Rick Derringer Says Working With ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic ‘Ruined’ His Production Career

CHICAGO — In a candid, posthumously published interview, legendary guitarist and producer Rick Derringer claims that partnering with comedy music icon “Weird Al” Yankovic not only changed the trajectory of his career — but ultimately “ruined” it.

The resurfaced remarks, originally recorded in 2024 and now featured in the August 2025 issue of Classic Rock, offer a rare look into Derringer’s complicated feelings about the collaboration that earned accolades — and unexpected consequences.

“He Single-Handedly Ruined My Production Career”

Derringer, known for rock staples like “Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo” and “Hang On Sloopy,” became a central figure in Weird Al’s rise during the early 1980s, producing several of his albums. But in the resurfaced interview shared with Classic Rock’s sister publication, Guitar Player, Derringer opened up about the professional toll that decision took:

“Suddenly I became known as a novelty producer. As much as I love Weird Al – he’s a good guy, very talented and a hard worker – he single-handedly ruined my production career.”

While his work with Yankovic included six albums, two Grammys, and even stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Derringer said the music industry stopped seeing him as a serious rock producer — pigeonholing him into novelty acts.

Why He Said Yes to Weird Al in the First Place

Despite the fallout, Derringer explained that working with Yankovic initially felt natural. His family had a history of enjoying novelty music, and he believed there was untapped potential in Al’s comedic approach to pop parody.

“When I was approached to do a single with Al, I said: ‘Do you have more songs like this?’ He said yeah, so I said we should do a whole album,” Derringer recalled. “I thought if we can make a success of his songs, it would have no competition.”

That first album, Weird Al Yankovic (1983), became a surprise success — but Derringer lamented the lack of initial support from major labels. He told Yankovic that although Scotti Brothers Records might exploit the deal, their expertise in radio promotion would likely guarantee a hit.

“We made a great record and sold it to this label, Scotti Brothers. I told Al: ‘You’ll probably be cheated, but you’ll probably be guaranteed of having a hit.’”

And he was right — the album was an instant hit, launching Weird Al’s decades-long career.

Still No Comment from Yankovic

As of publication, Parade Magazine reports that Weird Al’s team did not respond to requests for comment on Derringer’s claims. The interview has reignited debate among fans and musicians alike about how the music industry defines success — and whether certain genres or artists are taken less seriously due to their comedic style.

Legacy or Letdown? A Music Industry Debate

For some, Derringer’s frustration highlights the music industry’s reluctance to recognize humor and satire as legitimate genres. For others, it raises questions about personal branding and whether artists should diversify at the cost of long-term reputation.

Rick Derringer may have helped introduce one of the most beloved entertainers in American pop culture — but according to his own words, it may have cost him the career he truly wanted.

Do you think Rick Derringer’s work with Weird Al helped or hurt his legacy? Join the discussion now at ChicagoMusicGuide.com.