Meanderer
Supreme Member
Technically, "Weird" Al Yankovic doesn't need to get permission to make a parody of a song. Because parody's protected by fair use, he can take any song in the world and warp the lyrics to be about food or TV. But as a matter of personal principle, he gets an artist's permission before releasing a parody.
Over the course of his 30-year career, most of the artists have said yes. Dave Grohl said that Weird Al's Nirvana parody was a sign that they'd made it. Chamillionaire said Weird Al's parody was the reason he got enough noteriety to win a Grammy. The Presidents of the USA changed one of the lyrics in "Lump" to match up with a line Weird Al used in "Gump".
But, from time to time, artists haven't been as magnanimous about the prospect of a Weird Al parody. These 11 all decided that their songs were out of Weird Al's league and refused to give him permission to pizza-ize their babies.
http://www.11points.com/Music/11_Artists_Who_Wouldn't_Give_Weird_Al_Permission_For_a_Parody
Over the course of his 30-year career, most of the artists have said yes. Dave Grohl said that Weird Al's Nirvana parody was a sign that they'd made it. Chamillionaire said Weird Al's parody was the reason he got enough noteriety to win a Grammy. The Presidents of the USA changed one of the lyrics in "Lump" to match up with a line Weird Al used in "Gump".
But, from time to time, artists haven't been as magnanimous about the prospect of a Weird Al parody. These 11 all decided that their songs were out of Weird Al's league and refused to give him permission to pizza-ize their babies.
http://www.11points.com/Music/11_Artists_Who_Wouldn't_Give_Weird_Al_Permission_For_a_Parody