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last mo.

Dr. Demento to End 55-Year Radio Run

At 84, Barry Hansen is wrapping up his regular broadcast with a series of archival shows through October to spotlight his influence on novelty music.

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Dr. Demento, the cult comedy DJ whose radio show became a landmark for novelty music and underground satire, will retire this fall after more than five decades behind the mic. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
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Overview

  • Barry Hansen debuted his radio program on California airwaves in 1970, initially playing contemporary rock before shifting focus to comedic and novelty recordings.
  • National syndication in the 1970s expanded his audience, introducing acts such as Flight of the Conchords to mainstream listeners.
  • Hansen’s decision to air a young Alfred “Weird Al” Yankovic’s homemade parodies in 1976 launched Yankovic’s enduring career in comedy music.
  • His final regular show aired in June, and archival episodes will run through October with his complete collection remaining available online afterward.
  • Hansen’s distinct persona has influenced pop culture broadly, earning nods on The Simpsons and a portrayal by Rainn Wilson in the 2022 biopic Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.