Outrageous antics, striking music videos and massive world tours have defined Weird Al since his earliest days as an accordion-slinging songwriter turned parody master. Albums like (1988), (1992) and (1996) were memorable for their humorous takes on Michael Jackson, Nirvana and Coolio’s music. Also memorable was the slick performance of Weird Al’s band, which, since 1983, has been anchored by Tampa, Florida-born Jim ‘Kimo’ West on guitar.
His chilled-out vibe has been the perfect foil for Al’s larger-than-life persona. In fact, West is so laid back that he wasn’t bothered when Rick Derringer was hired to do most of the lead guitar work in the studio during the ‘80s. And once the ‘90s kicked off, it was all West, all the time.
“I’m grateful every day that I’ve made a living playing music,” he says. “Many people don’t have the blessing of finding what they love. By the time I was 17, I had decided this was what I would do.
It’s been an amazing ride.” In 1999, he launched his solo career with . Eleven albums later, in 2019, received a Grammy nomination for Best New Age album, narrowly missing out.
Two years later, 12th title did the job. “Getting a Grammy was pretty darn up there,” West confirms. “But I’ve had so many great experiences – playing solo for 50 people; playing with Weird Al at Red Rocks with the Colorado Symphony for thousands.
And next year, we’re going out with an expanded band. Extra players and singers. That’s going .
