If you're one of the lucky ones going to "Weird Al" Yankovic's concert Sunday night at Waukegan's Genesee Theatre, keep your eyes peeled for a petition to put the self-proclaimed "king of parody" in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Why anyone would want to go to Cleveland, where the hall is hidden, is beyond The Hound. But since Lake Erie doesn't burn with regularity any more, it may be safe. Besides, Alvin and the Chipmunks had more humor in one 45 rpm than the accordian-playing Yankovic.
One of our cousins played the accordian and that doesn't qualify him for the Rock Hall of Fame, although he did play a mean verson of "Dark Eyes". For those unknowing, Yankovic is author of "Eat it", "Like a Surgeon", "Another One Rides the Bus" and "My Bologna", among others. They are parodies of songs by Michael Jackson, Madonna, Queen and The Knack, respectively.
Yankovic's loyal following has been mounting this petition drive since July 2004, which tells The Hound they're falling far short of their goal of 10,000 signatures. If inducted into the hall, he would be the first performer representing comedic rock. Guess Ray Stevens --- remember "Ahab the Arab" and Aussie Rolf Harris "Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport" --- are ineligible.
So sign up for the induction ceremony, if you like. The Hound, though, is holding our for Bobby Pickett, author of "The Monster Mash."
I will be ushering Sunday and I will sign the petition! Just for creativity, Weird Al should be recognized for his contributions. If his parodies are reworked rock and roll songs, worthy of inclusion, than he deserves a spot.
The other less known artists you mentioned do not have the longevity of Weird Al. Although, the Monster Mash would get my vote! Ray Stevens should not be considered a rocker, but he was funny. Hey, the crack about Cleveland- it has to have something, doesn't it?
THE HOUND SAYS: Opie, Cleveland did have something --- Drew Carey and even he's left to shill on the Bob Barkerless "Price is Right." Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show belong in the Hall before Weird Al.
News
I saw Weird Al and he was simply marvelous! It was a sold out crowd and he played for over 2 hours with no intermission. He was way better than I thought he would be. Creative, funny, and a decent band to back-up his songs.
I couldn't sign the petition because I was scanning tickets and then they were done, but he has my vote for next time. I like Dr. Hook too. Why does it have to be a competition? Why don't you start a petition for them?
Since, Drew Carey is not a good reason to visit Cleveland- the Hall of Fame ain't bad as an alternative. At least you know it will be there and not calling someone down in videoland.
ODIE,yep O-D-I-E!! Even you can spell, it.
TA-TA
mpqxucwa fxzq bfxagyuom rjyu pxzuh tojuhnglk cyfrd
THE HOUND SAYS: You are weird, Al. Never e-mail me again.