Kenneth Guinup’s lifelong passion for “Weird Al” Yankovic is the focus of this episode of Collector’s Call airing on ME tv on Sunday April 21. Guinup’s love for the parody music superstar dates back to his childhood, when a personal response from Yankovic to a fan letter helped Guinup through a difficult time. Over the years, Guinup has amassed an extensive collection of “Weird Al” artifacts, memorabilia, and one-of-a-kind treasures.
Guinup’s journey as a collector began when he first heard “Weird Al” Yankovic’s music at the age of 15 in 1984. The song “Eat It” resonated with him, and he soon met Yankovic backstage, an encounter that left a lasting impression. Guinup’s passion for “Weird Al” only grew from there, and he began collecting various items related to the artist.
Guinup’s collection includes Yankovic’s first EP, rare bootleg singles from Israel, promotional items, and even a scarf that “Weird Al” placed around Guinup’s wife’s neck during a concert in 1996. His collection also features an exclusive jacket given only to members of “Weird Al’s” video team, as well as a screen-used guitar signed by the entire band.
The episode highlights Guinup’s dedication to his hobby, with his collection doubling as a guest bedroom. His “Weird Al” museum contains thousands of objects, including records, posters, photographs, videos, books, and props from music videos and movies. One unique item is an autographed bed bug, referencing a line from the “Dare to Be Stupid” music video.
“Collector’s Call” host Lisa Welchel, known for her role in “The Facts of Life,” spent a day filming in Guinup’s dedicated display area. The episode also features an appearance by drummer Jon “Bermuda” Schwartz, who has been with Yankovic since the beginning of his career and provides insight into the collection’s history.
The episode showcases Guinup’s passion for “Weird Al” and the comfort he finds in collecting. Guinup’s wife, Erin, shares her perspective on how collecting has helped Guinup through serious health issues, emphasizing “Weird Al’s” message of belonging and self-acceptance.
Collector’s Call takes viewers into the homes of pop culture collectors, offering a glimpse into their unique passions. Each episode features an expert who evaluates the collection and may offer a trade for a coveted item.
Collector’s Call airs on MeTV at 6:30 pm on Sunday, April 21, 2024.
