should be a comedy team.
This episode made me so happy ❤ Weird Al is the best!
I'm from the 80's era. And it wouldn't be the 80's without Al! PERIOD!!! He would actually become an icon for us and I'm glad he's still around doing it! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾