Weird Al to tour despite tragedy

Despite the apparently accidental death of his parents last week, Weird Al Yankovic said Monday that his current concert tour will continue.

“Going up on stage in front of thousands of supportive fans is a cathartic and somewhat therapeutic experience for me right now,” the song parodist explained in a statement released by his record company. “I don’t know if I can say that the concerts really take my mind off of the tragedy, but at least they give me a break from sobbing all the time.”

The bodies of the performer’s parents, Nick and Mary Yankovic, were found in their home in Fallbrook, Calif., last Friday. Authorities said it appeared they had died of carbon monoxide poisoning after starting a fire without opening the fireplace flue.

Yankovic thanked family, friends and fans for the “incredible outpouring of love and support” he’d received.

Lee Margulies