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Ask Al

Taken From The Midnight Star October 1994

1. Did you read comic books as a kid (or today)? What were/are your favorite comics?

I can spend hours browsing in comic stores. As a kid I was especially partial to MAD Magazine. I would scour used magazine stores for back issues-- it was definitely a big early influence.
2. (Aside from comics) What kind of books do you like to read? Do you have a favorite book?
I find that I don't read a lot of novels these days-- the last one I read was JURASSIC PARK (for obvious reasons). My favorite book used to be CIRCUS MCGURKUS by Dr. Seuss. But I haven't read it in about thirty years.
3. You seem talented enough to produce any kind of music you choose; Have you ever considered going to straight pop or rock where you could make a bazillion dollars with a more mainstream approach? Not that I want you to change, but why do you choose instead to skewer pop culture? Is it just too much fun?
I love doing the kind of music that I do, and I think there's already enough people in the world that make "unfunny" music. I'm happy with my niche.
4. Your hair, clothes and mustache are so recognizable; Do you ever regret making those your "signature" and do you sometimes consider changing your image?
The only drag is, sometimes I get an urge in the middle of the night to shave my head an wear a muu muu. But I know that would confuse countless dozens of fans. so I don't.
5. What do you consider your greatest strength?
I suppose that would be my songwriting, I've never considered myself a great singer, although I think I'm a lot better than I was ten years ago.
6. What was the happiest day of your life (so far)?
The day I was born. Man, it was getting so stuffy in there.
7. You're known by your wild weird character when you're "onstage". Deep down inside, when you're not "on", do you consider yourself an extrovert or an introvert?
I'm kinda schizo-- I'm really a little of both. It just depends on what time of the day you catch me in.
8. Did you attend your high school's 10th or 15th year reunions?
No. I think I must have been on the road or something. Yeah, that's it.
9. Did you have any control over the casting in UHF?
Yes. Jay Levey and I were extremely involved in the casting process. I wrote the part of Stanley Spadowski with Michael Richards in mind.
10. Why Dick Van Patten?
Why not?
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