# Weird Al: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame potential? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [July 17, 2014, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-al-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-potential/693326 "2014-07-17T01:37:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![drewtwo99](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d07c76/32.png) [@drewtwo99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewtwo99)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2014, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-al-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-potential/693326/41 "2014-07-17T17:18:27Z")
His parodies are always going to be more popular than his original songs, but here on the Dope I’ve seen references to his original songs a bunch of times, including songs like “You don’t love me anymore” “One more minute” and “Good enough for now” among others I’m sure. These probably came from weird Al fans, as I expect that these songs didn’t get much general public awareness though. But they are still amazingly well written songs. And as a lyricist, he’s amazing. Still, don’t really get why he should be inducted into the hall of fame. ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2014, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-al-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-potential/693326/42 "2014-07-17T17:22:52Z")
The Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnesota is classic. Not sure if that’s an original or not. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2014, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-al-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-potential/693326/43 "2014-07-17T17:27:34Z")
> [@CarnalK](#): > > He’s not know generally for anything other than his parodies of popular songs though. I think DARE TO BE STUPID earns him a point. ---
**Author:** ![interface2x](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/c0e974/32.png) [@interface2x](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/interface2x)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2014, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-al-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-potential/693326/44 "2014-07-17T17:39:55Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > The Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnesota is classic. Not sure if that’s an original or not. I’m pretty sure it is. ---
**Author:** ![LateComer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/b5ac83/32.png) [@LateComer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LateComer)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2014, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-al-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-potential/693326/45 "2014-07-17T17:52:01Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > The Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnesota is classic. Not sure if that’s an original or not. This one is kind of a gray area between a style parody or pastiche of Harry Chapin and a parody of Chapin’s [30,000 pounds of Bananas](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfFM4Ilt4Rs). But I’d not call it a parody. ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2014, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-al-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-potential/693326/46 "2014-07-17T17:56:25Z")
> [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](#): > > I think DARE TO BE STUPID earns him a point. That’s the big one. He out-Devos Devo. I mostly prefer his original songs and style parodies to the song parodies, so maybe I’m not the best judge. ---
**Author:** ![dzeiger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/46a35a/32.png) [@dzeiger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dzeiger)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2014, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-al-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-potential/693326/47 "2014-07-17T17:58:06Z")
> [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](#): > > I think DARE TO BE STUPID earns him a point. Although that’s a bit of a problem example, since it’s a parody of DEVO in general, even if it’s not a parody of any particular song. Really, though, can we get him to the Super Bowl Halftime show before we get him into the Hall of Fame? ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2014, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-al-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-potential/693326/48 "2014-07-17T18:04:23Z")
> [@dzeiger](#): > > Although that’s a bit of a problem example, since it’s a parody of DEVO in general, even if it’s not a parody of any particular song. Except it’s not really a parody. Yeah, it’s in the same style, but it’s a song Devo might have made itself rather than a parody of a song Devo might have made. So, an homage? ---
**Author:** ![GargoyleWB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gargoylewb/32/199_2.png) [@GargoyleWB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GargoyleWB)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2014, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-al-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-potential/693326/49 "2014-07-17T18:43:12Z")
I pretty much agree with the [criticism section](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_and_Roll_Hall_of_Fame#Criticism) on Wikipedia for the HoF. It’s a profit venture and acts are carefully screened in how they will support making money with attendance and performances. It’s meaningless, except for those artists that might still benefit from some more record royalties due to the promotion. Personally, I think Weird Al deserves any and all acclaim possible, and he is certainly influential to music, especially where humor and music videos are considered. The only thing that is of value in the RRHoF, in my opinion, is that it is able to attract some wonderful live performances and jam sessions that we would never otherwise experience. If they focused more on the performance and jam session atmosphere of the induction, and less on the “honor” and induction ceremony, then it would be more than yet-another-profit-tool for the record labels. ---
**Author:** ![GargoyleWB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gargoylewb/32/199_2.png) [@GargoyleWB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GargoyleWB)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2014, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-al-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-potential/693326/50 "2014-07-17T19:12:52Z")
Weird Al brings up an interesting question as well, now that we’re entering the generational window of the 80’s/90’s performers. Will extremely influential genre-defining-busting groups such as (below) make it in? Ever? Or will the RRHoF just continue to tap the 60s/70s well until it’s dry? The Cure The Smiths / Morrissey XTC Bauhaus Bjork Primus Eurythmics Madness …and so on. My prediction is that the RRHoF will ignore that block of 15-20 years and pretend it didn’t happen, occasionally throwing a token bone like Devo in to point to “representing” the times, and then start inducting Maroon 5, Matchbox 20, and Avril Lavigne as soon as they become eligible. ---
**Author:** ![Fenris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fenris/32/498_2.png) [@Fenris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fenris)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2014, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-al-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-potential/693326/51 "2014-07-21T23:39:47Z")
> [@LC\_Strawhouse](#): > > I just don’t think Weird Al is all that interesting and seems like more of a court jester than an artist. Most of his “parodies” are really safe & affectionate and wouldn’t be out of place on the Muppet Show. > > Case in point, here’s the SAME song parodied by [Spitting Image](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDl-g2-u6-E) and [Weird Al](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2mU6USTBRE). They’re not even in the same league. Weird Al sang it better, but that Spitting Image one was disturbing and hysterical. Thanks for linking it. That said, in a real “Rock Hall of Fame”, you wouldn’t be allowed in if you didn’t write your own songs…at least some of 'em. So, yeah-Elvis out, Buddy Holly in. Monkees might slip in because Nesmith wrote a song or two per album (the “country-rock” sounding ones), and Weird Al? Nope–he’s parodying stuff–he’s doing a funny job of it, but if he gets in, the guys at Mad Magazine who wrote fake lyrics should get in too. ---
**Author:** ![Fenris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fenris/32/498_2.png) [@Fenris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fenris)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2014, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-al-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-potential/693326/52 "2014-07-21T23:43:19Z")
Huh–reading further in the thread, apparently Weird Al _did_ write some of his own stuff. So…um…nevermind. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Mister\_Rik](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mister_rik/32/491_2.png) [@Mister\_Rik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Rik)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2014, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-al-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-potential/693326/53 "2014-07-23T00:07:59Z")
> [@Fenris](#): > > Huh–reading further in the thread, apparently Weird Al _did_ write some of his own stuff. So…um…nevermind. 😉 Yeah, a good half of the songs on every album are original material. And most of it is better than the parodies. [Hardware Store](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q16yI2d9sNE) ---
**Author:** ![Dogzilla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e480ec/32.png) [@Dogzilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dogzilla)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2014, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-al-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-potential/693326/54 "2014-07-23T16:09:36Z")
> [@Exapno\_Mapcase](#): > > “Fat” is nowhere near one of Weird Al’s best parodies, yet it’s actual music unlike whatever that Spitting Image video was created with. A Casio keyboard? > > His videos are always perfect parodies, often better than the songs. In an MTV world that means a lot. > > I wouldn’t put him in the HoF; no historic importance or influence. He is, however, a consummate craftsman, miles ahead of most of the shoddy image-flingers in video world. With respect to the part about “no historic importance or influence,” I agree completely. That’s what keeps him out in my mind. Now, if Weird Al had managed to spark a whole perfect-parody genre and all these parody bands were out there just trying to be as awesome as Weird Al’s work and some of them succeeding – as in, he started a whole Parody Thing, then yes. RRHoF nominee. If his clever lyrics had some political influence or sparked any sort of social awareness/change/movement at all, again, yes. But he’s pretty much about very well-crafted (don’t get me wrong; I appreciate his talent) musical parody that has amounted to fluff, like cultural wallpaper. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2014, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-al-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-potential/693326/55 "2014-07-23T16:17:14Z")
I agree that he doesn’t really have any cultural influence. Or rather, influence in the world of rock. He’s well-respected, no doubt. But he’s not a game changer. He’s a brilliant wordsmith and parodist, and no doubt a good musician in is own right. And a heck of a performer, too! But I just don’t see him fitting in alongside other bands that made a difference in rock 'n roll. I think Weird Al is just too much in a class of his own 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2014, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-al-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-potential/693326/56 "2014-07-23T16:21:22Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > I think Weird Al is just too much in a class of his own 🙂 Then they need to open a separate wing just for him. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2014, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-al-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-potential/693326/57 "2014-07-23T16:23:33Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > I agree that he doesn’t really have any cultural influence. Or rather, influence in the world of rock. I hear he’s a genius in France. ---
**Author:** ![Yllaria](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yllaria/32/3452_2.png) [@Yllaria](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yllaria)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2014, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-al-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-potential/693326/58 "2014-07-23T16:40:41Z")
> [@drewtwo99](#): > > His parodies are always going to be more popular than his original songs, but here on the Dope I’ve seen references to his original songs a bunch of times, including songs like “You don’t love me anymore” “One more minute” and “Good enough for now” among others I’m sure. . . . . “Midnight Star,” “Virus Alert,” . . . > [@Dogzilla](#): > > . . . If his clever lyrics had some political influence or sparked any sort of social awareness/change/movement at all, . . . “Don’t Dowload This Song.” Didn’t start the movement, but it’s a perfect anthem. Then there’s his recent SDMB anthem: “Word Crimes.” Although he’s getting my Oxford Comma when he pries it from my cold, dead hands. > [@garygnu](#): > > . . . He should open his own museum across the street celebrating famous geology (Blarney, Gibralter) and sell baked goods. …And make it a genuinely interesting and funny museum. Or replicate the architecture exactly but fill it with exhibits on legendary polka musicians. I would travel to visit that museum. If anyone posts a Kickstarter, let me know. ---
**Author:** ![Reyemile](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/46a35a/32.png) [@Reyemile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reyemile)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2014, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-al-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-potential/693326/59 "2014-07-23T17:42:36Z")
[Skipper Dan](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0cCRRFi1aA) is one of the most depressing and soul-crushing songs I’ve ever heard. It’s wonderful. ---
**Author:** ![Jim\_s\_Son](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e19adc/32.png) [@Jim\_s\_Son](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_s_Son)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2014, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-al-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-potential/693326/60 "2014-07-23T18:44:13Z")
Stan Freberg would be a better choice. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-al-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-potential/693326.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-al-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-potential/693326.md?page=4)