OCT. 19, 1951 – JAN. 22, 2026

A MEMORIAL TRIBUTE BY JOHN CAFIERO

John Cafiero & “Uncle Floyd” Vivino.

On Thursday, January 22, the world lost “Uncle Floyd” Vivino. Floyd was a multi-talented master of music and comedy—a self-made man who could seemingly do it all, independently. In the mid-1970s through the 1980s, Floyd’s legendary self-produced NJ-based TV show, “The Uncle Floyd Show,” developed a huge cult following. Word of mouth spread quickly here on the East Coast (just like rumors of spider-eggs in Bubble Yum) and eventually reached the nation. The show, which ran into the late 1990s, was unlike anything else and hard to characterize. It was often called a kiddie show for adults. Floyd once described it as (and I’m paraphrasing) if the Little Rascals had grown up and put on a TV show. Floyd had the unique ability to transplant his vaudevillian roots and influences into a contemporary setting, one fully unique to his brand and persona.

It was wild, improvisational, live, one-take television driven by raw energy, creativity, and ingenuity at its finest. Anything from a Halloween candy dispenser you’d find in your local store to a simple paper cup could be transformed into a memorable character. Respectively, “Bones Boy” and “Cuppy” were found objects turned puppets, imbued with richly insane personalities of their own, who, among others, became staples on the show. It was a well-orchestrated free-for-all, with a dynamic cast of crazies, each with a unique persona, look, and skill set to complement each other. Uncle Floyd was the ringmaster, accompanied by his childlike, precocious, wise-cracking puppet sidekick Oogie.

After stumbling on the show like a signal from another world on UHF channel 68, I became a daily viewer in grammar school through high school. Kids from all kinds of cliques tuned in, too. Everyone dug the show. While home spun on the surface, the show had such a broad reach and appeal (and to the right audience) that countless, now-legendary, bands and celebs recognized its cool factor and wanted to appear on it. That included the Misfits, the Ramones, the Smithereens, Squeeze, The Boomtown Rats, members of the Monkees, Monty Python, and even Cyndi Lauper’s TV debut—to name just a few.

All who experienced it felt the gravitational pull to Floyd and his show. Rock ‘n’ roll royalty John Lennon and David Bowie were among the early fans who would tune in daily. Bowie would reveal that Lennon had turned him on to the show. In later years, Bowie would write and record a haunting song in memory of the Uncle Floyd Show called “Slip Away” —name-checking Uncle Floyd and Oogie in the lyrics. In one of many other nods to surface over the years, the Uncle Floyd Show is playing on the TV in the home of the deranged mama’s boys in the controversial 1980 splatter classic “Mother’s Day”.

Uncle Floyd Show shrine from the collection of John Cafiero.

The show’s popularity led to flurry of T-shirts, pins, bumper stickers, sold out live club dates, a series of independently produced and released 45 RPM singles by Floyd and the cast, a major label full-length “Uncle Floyd Show Album”, and even TV commercials—one memorably being the jingle Floyd’s penned and performed for the NJ based amusement park Wild West City. The show’s popularity was so immense that NBC TV picked it up and slotted it immediately after Saturday Night Live. But in a shortsighted decision, NBC tried to control the show’s chaos rather than letting it be what drew them in to begin with. The relationship didn’t last long, and the Uncle Floyd Show eventually returned to cable TV.

Floyd would go on to co-star in feature films with Robin Williams in the 1980s and with Dudley Moore in the 1990s, and later host a variety of amazingly eclectic and entertaining radio shows, live streams, podcasts, and more from the 2000s up to the time of his passing.

I’d have the good fortune of getting to know Floyd and working with him on numerous occasions in my adulthood. Among them, I’d cast Floyd in a small but memorable role in my feature film directorial debut (“Big Money Hustlas”). Years later, Floyd would tell me with surprise how often people would stop him and recognize him from, of all things, that small role. My wife, Suzanne, grew up on the Uncle Floyd Show, too, and in Issue 3 of Vol 2 of the Sweetie Candy Vigilante comic book, she writes, which I produce, you’ll find two cops named in homage to Floyd and his longtime friend, collaborator, and Uncle Floyd Show cast member Scott Gordon.

Floyd, Oogie & John at the recording session for “Shaving Cream” in Union City, NJ.

When producing Floyd’s “punk” cover version of the novelty classic “Shaving Cream” for “Dr. Demento Covered in Punk,” I proudly managed to persuade Floyd to bring Oogie out of retirement for the first time in decades to sing with him on the track. Oogie remained out of retirement from that point onward. He’d make regular appearances on Floyd’s weekly radio show on 89.1 FM WFDU —at times, unexpectedly making references to me personally, live on-air, which was always a thrill. Some projects we’d planned will sadly never be, but others will see completion and release in the not-too-distant future.

In the studio recording “Shaving Cream” for Dr. Demento Covered in Punk.

I don’t think Floyd left this world fully realizing just how influential he was on so many people, including scores of those in the entertainment industry who would later make their own mark on pop culture. The outpouring of love for Floyd and his work that has followed his passing has been really gratifying to see and is just a small testament to his impact and accomplishments.

Art by Evan Dorkin & Sarah Dyer. Art Direction John Cafiero. © 2018 Demented Punk

Over the past decade-plus, my wife and I would go to see Floyd perform whenever we got the chance, and for a time, it became an annual ritual to start the new year with one of Floyd’s local live performances. Although, like the rest of the world, I first came to know him as TV’s Uncle Floyd, in many ways over the years, Floyd became akin to family. There are lots of great memories to look back on, and the Uncle Floyd Show shrine in my office, along with Oogie himself, keeps those memories with me daily.

My condolences to Floyd’s family, friends, and all who loved him.

RIP Uncle Floyd, you will be missed, but certainly not forgotten.

Dr. Demento unleashes “Get Demented,” a wild new single that revives the spirit of classic novelty music with Dr. Seuss-inspired style and a wink of pure comic genius.

The legendary Dr. Demento is back to stir up a new wave of madness with his all-new single “Get Demented.” The world’s most beloved purveyor of mad music and crazy comedy takes the mic himself, leading this wild new original track backed by nerd-rock outfit the Amoeba People. Written especially for Dr. Demento, the song carries forward the tradition of classic novelty music while bringing in sharp, modern themes that fit perfectly in today’s unpredictable times.

Visually, the single is just as outrageous as the song itself. The stunning Dr. Seuss-inspired cover art comes from Joe Simko, the celebrated artist behind Topps’ Garbage Pail Kids and Wacky Packages, with concept and art direction by John Cafiero of Osaka Popstar and Demented Punk. The result blends two unmistakable pop-culture icons, Dr. Seuss and Dr. Demento, into one unforgettable image that captures the gleeful absurdity of the moment.

Fans can stream or download “Get Demented” now on all major digital platforms and grab the equally eye-popping “Get Demented” T-shirt featuring Simko’s artwork at the official Demented Punk Online Store. A limited-edition 12-inch vinyl with a special B-side is also on the horizon from Demented Punk. Stay tuned for more news on that coming soon.

For more than fifty years, Dr. Demento has been the authority on musical mischief, championing novelty hits and discovering new voices in the art of the absurd. His long-running syndicated radio show, still available to stream exclusively at DrDemento.com, created an entire genre of comedy music and launched the career of “Weird Al” Yankovic. His influence has earned him honors in the Comedy Music Hall of Fame, the National Radio Hall of Fame, and even a cameo on The Simpsons.

With “Get Demented,” Dr. Demento proves he’s still leading the charge for weirdness in all its forms. It’s a reminder that laughter, satire, and a good hook never go out of style.

This special 12-inch split maxi-single features GRAMMY award winner “Weird Al” Yankovic teamed with NYC’s Osaka Popstar paying homage to the founding fathers of punk rock, The Ramones!

Pressed on black vinyl in an edition of 3,000 for indie shops through RSD Black Friday, it’s now available in an ONLINE EXCLUSIVE RED VINYL VARIANT limited to 400 pcs wordlwide while supplies last! The 12-inch features cover art by Topps Garbage Pail Kids artist Neil Camera and includes a 2-sided full color inner sleeve with live photos, artwork and liner notes, plus MP3 download card.

Hailed by Rolling Stone as “a blistering, accordion-tinged cover,” “Beat on the Brat” features “Weird Al” on lead vocals and accordion, backed by Osaka Popstar, (John Cafiero on backing vocals, Dean Rispler on guitar, Sal Maida (Sparks) on bass, and Dennis Diken (The Smithereens) on drums). Originally appearing on the #1 charting punk-comedy crossover album “Dr. Demento Covered in Punk,” the aforementioned studio version, (Produced by longtime Misfits and Ramones collaborator John Cafiero), is accompanied by two exclusive, previously unavailable LIVE bonus tracks (“Beat on the Brat” and “I Wanna Be Sedated”) performed by “Weird Al” and his band on the “Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour!”

“Weird Al”, a pop culture icon, who also happens to be the most requested artist in the history of the Dr. Demento Show, stated of the recording, “How could I not contribute to this project. I love punk music, and Dr. Demento changed my entire life in an extraordinary way. I selected “Beat on the Brat” by the Ramones, because I truly believe it’s the most upbeat, danceable song about child abuse ever written.”

The flip side features an all-new studio version of the title track by Osaka Popstar (from the new Expanded Edition of the critically acclaimed “Osaka Popstar and the American Legends of Punk” album), plus 3 additional Ramones covers by Osaka Popstar recorded LIVE in concert—with special guest appearances by members of the Misfits, Ramones & Black Flag—never before released on vinyl!

The black vinyl pressing debuted at participating indie stores on Friday November 26, exclusively from Demented Punk Records for RSD Black Friday 2021.

T-Shirts and pins featuring the “Weird Al” GPK-inspired ‘Brat Beater’ artwork are available from Demented Punk.

Side 1: “WEIRD AL” YANKOVIC

1.) “Beat on the Brat” (from the album “Dr. Demento Covered in Punk”)
2.) “Beat on the Brat” – LIVE (First Time EVER on Vinyl)
3.) “I Wanna Be Sedated” – LIVE (First Time EVER on Vinyl)

Side 2: OSAKA POPSTAR

1.) “Beat on the Brat” (from the forthcoming expanded edition of “Osaka Popstar & the American Legends of Punk”)
2.) “Beat on the Brat” – LIVE (First Time EVER on Vinyl)
3.) “Blitzkrieg Bop” – LIVE (First Time EVER on Vinyl)
4.) “The KKK Took My Baby Away” – LIVE (First Time EVER on Vinyl)

All-new material by comedy-music icons Barnes & Barnes! The demented duo behind the classic novelty hit ”Fish Heads” (the #1 most requested song of all-time on the ‘Dr. Demento Show’), present a new listening experience in ‘Outsider Music for Insiders’.

“This definitely ain’t “Fish Heads”! Pancake Dream finds the brothers Barnes at their most hypnotic and avant-garde, creating lyrics and soundscapes that will forever plague my dreams and haunt my every waking moment. Yeah!” — “Weird Al” Yankovic

“In 1978 Barnes & Barnes released “Fish Heads,” the most requested song in the 51-year history of the Dr. Demento Show. In 2021, Barnes & Barnes bring us “Pancake Dream,” born of a darker, more mature comic vision, and thrilling in its musical brilliance.” — Dr. Demento

In stores & online now on CD or 2-DISC VINYL LP. Get the exclusive BONUS DVD FREE w/ purchase of a Pancake Dream Bundle!

For more info, images or to order, visit Demented Punk

Produced by longtime Misfits and Ramones collaborator John Cafiero (Osaka Popstar), and originally appearing on the #1 billboard charting album “Dr. Demento Covered In Punk,” Weird Al Yankovic’s “Beat On The Brat” was hailed by Rolling Stone as “a blistering, accordion-tinged cover.”

“Weird Al”, a pop culture icon, who also happens to be the most requested artist in the history of the Dr. Demento Show, stated of the recording, “How could I not contribute to this project. I love punk music, and Dr. Demento changed my entire life in an extraordinary way. I selected “Beat on the Brat” by the Ramones, because I truly believe it’s the most upbeat, danceable song about child abuse ever written.”

Performed by: “Weird Al” Yankovic on vocals and accordion, with Osaka Popstar (John Cafiero on backing vocals, Dean Rispler on guitar, Sal Maida on bass, and Dennis Diken on drums), this 3” black vinyl record, pressed in an edition limited to 1,500 units worldwide, is made to play on the RSD3 mini-turntable (as well as the RSD 2020 clear variant). Comes with a collector’s poster and sleeve featuring Weird Al ‘Brat Beater’ artwork by Garbage Pail Kids artist Neil Camera.
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Available at participating indie stores on Sat July 17, exclusively from Demented Punk Records for RSD 2021! Contact your local record store to let them know it’s on your wish list and ask them to order! For a list of participating stores near you, visit RecordStoreDay.com

Also look for “Weird Al” T-Shirts and pins featuring the GPK-inspired ‘Brat Beater’ artwork at the Demented Punk Online Store.

ORDER NOW: FIRST 100 CD & LP ORDERS RECEIVE A FREE LTD ED “HOLIDAZE” 5” x 7” GREETING CARD SIGNED BY BARNES & BARNES!

Cult icons Barnes & Barnes return with their first album of all-new original material in over a decade! The demented duo who brought you the Dr. Demento Show’s #1 most-requested song of all-time—the classic novelty hit ”Fish Heads”, take on the holidays with this brand new release featuring 15 all-new bizarre comedy songs centered on Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza and beyond… it’s “Holidaze in Lumania”!

CD & vinyl editions include an exclusive bonus track NOT available digitally or anywhere else, plus amazing front and back cover paintings by artist Matt Dangler created exclusively for the physical album release!

Click to visit Demented Punk for more images and info.

LTD ED NEON YELLOW 12-INCH SPLIT SINGLE—IN STORES FRI. NOV 29
SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED—ASK YOUR LOCAL STORE TO ORDER NOW…

This special limited edition split maxi-single pairs pop-culture icon William Shatner’s mind-blowing interpretation of The Cramps’ punk classic “Garbageman” (a cover that Rolling Stone hailed as a “growling and expertly melodramatic version”), teamed with the original 1980 recording that inspired it—performed by the legendary Cramps themselves and produced by Alex Chilton. Shatner’s “Garbageman” (produced by Osaka Popstar’s John Cafiero) is the second single from the #1 Billboard charting album Dr. Demento Covered in Punk

This Shatner x Cramps Record Store Day Black Friday exclusive release is pressed on 12” neon yellow vinyl, with bonus tracks by both artists, and exclusive unreleased content unavailable anywhere else!

Taking it a step further, Demented Punk commemorates the culture-clash with amazing new front cover art by Cramps illustrator Stephen Blickenstaff. Created in homage to his original Bad Music for Bad People cover illustration (shown on the back of this release), the new piece beams in the likeness of the legendary Shatner in place of the late great Cramps front man Lux Interior. Must be seen AND heard to be believed… exclusively from Demented Punk!

Click to visit Demented Punk for more images and info.

“VOOBAHA” 40TH ANNIVERSARY VINYL COLLECTOR’S EDITION & MORE…

THE CULT CLASSIC ON VINYL FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1980!
The long out-of-print debut album by Barnes & Barnes featuring the ‘demented’ hits “Boogie Woogie Amputee”, “Party in My Pants” & the #1 most-requested song of all-time on The Dr. Demento Show—”Fish Heads”!

Ltd Ed 180 gram vinyl, remastered audio, elaborate gatefold LP packaging with rare & never before seen pictures, all-new exclusive liner notes, fun facts, restored artwork, an early guest appearance by “Weird Al” Yankovic, plus special bonus track–a primeval ‘1976 version’ of “FISH HEADS” with alternate lyrics—never before released on vinyl, MP3 download card & more—in this 40th Anniversary audiophile-vinyl collector’s edition! Also includes the band’s bizarre cover version of the Beatles classic “Please Please Me,” a discontinued cut available exclusively on the physical album.

15 tracks blurring the lines between comedy/novelty music and punk/new wave—is “Voobaha” all of the above? You decide… Brought to you exclusively by Demented Punk!

First pressing on 180 gram NEON MAGENTA colored-vinyl available in stores and online now, or get yours at the Demented Punk Online Store!

Also available EXCLUSIVELY in the Demented Punk Online Store while supplies last: NEON PURPLE 180 gram vinyl (limited to 150 pcs) and CLASSIC BLACK (limited to 100 pcs) vinyl variants!

Buy the Voobaha LP or Fish Heads 12” single now thru 9/30/19 to be ENTERED TO WIN!

Full details at the Demented Punk Online Store

GRAND PRIZE: (1) winner will receive a flat uncut/unassembled Fish Heads 12” jacket signed by Art & Artie Barnes (of Barnes & Barnes), John Cafiero (of Osaka Popstar) & Dr. Demento – suitable for framing – PLUS a test pressing of the Fish Heads 12” split single!

RUNNER UPS: (5) winners will receive a Fish Heads 12” single signed by Art & Artie Barnes (of Barnes & Barnes), John Cafiero (of Osaka Popstar) & Dr. Demento!

Click Here to Visit Demented Punk for more info!

New “What’s In My Bag?” episode with legendary radio personality Dr. Demento and producer, director & Osaka Popstar vocalist John Cafiero! See what the “Dr. Demento Covered in Punk” collaborators found shopping at Amoeba Hollywood… punk classics, film soundtracks, and comedy albums on just about every format from CD to 78 record! What do they pick? What stories do they tell? How do Don Rickles & Tommy Ramone fit in to this?

Click the Amoeba logo CLICK HERE or click the image above to watch the episode online now.

LTD ED NEON PINK 12-INCH SPLIT SINGLE—IN STORES SAT. APRIL 13

This special split maxi-single celebrates the 40th anniversary of the #1 most requested song of all-time on the infamous Dr. Demento Show… the hit novelty classic “Fish Heads”! Features the all-new punk-pop cover version by NYC’s Osaka Popstar (the first single from the #1 Billboard charting album “Dr. Demento Covered in Punk”—out now) teamed with the original 1978 version that inspired it, as performed by comedy-music cult icons Barnes & Barnes—back on vinyl for the first time since the 1980s! Plus two exclusive bonus tracks!

Featuring front cover art by Stephen Blickenstaff and back cover illustrations by Sam Fout, the 10-inch novelty cut of this special 12-inch vinyl creates a 2-inch “fish” lip at the start of the disc. Pressed on neon pink vinyl in an edition limited to 1,500 pcs WORLDWIDE.

For a list of participating stores near you, visit RecordStoreDay.com.

Side 1: Osaka Popstar

1.) “Fish Heads” (from the album “Dr. Demento Covered in Punk”)
2.) “Fish Heads” (Instrumental) Previously unreleased “Bubble Mix”

Side 2: Barnes & Barnes

1.) “Fish Heads” (From the 1980 LP “Voobaha”)
2.) “High School Gym” by Barnes & Barnes w/ Sulu (Non-Album Bonus Track).
The B-Side from the 1978 “Fish Heads” 45 rpm single!

Click the logos below for recent interviews with Osaka Popstar’s John Cafiero for insight on the animated “Fish Heads” music video, “Dr. Demento Covered in Punk”, future projects, upcoming releases from Osaka Popstar and more.