In 1988, Patton mentioned actor and comedian Steve Martin as an influence on Mr. Bungle, and the singer would later state that he felt identified with him. He also credited disco band Village People for his use of irony and stage costumes, believing that "a lot of people not understand band's deliberate sarcasm". Mr. Bungle covered "Macho Man" as early as 1985 (its second active year). Another ideological influence was shock rock singer GG Allin, who Patton considered "the musician who never sold out" and admired that "he lived and died for what he believed in."