Weird Al in the '80s

This past week, Weird Al Yankovic has been blitzing the internet with a comic video per day, together with the release of his new album, Mandatory Fun.  

Here is his new tribute to aluminum foil played to the tune of "Royal." In conjunction with this week of Weird Al-ish goodness, I thought it would be an opportune time to give another look at Weird Al's 80s work

Although Al first became a comic celebrity with his version of The Knack's "My Sherona," (titled "My Bologna"), I first became aware of his quirky act in the midst of 1983's Michael Jackson mania, with Al's spin on Jackson's "Beat It." (That's "Eat It.")

He followed it up with his skewering of another '80s classic, Madonna's "Like A Virgin."

Here's another, the very '80s take on both the game show Jeopardy and the J. Geils Band song of the same name.

Here's a real flashback, Weird Al's very first TV appearance on the Tomorrow show in 1981.  This is so early '80s, note the reference to the first space shuttle mission at the very end of the clip.

Remembering Live Aid

On July 13, 1985, one of the most remarkable concerts ever took place, Live Aid, the two stadium extravaganza which was put together to draw attention to hunger in Africa. As a young teen back then, I vividly remember the events of that day, and I followed it all day by radio and then, at night, by TV.  I did a previous post on it, which you can see here.  

Here's the first part of a fascinating documentary about how Live Aid came together, focusing particularly of the work of Bob Geldolf. It brings you back to the '80s, and shows just how much effort and concern went into this project. Frankly, my favorite part is where Geldolf tells off the murderous dictator of Ethiopia to his face... you go Bob!!  

Unfortunately, I could not locate the other part of that documentary. How about instead Queen's remarkable performance at that event. 

James Brown "Living In America"

Hows this for a 4th of July weekend... James Brown's 1986 "Living In America."