Ahead of his UBS Arena show, the stories behind 'Weird Al' Yankovic's greatest parodies

"Weird Al" Yankovic was originally studying to be an architect when he attended California Polytechnic State University in the late ’70s. One day young Al decided to go into the bathroom across from his campus radio station, KCPR, to record a parody of The Knack’s hit, "My Sharona" called "My Bologna." The homemade tape was sent to the nationally syndicated comedy radio program, "The Dr. Demento Show" and instantly became a hit. This landed him a record contract that eventually spawned 14 albums, five Grammys and more than 12 million copies sold. In fact, the only solo artists to have a Billboard Top 40 hit in the four consecutive decades of the ’80, ’90s, 2000s and 2010s are Madonna, Michael Jackson and Yankovic. Therefore, in his own way, Weird Al did become an architect ... of musical parody.

On July 11, Yankovic will bring his "Bigger & Weirder Tour" to UBS Arena at Belmont Park in Elmont. Here are some of his signature songs from the set list and the stories behind them.

"I Love Rocky Road"

Parody of Joan Jett & the Blackhearts’ "I Love Rock ’n Roll"

Album from “ ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic"

Year released 1983
While filming the video for this parody, Yankovic used an old Hollywood trick. Although they shot on location at an ice-cream parlor in Agua Dulce, California, the ice cream was replaced with latex paint covered mashed potatoes to prevent melting.

"There’s one shot where I’m supposed to take a bite of the ice cream cone. There were two scoops of latex paint covered mashed potatoes and one scoop of real Rocky Road ice cream on top," Yankovic told GQ magazine. "I turned my head quickly and during the head turn, the actual scoop fell off so I took a bite of latex paint covered mashed potatoes. We got through the shot, but it was disgusting."

Chart position 106

"Another One Rides the Bus"

Parody of Queen’s "Another One Bites the Dust"

Album from “ ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic"

Year released 1983

This song was recorded live on "The Dr. Demento Show" where Jon "Bermuda" Schwartz provided percussion by banging on Yankovic’s accordion case. Schwartz went on to be Yankovic’s drummer for more than 40 years.

"You can actually hear me turning the lyric page. It became viral before things went viral," Yankovic said to Howard Stern. "I was still in college and my roommate said, ‘You got a message from a radio station in New Zealand. They want to know how they can get a copy of "Another One Rides the Bus." ’ ”

Chart position 104

"Eat It"

Parody of Michael Jackson’s "Beat It"

Album from “ ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic in 3D"

Year released 1984

Yankovic had high hopes for "Eat It" but had no conception of how big it would be. He literally experienced overnight fame when the video first aired.

"The day after ‘Eat It’ went into heavy rotation on MTV I was recognized everywhere I went," Yankovic said to GQ. "I tried as hard as I could to dance like Michael Jackson and that’s why it’s funny. I’m not a dancer. I’m just this uncoordinated, lanky weirdo."

Chart position 12

"I Lost on Jeopardy"

Parody of The Greg Kihn Band’s "Jeopardy"

Album from “ ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic in 3D"

Year released 1984

Before Alex Trebek ever stood behind the podium, Yankovic made this throwback song about "Jeopardy!”, a ’60s game show he grew up watching with hosts Art Fleming and Don Pardo. In fact, when the song was released, the show hadn’t been on the air for years.

"It was really retro like, ‘Hey, remember the show "Jeopardy!"?’ In fact, the video shows the number counters and archaic set," Yankovic told actor Kevin Pollak on his Chat Show podcast. "Merv Griffin [creator] was thrilled. He credits my song for helping ‘Jeopardy!’ to get back on the air."

Chart position 83

"Like a Surgeon"

Parody of Madonna’s "Like a Virgin"

Album from "Dare to be Stupid"
Year released 1985

Typically, Yankovic doesn’t take parody suggestions from anyone. However, in 1985, he made an exception.

"As legend has it, Madonna was talking to a friend of hers in New York City and offhandedly said, ‘I wonder when "Weird Al" is going to do "Like a Surgeon?’" ' " Yankovic told GQ. "Her friend knew my manager and word got back to me. I thought, ‘not a bad idea.’ ”

Chart position 47

"Fat"

Parody of Michael Jackson’s "Bad"

Album from "Even Worse"

Year released 1988

The first time Yankovic saw Jackson’s ‘Bad’ video he instantly had the idea for "Fat." Jackson even let Yankovic use his video set before he tore it down.

"I envisioned this 900-pound guy trying to get through the turnstile in the subway," Yankovic said to GQ. "I thought it would be like the sequel to ‘Eat It.’ ”

Chart position 99

"Smells Like Nirvana"

Parody of Nirvana’s "Smells Like Teen Spirit"

Album from "Off the Deep End"

Year released 1992
Yankovic was trying to get a hold of Nirvana lead singer/guitarist Kurt Cobain to propose a parody idea, but he was having a hard time reaching him. Finally, Yankovic caught the grunge rocker when he appeared as a musical guest on "Saturday Night Live" in 1992.

"I told him I wanted to do a parody of ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit.’ His first question was, ‘Is it going to be about food?’ I said, ‘No, it’s going to be about how no one can understand your lyrics.’ He said, ‘Yeah, that’s funny. Sure,’ ” Yankovic told Stern. "One of my favorite quotes was from Kurt Cobain who said he didn’t realize he had made it until he saw the Weird Al video."

Chart position 35

"Amish Paradise"

Parody of Coolio’s "Gangsta’s Paradise"

Album from "Bad Hair Day"

Year released 1996
In 1996, Yankovic found himself in the middle of his own rap beef with Coolio, who claimed he didn’t approve of the parody. Apparently, Coolio’s producer had given permission without the rapper’s authorization.

"There was miscommunication there. But that all got straightened out," Yankovic explained to GQ. "Within a few years, we hugged it out and made up. I’m glad there wasn’t any bad blood or ill will."

Chart position 53

"The Saga Begins"

Parody of Don McLean’s "American Pie"

Album from "Running With Scissors"

Year released 1999
The story of Anakin Skywalker was embedded into the body of Don McLean’s classic by Yankovic when the "Star Wars" prequel, "Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace," was released in 1999. Without access to the script, Yankovic had to use rumors and spoilers on "Star Wars" websites to piece together the plot of the movie.

"I paid money to go to a charity advance screening of the movie just to make sure the internet wasn’t being tricky. But it was basically pretty darn accurate," Yankovic told the crowd at FanX Comic Convention in 2017. "I might have changed a word or two, but basically the plot was correct and I was able to put out the song in a timely fashion."

Chart position 20 on Billboard’s Comedy Digital Tracks

"White & Nerdy"

Parody of Chamillionaire’s "Ridin’ ”

Album from "Straight Outta Lynwood"

Year released 2006
When it came to writing lyrics about things that are "White & Nerdy," Yankovic didn’t have to do any research.

"That’s my life. I had dozens of pages of notes," Yankovic confessed to GQ. "I wanted to write down every single thing I’ve done or thought about doing in my life then put it in one song."

Chart position 9