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Any Frank Zappa fans here?

#341
I was fortunate enough to be playing in the Columbus Symphony Orchestra in 1984 when Zappa was the keynote speaker at the 1984 Conference of Composers being held that year at Ohio State University. He gave a speech entitled "Bingo! There goes your tenure!" It was a stinging and interesting speech in which he thoroughly pissed off every professor in the room as I giggled quietly in the back. Later, The symphony played his composition "The perfect stranger". I was the 6th bassist of 9 and they used only three for the composition so I decided to head up to the balcony and catch the performance. So with my bass under my arm and my tuxedo still on, I schlepped up the stairs to the balcony. The piece had already started but I never got there. Sitting in the hallway with a bunch of kids no older than 15 was Frank chatting happily with these kids, being very affectionate and fatherly.

He was a perfect ass to anyone who approached him during rehearsals and during the conference he was similarly rude to any professors who tried to start conversations with him, but there he was, completely different than I had previously seen him. I sat down my bass, took a seat near these kids, and listened as he told stories and joked with what was by then an adoring young fan base. Amazing guy to say the least. I will not speak for him or venture as to why he was being an ass to the professors and a favorite uncle to the kids. I just report what I saw that night. It was nice to see that side of him, just a normal dad, and a really cool one at that. It really touched me in a way.

By the way, his speech will give you a flavor of his attitude the whole time. Definitely worth a read:

Bingo! There Goes Your Tenure! - The Full Speech
 
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#342
Big Zappa fan here, I got to see 5 of his concerts in the mid 70's - early 80's. One of the first songs my young daughter learned to sing was Montana.
Frank is also responsible for one of the greatest guitar solos ever with Watermelon In Easter Hay.
I also got to see Dweezil once, they were recording a live album and played a few songs twice. They also had Terry Bozzio and his wrap-around drum kit as a special guest. Incredible show!
 
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#343
thmsjordan said:
I was fortunate enough to be playing in the Columbus Symphony Orchestra in 1984 when Zappa was the keynote speaker at the 1984 Conference of Composers. He gave a speech entitled "Bingo! There goes your tenure!" It was a stinging and interesting speech in which he thoroughly pissed off every professor in the room as I giggled quietly in the back. Later, The symphony played his composition "The perfect stranger". I was the 6th bassist of 9 and they used only three for the composition so I decided to head up to the balcony and catch the performance. So with my bass under my arm and my tuxedo still on, I schlepped up the stairs to the balcony. The piece had already started but I never got there. Sitting in the hallway with a bunch of kids no older than 15 was Frank chatting happily with these kids, being very affectionate and fatherly.

He was a perfect ass to anyone who approached him during rehearsals and during the conference he was similarly rude to any professors who tried to start conversations with him, but there he was, completely different than I had previously seen him. I sat down my bass, took a seat near these kids, and listened as he told stories and joked with what was by then an adoring young fan base. Amazing guy to say the least. I will not speak for him or venture as to why he was being an ass to the professors and a favorite uncle to the kids. I just report what I saw that night. It was nice to see that side of him, just a normal dad, and a really cool one at that. It really touched me in a way.

By the way, his speech will give you a flavor of his attitude the whole time. Definitely worth a read:

Bingo! There Goes Your Tenure! - The Full Speech
Click to expand...
thanks for sharing this!
 
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#346
Bobo said:
I guess in a way i’ve been keeping them at arms length because they aren’t their dad. But, that’s not being fair. It’s kind of like not giving Bonzo’s son Jason a chance, and look how good a drummer he is. I’ll promise here to go check them out next time they swing by the area. Thanks!
Click to expand...

Dweezil can really cop his dad's licks. Impressive!
 
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#350
Jeff Scott said:
Click to expand...


Bobo said:
THIS IS INSANE! I love it!
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And this:
Head (film) - Wikipedia

The film featured Invalid Link Removed as "The Big Victor"[2] and cameo appearances by Nicholson, Invalid Link Removed, Invalid Link Removed, Annette Funicello, Frank Zappa, Sonny Liston, Timothy Carey, Invalid Link Removed and Ray Nitschke.[2] Also appearing on screen in brief non-speaking parts are Invalid Link Removed and film choreographer Invalid Link Removed.[2]

 
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#351
Another foray into the Rock and Roll Teenage World :)

Good Singin', Good Playin' - Wikipedia

R-2601728-1466368197-2247.jpeg.jpg

Zappa_MB_Funk116.gif
ee328e60ce55f92e1a62cdd9cdaf707a.jpg



But, y'all knew that :)
 
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#352
jamro217 said:
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.
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Frank did a great radio PSA that went like, “Don’t do drugs, it’ll make you like your parents.” We used to go wild whenever we heard it!
 
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#355
jamro217 said:
You really have to applaud Dweezil for being true to his father's music and not abusing his position to further his own career. What a selfless act to truly attempt to recreate his dad's work. It would be so easy for him to either rest on his inheritance or do his own musical project. That's great.
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Have you followed all the Zappa familial drama? Dweezil has had to fight to use his Dad's name.
Also, he doesn't control the family trust and I'm not so sure he inherited enough money to do nothing - his siblings control the trust,
which Frank's widow Gail allegedly left a leveraged mess.

Invalid Link Removed
 
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#356
Son of Wobble said:
Have you followed all the Zappa familial drama? Dweezil has had to fight to use his Dad's name.
Also, he doesn't control the family trust and I'm not so sure he inherited enough money to do nothing - his siblings control the trust,
which Frank's widow Gail allegedly left a leveraged mess.

Invalid Link Removed
Click to expand...
This is sad to hear. Reminds me of the familial battles between Jerry Garcia’s wives and Tom Petty’s issues. I assume it is not how any of them wanted their legacies to play out.
 
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#358
Son of Wobble said:
Have you followed all the Zappa familial drama? Dweezil has had to fight to use his Dad's name.
Also, he doesn't control the family trust and I'm not so sure he inherited enough money to do nothing - his siblings control the trust,
which Frank's widow Gail allegedly left a leveraged mess.

Invalid Link Removed
Click to expand...
I had no idea about any of this.​
 
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#360
PSA = Public Service Announcement, right?
...there's the other PSA. Irony, I guess.

Adding to my collection, I did buy the recently issued Orchestral Favourites 40th Anniversary).
I see there are some Halloween '73 sets soon to pop next month.
 
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