Culture Q&A: Weird Al

Touring in support of a surprise No. 1 album, the funniest man in music (“Eat it,” “Smells like Nirvana,” etc.) cracked a few jokes with us before his May 28 visit to the Murat Theatre.

What was the first thing you did when you found out that your latest album, Mandatory Fun, had hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts?

I had a celebratory burrito. Extra guacamole.

How does it feel to finally receive that kind of worldwide recognition?  

It definitely doesn’t suck! I mean, I’ve had a healthy amount of success over the last three decades, but I’ve never been in the spotlight as much as I have been with this last album. I’m glad I didn’t peak early in my career, because I’m really enjoying this.

“Word Crimes” was the first hit from the record. What’s your biggest linguistic pet peeve? 

People mixing up their, there, and they’re.  The your/you’re thing is a very close second.

What song is stuck in your head right now?

That jingle from that 1980s Honeycomb cereal commercial.

What’s your favorite song to perform live? 

Probably “Wanna B Ur Lovr,” because it allows me to go out into the audience and get in people’s faces. Once you leave the stage, you never know what’s gonna’ happen.

In previous interviews, you’ve mentioned how you’ve had two “looks” in your life—one every 20 years. First, it was shorter hair, glasses, and a mustache. Now it’s long hair and no mustache or glasses. Any chance of a new look for the next two decades?

My next look will be all of my hair turning gray and slowly falling out.  It’s gonna rock!

A world tour, a No. 1 album—you’ve had a huge year. Describe the last 365 days in three words. 

Un. Freaking. Believable.