Weird Al Yankovic is an American musician, comedian, and actor who is known for his parodies of popular songs. In 1981, he released a parody of Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust” called “Another One Rides the Bus.” The song was a hit on the Dr. Demento radio show and helped launch Weird Al’s career.
The Making of “Another One Rides the Bus”
The official music video for “Another One Rides the Bus” was filmed in 1981 on a Los Angeles city bus. The video features Weird Al and his band performing the song while riding the bus. The video was directed by Janice Karman, who would later go on to produce the animated TV show “Alvin and the Chipmunks.”
The video was shot in one take, and the bus was filled with unsuspecting passengers who had no idea that a music video was being filmed. The video ends with Weird Al getting off the bus and the doors closing behind him.
The Success of “Another One Rides the Bus”
“Another One Rides the Bus” became a hit on the Dr. Demento radio show, and soon after, it was released as a single. The song reached number 104 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it Weird Al’s first charting single.
The success of “Another One Rides the Bus” helped launch Weird Al’s career. He went on to release numerous albums and singles, many of which were parodies of popular songs. He also became known for his live performances, which often included elaborate costumes and props.
The Legacy of “Another One Rides the Bus”
“Another One Rides the Bus” is considered a classic in the world of comedy music. It is often cited as one of the songs that helped bring comedy music into the mainstream. The song has been covered by numerous artists, and it has been featured in TV shows and movies.
Weird Al continues to be a popular and influential figure in the world of music and comedy. His parodies and original songs have entertained audiences for decades, and he shows no signs of slowing down.
