There are several things I loved as a child that I have maintained a strong interest in throughout my life. The Muppets are obviously one of those things…and Star Wars…and “Weird Al” Yankovic. There have been several Muppet/Star Wars crossovers through the years. “Weird Al” has recorded a couple of Star Wars themed song parodies that continue to be a highlight of his concerts. Alas, he has never appeared with Kermit and company.
I think it is safe to say that many folks in the Muppet fan community are also fans of “Weird Al.” It shouldn’t be surprising. They are a natural pairing since their humor styles are often very similar. Stan Freberg was a major influence on both Jim Henson and “Weird Al.” Freberg actually worked with both of them including appearing on an episode of Henson’s Sam and Friends in 1961, and Freberg was a regular on The Weird Al Show in 1997.
Al began his rise to fame in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s during the heyday of The Muppet Show. His first studio album was not released until 1983, two years after the series ended. The following year saw Al achieve worldwide fame with the release of “Eat It” on the album “Weird Al” Yankovic in 3-D. You know who else has a famous production in 3-D? That’s right, the Muppets in Muppet*Vision 3D at Walt Disney World.
The success of “Eat It” prompted Al’s only direct connection with the Muppets. “Weird Al” was featured in a story in the Fall 1984 issue of Muppet Magazine. In the article, titled “Wocka, Wocka! It’s…Weird Al,” Yankovic is interviewed by fellow funny guy Fozzie Bear. Fozzie declares “Eat It” to be his favorite “Weird Al” parody. A clip from the music video for “Eat It” also appeared in the Muppet Babies episode “Twinkle Toe Muppets” in 1987.
“Weird Al” released his third studio album in June 1985. This album featured the classic song “Yoda,” a parody of “Lola” by the Kinks. The song includes the line “Well, I’ve been around but I ain’t never seen a guy who looks like a Muppet but he’s wrinkled and green.” This song is of particular importance to me since it represents the convergence of “Weird Al,” Muppets and Star Wars.
The music video for “You Don’t Love Me Anymore” from Al’s 1992 album Off the Deep End was filmed at the historic Charlie Chaplin Studios in Hollywood. This location was purchased by the Jim Henson Company in 2000 and is the present home of the company. If Al had only waited eight more years to film the video, this song could have been used as the impetus for Kermit and Miss Piggy to split.
“Weird Al” released his ninth studio album, Bad Hair Day, in March 1996. This album featured “Amish Paradise” a hit parody of Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise.” The album was released the same month as the premiere of Muppets Tonight. While Coolio made a guest appearance on the show, “Weird Al” wasn’t so lucky. I imagine the show would have achieved greater success with Al’s presence.
In 2003 “Weird Al” released the song “Couch Potato,” a parody of “Lose Yourself” by Eminem. This song includes the line “Then I bet I watch ‘The Bachelorette’ followed by ‘Welcome Back, Kotter’ and ‘The Muppet Show’ where they go ‘Mahna Mahna’.” This song was from the album Poodle Hat, an obvious (or completely inferred) reference to Mr. Poodlepants from Muppets Tonight.
In June 2013, “Weird Al” was spotted with these guys (once again a convergence of “Weird Al,” Muppets and Star Wars).
After 30+ years of waiting, we have the opportunity to correct this injustice. The Muppets are back on prime time, and Al is again in the spotlight with the incredible success of his most recent album, Mandatory Fun. The time is right for “Weird Al” to appear with the Muppets on their new television series. I have always appreciated the golden tones of the Electric Mayhem, and it’s great to have Lips back on trumpet…but they are still missing one thing: an accordion.
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