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Any Frank Zappa fans here?
- Thread starter Andy Coconut
- Start date
I saw Frank and the mothers at Hammersmith Odeon in London I was very young maybe 12/13 this was my first big concert I went with my brother and a few others, I have continued to listen to his music, I find the less out there albums better now Zoot Allures comes to mind, it's just not the same on digital, rolling one on an album cover and having to be able to turn the records over etc, great musician one of the finest composers, he is way ahead of today's musicians in my opinion
Yes. The man was a genius who had zero tolerance for hacks or drugs. His mission, it seems, was to get his unique musical creations out to the public despite the recording industry's disdain. His music ran the gamut from classical compositions, through various types of jazz, briefly visiting rock and roll and on into its own world. There'll never be another like him. So tragic that his life was cut short.
I have a vivid memory of my first experience listening the Zappa and the Mothers in my friend's basement. 'Brown Shoes' was the first song that sent me over the edge. I played that song and that album over and over. I wanted to save up and buy a VW microbus, throw my bass and amp in the back, and drive to LA. I knew that Frank required massive reading chops, so I figured if I could try to get a gig as a roadie I could study and practice and maybe, just maybe, I could eventually get a gig playing bass with the Mother's. My dad had a heart attack and I was guilted into sticking around to help out. I did see Zappa with Flo and Eddie at the New Haven Arena (Chuck Berry was the opening act) in 1970. I saw the Grand Wazoo band show in Waterbury a few years after that. I used to sing 'Dirty Love' in a band I was in and loved watching people's eyebrows raise up when they realized what I was singing about. "Not a speck of cereal". I'm so greatful that there are dozens and dozens of songs and shows and interviews on YT. His appearance before the congressional committee with Al and Tipper Gore was great. I felt crushed when he passed. He showed me that it's okay to be different. It's okay to be passionate. It's okay to turn it up loud and raise eyebrows. It's good to make people uncomfortable to make them think. I still listen to and appreciate the Byrds, Beatles, blues, r&b and other rock music. But Zappa and the Mothers pointed me in a different direction all those years ago for which I will forever be greatful. "beef pies, I was born next to the beef pies. underneath joni mitchell's autographed picture..." "I might be movin' to montana soon..."
thanks, Frank!
Dude, I THOUGHT I recognized you! Remember Zappa said he'd make his guitar sound like a hockey stick? My friend was a free lance photographer and took an amazing photo of Frank from the edge of the stage. I'll dig it out and post it. We parked in the street, and walked out after the concert to find ALL THE CARS HAD BEEN TOWED! It was a great show!
dang, haven't found the photo, but did find the poster...
Saw this tour also, at Lewis and Clark College, in the gym.
Very small venue, very cool
What was funny about it was this: A September 1970 issue of National Lampoon featured a parody of Archie Comics in which teenagers go to a Zappa concert. The artwork was provided by Michael Choquett, Sean Kelly, Joe Orlando, Henry Scarpelli and Peter Bramley.
I had that issue at the time and it was kinda like what they portrayed
The only difference was the folks were very appreciative of Zappa
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National Lampoon
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Saw him a couple years later in Providence, RI. He did mostly instrumental versions of the material from Overnight Sensation. Warm up acts were Leo Kotke and the Mahavishnu Orchestra.
there's a great interview with zappa's drummer when they did those gigs with mahavishnu. he said frank was impressed with the big sound of mahavishnu. he said they showed up at rehearsal and there were 2 new huge drum sets and marshall amonstacks for the zappa band. interesting story. i saw mahavishnu twice. amazing sound.
Was lucky enough to catch Frank live in the early to mid 90s somewhere near Allentown PA I wanna say?? (could be wrong about that... I didn't drive us there.)
An older friend who actually turned me on to 'I'm the Slime' and some of Joe's Garage had me hooked instantly.
I remember putting Frank's picture on top of the Christmas Tree at my gal's house the year he died (in 1993?) I know he passed close to the holidaze for sure.
I'm not a fan of his entire body of work (which is enormous), but can appreciate his time and effort. Definitly one of a kind.
An older friend who actually turned me on to 'I'm the Slime' and some of Joe's Garage had me hooked instantly.
I remember putting Frank's picture on top of the Christmas Tree at my gal's house the year he died (in 1993?) I know he passed close to the holidaze for sure.
I'm not a fan of his entire body of work (which is enormous), but can appreciate his time and effort. Definitly one of a kind.
Really, was it that long ago?? At any rate, armed with this new information, I feel extremely lucky that I went!!
