Today, Mad Magazine #533 goes on sale on newsstands and in comic shops nationwide, and it sets itself aside from the previous five hundred and thirty-two issues by being the first-ever issue of the magazine to feature a celebrity guest editor: the legendary (and famously funny) musician, Weird Al Yankovic. A couple of weeks ago, we got the chance to speak with Weird Al and Mad editor-in-chief John Ficarra about this special issue. Our conversation touched on Al's personal connection to the magazine, his comedic influences, and his plans for the future.
In an almost M. Night Shyamalan type twist, there is a rumor running rampant that the NFL wants to charge performers of the Super Bowl half-time show. Normally it is just a freebie. The artist performs for free and the NFL gets all the benefit.
Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images
Over the years there have been some great performers at the Super Bowl. Chubby Checker in 1988, Blues Brothers, James Brown, and ZZ Top in 1997, and The Stones in 2006. There have also been a few not so good choices. Remember Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson in 2004 or Beyonce in 2003?
Not sure how you feel about it, but it seems like forever since there was a really good Super Bowl Halftime show, but that could change if some Weird Al fans get their way!