For many years now I have been friends with Barry the “Polka Guy” Mitchell from ABC’s overnight show, “World News Now“. This mysterious accordion playing maniac is responsible for such great comedic hits like, “The World News Polka“, “The One That Doesn’t Suck“, “I Killed A Moose” and “Intelligent Design“. Barry has produced polka duets with tons of celebrities over the last few decades including performers such as Star Trek’s William Shatner, the Dixie Chicks, James Brown, and Dan Aykroyd, the list just goes on and on. However, the one celebrity that was missing from his massive list of duets was the one that made the most sense in my brain (my childhood hero), the other maestro of polkadelic comedy, Weird Al Yankovic!
A few weeks ago, Al was traveling through New York on his “Alpocalypse” tour. Barry put on his producer cap, got in touch with Al’s manager and arranged to make this magical duet happen. Knowing that I was a HUGE fan of AL’s he asked me to be the videographer! Below is the resulting videos that we made.
The “Weird Al” ABC Promos
The “Weird Al” ABC Interview
The “Weird Al” ABC Polka!
Brian, Al and Anne (Proof that this really happened)!
All I can say is that sharing the stage for 45 minutes with Weird Al Yankovic was one of the most amazing moments of my life, and I have my great friend Barry Mitchell to that for it. The first cassette tape I ever purchased was Weird Al’s “Polka Party” and I have collected everything he has made from that point on. His work has always just resonated with me. When I was in elementary school, I lip synced to his songs at the talent show and I played his music on my boom box in the back of the school bus. The best part of this entire experience was that upon meeting Al in person, I instantly understood how he became as popular and beloved around the world as he has. He really and truly is one of the nicest guys I have ever met.
that’s totally bad ass!!! I’m so jeleous.