Weird Al has dabbled in rock music a few times, with his Alternative Polka and Angry White Boy Polka featuring a lot of K! stalwarts. He has parodied artists such as The Offspring, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Green Day, but none more perfectly than with Smells Like Nirvana, a hilarious skewering of how difficult Kurt’s lyrics were to understand. But did you know where they shot the music video of Smells Like Nirvana?
The video for Weird Al’s “Smells Like Nirvana” was shot in the same sound stage as the clip for Smells Like Teen Spirit, and it also featured many of the original’s extras, including the janitor who appears in several scenes.
How Did Weird Al Yankovic Get Nirvana Agree to Spoof Their Song?
In a 2012 interview with Spin, Yankovic stated that he wrote a satire of Michael Jackson’s Black or White titled Snack All Night, but Jackson refused to permit Yankovic to release it. Jackson was uncomfortable with Snack All Night because it was based on a song with a political message.
Instead, Yankovic performed his version of Smells Like Teen Spirit. His manager was unable to contact Cobain to obtain his approval. Fortunately, Yankovic was friends with Victoria Jackson from Saturday Night Live. She got Kurt Cobain on the phone, so Yankovic could speak with him. (Source: Cheat Sheet)
Weird Al Yankovic and Kurt Cobain’s Interaction
How Did Weird Al Yankovic Get Nirvana Agree to Spoof Their Song?
Yankovic’s phone conversation with Kurt Cobain went well.
He was sweet and he got it in like five seconds and said, ‘Of course, you can do a parody. The famous quote from him was, ‘Is it going to be a song about food?’ because at that point that’s primarily what I was known for.
Weird Al Yankovic, Musician
Yankovic has previously released food-themed songs such as Eat It, Lasagna, and I Love Rocky Road.
Yankovic explained the inspiration for his satire Smells Like Teen Spirit.
Well, no, it’ll be a song about how no one understands your lyrics. And he said, ‘Oh, sure, that’s funny.’ That’s one of those phone calls I wish I’d recorded. That’s something I’d like to hear.
Weird Al Yankovic, Musician
Following that, the Fat singer met Kurt Cobain once.
He just happened to be eating at an adjoining table with his friends, This was after the parody had come out, so I got to go over and thank him in person. I just profusely thanked him and said, ‘Anything I can do for you, let me know.’ Kurt extended his hand to me and said, ‘Polish my nails.’
Weird Al Yankovic, Musician
(Source: Cheat Sheet)
What was the Audience’s Reaction to Smells Like Nirvana
Smells Like Nirvana became one of Yankovic’s biggest hits in the United States. It peaked at number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100. Only Amish Paradise, Like a Surgeon, Eat It, and White & Nerdy were more successful for Yankovic.
Smells Like Nirvana was a minor hit in the United Kingdom. According to The Official Charts Company, the song peaked at No. 58 and remained on the chart for one week. Off the Deep End, the song’s parent album, did not chart in the United Kingdom. Regardless, Smells Like Nirvana was mentioned in an episode of The Simpsons called That ’90s Show. (Source: Cheat Sheet)
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