Noted Comedic Entertainer & Puddles Pity Party Delight 3500 Plus Enthusiastic Fans at North Charleston Coliseum

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer

Aside from attending a polka festival, not many people welcome listening to several hours of intermittent accordian music. However, if the aforementioned instrument is accompanied with outrageous comedy and parody of popular songs, audiences often find it amusing. 

For the better part of 45 years, Alfred Matthew Yankovic better known to the masses as Weird Al Yankovic has been entertaining crowds, paying homage to musical artists with his comedic interpretations of their hit songs. Tuesday night (June 9th) Weird Al brought his 'Bigger & Weirder' tour to 3500 plus enthusiastic fans at the North Charleston Coliseum.

Running full tilt, Weird Al and his eight fellow merry makers offered up 35 songs, including 11 in a revolving medley, interjecting Al's own brand of humor and facial expressions in every number. The addition of three big screens, appropriate props and costume changes provided those in attendance two plus hours of shear enjoyment.

Weird Al kicked the non-stop party into gear with a Fun Zone video on the big screen mimicking Al as some sort of non-threatening Godzilla creature taking over a city. As excitement was building he entered from the back of the arena, making his way to the stage, already primed for 'Tacky' a spoof of the 2013 single 'Happy' by Pharrell Williams, quickly followied by 'Mission Statement'. While not an all out parody, the tune pays tribute to the great harmonies of folk rockers such as Crosby, Stills, & Nash'. 

Al's signature instrument was front and center as he offered up 'Polkamania' off his 2014 album 'Mandatory Fun'. The zany, fast-paced mash-up runs through a dozen or more massive Billboard #1 pop hits from the mid 2010 era. Just 12 minutes into the show he decided it was time for a drum solo, with the setup taking longer than the actual five second solo. It drew a lot of laughter from the crowd.

Nearing the midway point his short and rapid fire hodgepodge of songs beginning with 'Party in the CIA' (Miley Cyrus) got the coliseum rocking. By the time he got to 'My Bologna' (compliments of the Knack's 'My Sharona'), Weird Al had the crowd literally eating out of his hand. The medley includes some of his biggest covers of the 1980's including 'Eat It', 'Like a Surgeon', 'Ricky', and 'I Love Rocky Road'.

Over his long and celebrated career no genre of music has been off limits to Weird Al. Whether it's pop, rock, rap, alternatve, or boy bands, he's not afraid to take it on. Novelty singers such as Ray Stevens and Dickie Goodman ('Mr. Jaws') have preceded him, but with the emergence of music videos and MTV in the early 1980's Weird Al and his signature brand took off.

Surprisingly at 66 his voice is still holding up, and even more his audience appeal. While he didn't change the words to 'The Letter', Al's representation of Joe Cocker's timeless hit complete with Cocker's moves proved Al carries a soulful vibe. It was a pleasant salute and a welcome addition for baby boomers in the crowd. Apparently Al adds an ever evolving cover song in each show re-creating a specific singer's artistry.  A nice touch!

Seemingly three generations of fans were in attendance, and Weird Al played to them all, offering up crowd favorites 'Ebay' (parody of 'I Want it that Way'), 'Amish Paradise' (thanks to Coolio), and his hip-hop take with 'White & Nerdy' featuring video images of Donny Osmond. 

Although Al has been rewarded and awarded for his work, he might be one of the most under-rated entertainers in show business. His two hour show if non-stop funny and inteactive. Proof positive on 'Stop Forwarding That Crap to Me' and 'One More Minute' his original style parody of Elvis, with Al stepping off stage to sing directly to the ladies. Shear comic genius!

Without a doubt Weird Al is the life of any party and knows how to entertain, using the big screen and interview outtakes to take potshots at well known musical artists. A well choreographed thrill ride from beginning to end. 

Combining elements of cabaret, vaudeville, and opera, Michael Geier aka Puddles Pity Party opened Al's show. For nearly 20 years Puddles with his baritone voice and signature pierrot whiteface clown persona have been delighting crowds all across America and in the UK. 

At six foot eight inches tall with his Charlie Chaplin-esque physical comedy, Puddles stands out in the crowd, often employing concert goers in a bit he's dubbed 'who wants to help the clown', whereby he brings willing attendees on stage to help present the next number. 

Despite his fasciination with Kevin Costner (have to see it live to understand), Puddles brings old school humor to the 21st century. Using only heavy sighs, pained facial expressions, and wide-eyed glares to communicate Puddles' unique brand of funny easily sets the tone for Weird Al's show. 

'Weird Al's 'Bigger & Weirder' concert tour with Puddles as his opening act runs throughout 2026. If you appreciate classic comedy or just want to escape the madness of the real world, than this show if for you. To discover if he's bringing the all out zaniness near your hometown visit https://www.weirdal.com/tour/ 

 

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