Today is Weird Al’s Birthday. Most know him for his parodies of top artists and songs over the decades. Some know him for his movie presence and voice over acting. Regardless of how people know him they know him for the humor and kindness he gives to the world with the gift of laughter.
Everyone seems to have a favorite Weird Al parody or an original song.
But there is one chapter of his life where he had to give to himself in the same way he has given to others.
April 9, 2004
On this fateful day, Weird Al’s parents were found dead in their home. They had died from carbon monoxide poisoning coming from their fireplace. His wife called him while he on the road touring for his album Poodle Hat to give him the news. A few hours after receiving this heart wrenching call, he decided to perform his show in Appleton, Wisconsin.
Did he do it because of a strong Boomer and Xer work ethic? Was he shaking it off and placing work above family as some say you should? Was this the act of a tough man of a different generation who does not quit when things are hard?
No. He did it for himself. He was giving himself the same gift he gave his fans.
What He Needed
On April 13th of 2004 he released a public statement thanking his fans for their support. He addressed why he chose not to cancel the tour.
“I’ve heard from so many people over the years that my music has cheered them up in times of tragedy… well, I thought maybe my music would help me too.”
He later said that losing his parents unexpectedly, suddenly, and at the same time was the worst thing that he had ever gone through in his life, but he was grateful for the tour.
In a 2008 interview with Wired Magazine he spoke about it.
“If I didn’t have anything to distract me, I probably would have spiraled into an even deeper depression. For a couple of hours each night, I could go onstage and put on a big fake smile and pretend like everything was just okay.”
What Do You Need?
I have so many friends going through so much. Loss of loved ones, health disorders, joblessness, mental health concerns, facing eviction, and fear of further loss of human rights.
In the wake of tragedy and pain we are fragile and it is so easy to fall into despair.
There is something you do, and it might even be for others when they are down, that you can do for yourself.
When this article publishes we will be only 13 days from an election that has a lot of people scared of the possibilities. Beyond that, life is happening to many people and that can sometimes be horrific and painful.
The coping skills we choose in times of crisis do not change the crisis. But it helps us get through the crisis. Sometimes there is no happy ending to the crisis, such as a terminal affliction or a progressive disease. The coping skill we use in those circumstances is not about getting though the problem, it is making the most of the days you have left.
I can think of no better way to celebrate Weird Al’s birthday than to to find something that makes you laugh and smile. Then tell us what made you laugh in the comments so we can survive too. I know for some of you life is really hard today, and it might not be possible today and that is okay. But for those who can find that smile or that laugh, I hope you get that moment of joy and find a little peace in the madness of it all.
Support Gen X Watch!
Independent content like this is running out of time! We rely on readers like you to continue our work. A few moments and you can make a difference:
1. Share this story with a friend and leave a comment.
2. Tip me! All tips support my mom’s only son.
3. Become a Members Only Patreon! In the Patreon I will have unfiltered rants, exclusive content, free PDF copies of the upcoming quarterly magazine, and more.
4. Go to our store and buy the souvenir print magazine! It is art and nostalgia that matters!
Thank you for your support and taking the time to read this.
Stay Totally Awesome! Stay true to you!
Leave a Reply