Q&A: Dr. Demento

Alumnus Barret "Dr. Demento" Hansen (MA,Music, ’67) lectures on punk music at Reed College

January 21, 2016

Alumnus Barrett Hansen presents a set of lectures at Reed College on punk music.

Barret "Dr. Demento" Hansen is probably best known for his long-running radio show on Los Angeles-area radio stations, which introduced the world to "Weird" Al Yankovic, as well as hits like "Fish Heads" and "They're Coming to Take me Away." But his musical interest extend far beyond the comedic. He studied classical music at Reed (class of '63), got a Masters in Folk Music Studies at UCLA and was one of the earliest fans of punk statistically possible. This weekend, he returns to his alma mater to give three lectures: one on racial integration through music, one on Frank Zappa and a final on punk's development into the new millennium, a redux of a lecture that he first gave in 1977. WW caught up with the good doctor to talk DIY, academic disciplines and roadying for Canned Heat.— James Helmsworth, Jan. 20

Read the full interview on the Willamette Week website.