Toronto’s Budweiser Stage was buzzing with excitement as fans of all ages flocked to see the one and only Weird Al Yankovic. From the die-hard long-time followers sporting Hawaiian shirts to younger fans repping “White & Nerdy” tees, the crowd was a diverse mix ready for an evening of laughter, nostalgia, and absurdity. The energy was palpable even before the lights dimmed, with fans trading stories of previous shows, singing along to snippets of classic parodies, and eagerly anticipating the mix of music and comedy that only Weird Al can deliver. As the lights went down, it was clear that the night was going to be a blend of musical precision, theatrical flair, and comedic chaos.
Full Setlist
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Tacky
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Mission Statement
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Drum Solo
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Polkamania!
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Everything You Know Is Wrong
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One More Minute
[Interlude: “Another One Rides the Bus” scene from Weird: The Al Yankovic Story] -
Smells Like Nirvana
[Interlude: Weird Al video compilation 1] -
Dare to Be Stupid
[Interlude: Weird Al video compilation 2] -
Party in the CIA / It’s All About the Pentiums / Bedrock Anthem / My Bologna / Ricky / Ode to a Superhero / I Love Rocky Road / Eat It / Like a Surgeon / Word Crimes / Canadian Idiot
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Crimes of Carelessness
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Fat (video intro)
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Fat
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Captain Underpants Theme Song
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Now You Know
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I Am Woman (Helen Reddy cover)
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It’s My World (and We’re All Living in It)
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Skipper Dan
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Drum Solo (Reprise)
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eBay
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Stop Forwarding That Crap to Me
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Weird Al Gets Whiplashed
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White & Nerdy
[Interlude: Weird Al video compilation 3] -
Amish Paradise (extended outro with band introductions)
Encore: -
We All Have Cell Phones
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The Saga Begins
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Yoda (with Yoda Chant)
The Energy
Right from the opening notes of “Tacky,” Weird Al had the entire Budweiser Stage audience on its feet. There’s a contagious joy to his performance that spreads instantly; laughter mixed with applause created a constant undercurrent of excitement. Al’s command of the stage is unmatched. Every exaggerated move, every face-pulling moment, every accordion flourish drew the crowd in. Even the drum solos, which might feel tedious in another context, became comic highlights, perfectly timed to keep the audience engaged. The energy never dipped; it surged with every song, each interlude, and every costume change.
Highlights & Crowd Moments
Some of the night’s standout moments were the mega-medleys and classic parodies. The polka medley “Polkamania!” had fans clapping along in rhythm, cheering at the rapid-fire transitions of songs from across Al’s career. “Smells Like Nirvana” sent the crowd into nostalgic ecstasy, while “White & Nerdy” showcased Al’s ability to blend precise rap delivery with comedic timing—something that still impresses decades into his career.
Audience participation reached its peak during “Amish Paradise,” when Al introduced his band one by one. Fans roared with recognition and appreciation, treating the introductions almost like a ritual. The encores, particularly “The Saga Begins” and “Yoda,” turned the stage into a communal celebration, with thousands singing along to every word. It was a full-circle moment: fans of all ages collectively enjoying decades of Weird Al history.
The Vibe
The vibe at Budweiser Stage was uniquely inclusive and joyful. This wasn’t a show where fans were passively watching; everyone was actively involved. From the youngest audience members to long-time followers, laughter and singing created a sense of community. Al’s combination of nostalgia and modern humor—through video interludes and medleys of contemporary hits—kept the evening feeling current without losing touch with his past. The show balanced absurdity with musical craftsmanship, making every performance element feel intentional rather than chaotic.
Tiny Quibbles
If there was a minor critique, it was that the rapid-fire medleys could be a bit overwhelming for casual listeners. With so many songs compressed into “Party in the CIA / It’s All About the Pentiums / Bedrock Anthem / My Bologna / Ricky / Ode to a Superhero / I Love Rocky Road / Eat It / Like a Surgeon / Word Crimes / Canadian Idiot,” it was impossible to fully digest each gag. That said, longtime fans likely loved the dizzying pace as much as they loved the songs themselves. Otherwise, the production, pacing, and humor were nearly flawless.
Final Thoughts
Weird Al Yankovic’s 2025 Toronto show at Budweiser Stage was more than a concert—it was a celebration of creativity, comedy, and musical skill. From the opening notes of “Tacky” to the finale of “Yoda” with its extended chant, every moment demonstrated why Al remains a singular force in music and comedy. Fans laughed, sang, and danced along, and Al rewarded them with one of his most polished, high-energy performances in years.
For anyone lucky enough to attend, it was a reminder that Weird Al is not just a parody artist—he’s a master entertainer who continues to evolve while staying true to the absurd humor that has defined his career for decades. The combination of audience participation, costume spectacle, video interludes, and musical precision made this show a once-in-a-lifetime experience. By the time the lights came up, it was clear that Weird Al isn’t just surviving in modern music—he’s thriving, and bringing the rest of us along for the ride.