World of Weird Al Yankovic

There are some shows on the site listed as "All Ages", so I think that effectively answers the question. YAY!

The first half of the set could rotate, with no real effect on costume changes. The band is good enough that they could play more material precisely. I'd rather lose a costume change or two, to have some different songs, anyway. Costume changes take time, too.

They do take time, but at least we're kept entertained while they happen.

Yeah but I can see those video clips on YouTube. I'd much rather have one or two more songs...

weird_el @ Feb 14 2007, 08:13 PM wrote: A nice compromise might be rotating 1-2 songs in the beginning set before he goes backstage to change. Imagine all the wonderful old rarities they could do.

That would be refreshing and it would add some surprise to the show for those of us who like to be spoiled. Since the first 3 or 4 songs are performed pretty much straight, without costume changes or long interruptions, it would be pretty feasible. But I think Al's prefers consistency. It's just his personality.

I don't think it's so much consistency he prefers as the closest approximation to perfection that can be achieved with imperfect human beings, extensively rehearsed.

Yeah but I can see those video clips on YouTube. I'd much rather have one or two more songs...

Exactly.

His band and he are plenty good enough to play more songs live on a tour. There are bands that play more songs with comparable polish. Al's band could do it. It's not as though practicing up another dozen songs is going to make them forget how to play Fat or Amish Paradise or Smells Like Nirvana. These guys are rock virtuosos. I bet they could even pull off Genius in France Live, if they wanted to. Heck, Frank Zappa's band played a different, crazy set every show.

Bruce the Duck wrote: Since the first 3 or 4 songs are performed pretty much straight, without costume changes...

In some of the fantasy setlists I've seen, Canadian Idiot is put as the first or one of the first songs, and I think that's a great plan. Kind of like "Gump" for Touring with Scissors, it's a loud, energetic song that'll really get the crowd (and Al and the band) pumped. I think I've mentioned this before, and maybe this is just the Green Day fan in me, but I just really want to see CI performed in costume. It would be pretty simple, just black shirts and red or white ties, and Al would already by in black pants most likely. But then the costume change would disrupt the flow of the first few songs, so I don't know. It's not like I would die or something if they didn't play it in costume. So yeah, ignore my ramblings.

*goes to corner*

I don't think it's so much consistency he prefers as the closest approximation to perfection that can be achieved with imperfect human beings, extensively rehearsed.

Couldn't have said it better, OE.

I think it's a pretty safe bet that if Al performs "Canadian Idiot" completely, it'll be at or near the beginning and will be done in "normal" clothes. Normal for Al, I mean. I'd almost be willing to bet it shows up as the first song.

I don't see why you guys are getting so upset about all the costume changes. You have to think about the performers. A costume change gives them a short break between songs, a chance to get away from the lights and breathe a bit. I'm a performer myself, and it's not easy standing on a stage for over an hour at a time. The time goes by much easier if you get to walk off a few times, even if that time is spent changing. The way I see it, if he didn't have all those costume changes, he wouldn't be able to perform as many songs- meaning a much shorter concert. Plus, those little videos are his creations too. It's yet another facet of his comedic art. Someone said earlier that he goes for perfection- I believe that to be true. If you strive for perfection, that means every aspect of the performance must be perfect- the singing, music, lighting, and costume. Would Fat be the same without the right costume? No. Do we want to hear as many songs as possible in the concert? Yes. So let him have all those costume changes with videos while we wait. It makes for a better evening- for all of us.