John Mulaney Says ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic Deserves a Spot in the Rock Hall

‘Weird Al’ Yankovic has been a staple of pop culture and the musical world at large for over 40 years now, and comedian John Mulaney feels it’s high time that Yankovic received the recognition he’s due with an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Speaking to Rolling Stone recently, Mulaney – himself a diehard fan of the Rock Hall – reflected on this year’s list of inductees, which includes the likes of The White Stripes, Outkast, Cyndi Lauper, and Soundgarden, but didn’t include the likes of Phish, who won’t be inducted this year despite winning the fan vote. 

“The music they introduced my generation to as well was hugely important,” Mulaney said of the Vermont veterans. “I learned to be eclectic from them. They were always getting compared to the Grateful Dead, but they had this whole world of influences that was really fun to pick up on and cross-check.”

When speaking of Chubby Checker, Mulaney reflected on the impact that he had upon the world of novelty music, specifically thanks to the likes of his debut single “The Class,” which peaked at No. 38 on the Hot 100 upon its release in 1959.

“I’m a big proponent of novelty music,” Mulaney admitted. “I’m a big proponent of ‘Weird Al’ getting into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. This is one step closer, though I don’t know why they need to be led via steps. ‘Weird Al’ brought more people to music than is recognized at all.

“I will, in fact, greatly devalue my coolness by saying [when I was young], it wasn’t until ‘Smells Like Nirvana’ defanged ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ that I could enjoy ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit,’” Mulaney added. “It was scary at first. It just was like, ‘I’m pretty happy, I’m a kid.’ I needed a way in. And after you laugh at ‘Smells Like Nirvana,’ you go, ‘Oh, this is a really good song.’”

Despite Yankovic having been eligible for inclusion into the Rock Hall since 2005, he’s yet to be nominated on any annual ballot. However, chairman John Sykes did admit in December that the influential musical satirist has “come up in conversations” over the years.

“He’s a genius,” Sykes explained. “He has made brilliant versions of the songs, but I’ll be honest: He’s never made it close to the ballot.”

Though it remains to be seen whether or not Yankovic will make it onto the ballot in future years, Sykes’ comments also saw him reflect on other artists who are yet to make it in, despite continued support. This included the likes of The B-52s, the Pixies, and even Phil Collins‘ solo career.

“There’s been a group of nominees who’ve been passionate about the Pixies,” Sykes said. “The same thing with Warren Zevon, who actually did get on the ballot one year. I’m passionate about Warren, and he’ll get in, too. But the Pixies have had a lot of support.”

Given that this year will indeed see the late Zevon inducted into the Rock Hall, it appears that Mulaney and the legion of Yankovic’s fans might just need to sit tight.