Weird Al Yankovic is a renowned American singer, songwriter, parodist, and satirist who has been entertaining audiences for over three decades. In 1992, he released a parody of Nirvana’s hit song “Smells Like Teen Spirit” called “Smells Like Nirvana.” The accompanying music video for “Smells Like Nirvana” was released on April 19, 1992, and it quickly became a hit. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Weird Al Yankovic “Smells Like Nirvana” official music video and its impact on the music industry.
The Making of “Smells Like Nirvana”
The “Smells Like Nirvana” music video was directed by Jay Levey, who had previously directed several of Weird Al Yankovic’s videos. The video was shot in an abandoned warehouse in downtown Los Angeles, and it features Weird Al Yankovic and his band dressed up like Nirvana, complete with long hair, flannel shirts, and torn jeans. The video also features several references to Nirvana’s original “Smells Like Teen Spirit” video, including a cheerleader, a janitor, and a guy in a yellow suit.
The Success of “Smells Like Nirvana”
The “Smells Like Nirvana” music video was an instant success, and it was played frequently on MTV and VH1. The video also helped to boost the popularity of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” which had been released the previous year. In fact, many fans of Nirvana’s music started to listen to Weird Al Yankovic’s music after hearing “Smells Like Nirvana.” The success of “Smells Like Nirvana” helped to cement Weird Al Yankovic’s reputation as a master of parody and satire.
The Legacy of “Smells Like Nirvana”
The “Smells Like Nirvana” music video has had a lasting impact on the music industry. It inspired many other artists to create parodies of popular songs, and it helped to popularize the idea of making fun of popular culture. Today, many people still enjoy watching the “Smells Like Nirvana” music video, and it has become a beloved classic of the 90s.
The Controversy Surrounding “Smells Like Nirvana”
Despite the success of “Smells Like Nirvana,” the music video was not without controversy. Some Nirvana fans were offended by the parody, and they accused Weird Al Yankovic of making fun of Kurt Cobain and his struggle with addiction. However, Weird Al Yankovic has always maintained that the parody was meant to be a tribute to Nirvana, and that he was not trying to offend anyone.
The Enduring Appeal of Weird Al Yankovic
Despite the controversy surrounding “Smells Like Nirvana,” Weird Al Yankovic has remained one of the most beloved and enduring figures in the music industry. He has released over 14 albums and has sold over 12 million copies worldwide. He has also won four Grammy Awards and has been nominated for countless others. Today, he is still entertaining audiences with his unique brand of humor and satire, and he continues to be one of the most respected and admired figures in the music industry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the “Smells Like Nirvana” music video is a classic example of Weird Al Yankovic’s unique brand of humor and satire. It helped to popularize the idea of making fun of popular culture, and it inspired many other artists to create parodies of popular songs. Today, the “Smells Like Nirvana” music video is still popular among fans of 90s music, and it has become a beloved classic of the genre. We can only hope that Weird Al Yankovic will continue to entertain us with his music and his humor for many years to come.
