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Needs way more air quotes. Or Frank's ghost showing up and telling us how he really feels about being exploited by the corporate music machine after his death. Ain't no "Live" to it (and not much "hologram" either) just some sort of recorded image that's a whole lot easier to push around than ol' Frank.
Nostalgia is a hell of a drug
I think it's better in theory than in practice.
You'll get the tight band playing the great music but you won't get the spontaneity of a real Zappa performance.
It will be two dimensional IMO
I think it's better in theory than in practice.
You'll get the tight band playing the great music but you won't get the spontaneity of a real Zappa performance.
It will be two dimensional IMO
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I've been a Zappa fanatic since 1982, and I'd love nothing more than to see a live performance of Joe's Garage (one of my "Mt. Rushmore Of Music" albums"). But that being said, I'm on the fence about hologram performances. The bottom line is, you're only watching a pre-recorded performance no different than watching it on a screen or a TV.
But to be honest, yeah, I'd probably spring for a ticket and see it.
But to be honest, yeah, I'd probably spring for a ticket and see it.
Adrian Belew posted this on his Facebook page on Sunday:
A couple of hours later he posted this:
I think of Frank Zappa as my mentor. I realize I can never repay him for the opportunities he gave me. to be honest I played a very minor role in the Zappa universe and have always felt I get more credit than I deserve.
still, I jump at any chance I can to praise and honor Frank. so when one of his sons calls me to explain a possible concert series 18 months in the future, I am willing to listen.
in our brief conversation Ahmet explained the holographic concept and asked if it was something I might consider being part of. it didn't occur to me that Frank's fans might find it distasteful. admittedly I didn't think that part through.
I told Ahmet if I felt strongly it would be a great way to celebrate Frank's music, yes, I would consider being part of it. he asked permission to use my name in the announcement and I gave him permission.
still, I jump at any chance I can to praise and honor Frank. so when one of his sons calls me to explain a possible concert series 18 months in the future, I am willing to listen.
in our brief conversation Ahmet explained the holographic concept and asked if it was something I might consider being part of. it didn't occur to me that Frank's fans might find it distasteful. admittedly I didn't think that part through.
I told Ahmet if I felt strongly it would be a great way to celebrate Frank's music, yes, I would consider being part of it. he asked permission to use my name in the announcement and I gave him permission.
A couple of hours later he posted this:
here are my final thoughts on the entire Zappa affair: respectfully count me out.
I will not be playing Zappa music in the foreseeable future in any situation.
this whole thing is far too caustic and divisive.
I will say I have always admired Dweezil for playing his father's music and playing it so damn perfectly. I remember time spent with young Moon and how much I really liked her. recently I met Diva for the first time (she works on Billy Bob Thornton's tour) and she was very nice to me. though I have yet to meet Ahmet in person, he too has been nice to me. earlier this year he asked me to write liner notes for the upcoming Zappa Halloween box set and he treated me respectfully.
I do know one thing: Frank loved his family.
I have many positive creative things to do. I hope you all will enjoy them. none of them will have anything to do with the current Zappa universe, but I will always revere and love Frank.
I will not be playing Zappa music in the foreseeable future in any situation.
this whole thing is far too caustic and divisive.
I will say I have always admired Dweezil for playing his father's music and playing it so damn perfectly. I remember time spent with young Moon and how much I really liked her. recently I met Diva for the first time (she works on Billy Bob Thornton's tour) and she was very nice to me. though I have yet to meet Ahmet in person, he too has been nice to me. earlier this year he asked me to write liner notes for the upcoming Zappa Halloween box set and he treated me respectfully.
I do know one thing: Frank loved his family.
I have many positive creative things to do. I hope you all will enjoy them. none of them will have anything to do with the current Zappa universe, but I will always revere and love Frank.
Yep...nope
Anyone who can imagine 200 Motels could never be done justice by a trick of light and a recording.
An animatronic dessicated corpse puppet in the image of FZ with an equally worn and rotten guitar would be more in keeping with the attitude and vision of the original Zombie Woof.
Not to mention I saw the Hank and Hank jr "tribute" with Hank as a hologram and it was indeed very hollow.
Anyone who can imagine 200 Motels could never be done justice by a trick of light and a recording.
An animatronic dessicated corpse puppet in the image of FZ with an equally worn and rotten guitar would be more in keeping with the attitude and vision of the original Zombie Woof.
Not to mention I saw the Hank and Hank jr "tribute" with Hank as a hologram and it was indeed very hollow.
Haven't seen any reviews or heard any feedback about last night's debute, but fwiw there was absolutely nothing about those three videos that didn't disabuse me of the notion that this hologram tour is a lame money-grab and/or Ahmet's attempt to mess with Dweezil's livelihood.
[edit: Ahmet's further attempt]
Is that a real Frank Zappa or a Sears Frank Zappa? Smells like sibling rivalry to me.
First off, he was a genius and an amazing artist.
BUT, make no mistake. He was also part of "the machine" and a brilliant marketer. He was not above selling any more than The Greatful Dead were.
So for his fans to take this so personally is ridiculous. He wasn't a God. He was a man. And he sold a zillion records and was rich. He was a capitalist. He died with a net worth north of $40 million. So he wasn't opposed to making a dollar. And he likely wouldn't oppose some friends and family touring and jamming with his likeness.... or turning a profit while they did it.
Anyone stop to think about the musicians? Maybe it would have been fun for Zappa's kids or Steve Vai to get a chance to act out being on stage with Frank again.
But, no. We gotta get our collective panties in a wad and ASSUME that we know what Frank would have wanted.
The (insert inappropriate language here) internet has become the quickest way ever for a mob of idiots to grab up torches and pitchforks. That's about all it's used for these days.
Gimme a break.
BUT, make no mistake. He was also part of "the machine" and a brilliant marketer. He was not above selling any more than The Greatful Dead were.
So for his fans to take this so personally is ridiculous. He wasn't a God. He was a man. And he sold a zillion records and was rich. He was a capitalist. He died with a net worth north of $40 million. So he wasn't opposed to making a dollar. And he likely wouldn't oppose some friends and family touring and jamming with his likeness.... or turning a profit while they did it.
Anyone stop to think about the musicians? Maybe it would have been fun for Zappa's kids or Steve Vai to get a chance to act out being on stage with Frank again.
But, no. We gotta get our collective panties in a wad and ASSUME that we know what Frank would have wanted.
The (insert inappropriate language here) internet has become the quickest way ever for a mob of idiots to grab up torches and pitchforks. That's about all it's used for these days.
Gimme a break.
I really admire Dweezil for his work to keep the music alive. I'll be going to his Hot Rats Tour in November. A couple of years ago he fell out big time with Ahmet and even started a No Fake Franks campaign against this. I was in no way going to be part of this. Until last night. I found out by chance that they're playing Edinburgh next Thursday. I was curious but when I heard that Scott Thunes was playing along with Ray White, Mike Keneally, Bobby Martin and Ed Mann, I thought that made it more worthwhile. I've always wanted to see Thunes. So I've bought a ticket - there seem to be plenty left but it is priced quite high for a show where the star won't actually be there. I paid about 40% less to see Dweezil and I've a feeling that will sell out (again) and have a better atmosphere. I'm treating this more like a trip to the theatre than a real gig but it should be worth it just for the live musicians. I hope. Anyone else going?
And it was like the theatre. Ahmet was out front before the show taking selfies with the crowd. The hologram was used about 4 or 5 times and is a tiny part of the show.
If you plan to go to the show you may not want to read this next bit.
Six amazing musicians were cramped up, 3 on each side of a big screen thing. Most of the show involved animations that really distract from the music and the live musicians. The best bit is where there is no hologram or video of Frank and the band just play. But they have no space. Sound was pretty crap too. That can be an issue at that venue, especially if you are under the balcony as I was for the first half. They were "forced" to take a break (their words). So I moved up to an empty seat closer to the stage and the sound was much better. Before the last song Ahmet gets up to sing and dance. I thought this felt really cheesy but then he doesn't have Dweezil's talent so maybe it's just his way to reconnect with his dad. I didn't really like it and felt a bit sorry for him.
Would I recommend it? No. I'm looking forward to Deeezils Tour in November. I know that will be good as his band have chemistry. This felt gimmicky, 2 dimensional and overpriced. The only positive thing was seeing Thunes play, even if he didn't have room to dance about like he used to.
If you plan to go to the show you may not want to read this next bit.
Six amazing musicians were cramped up, 3 on each side of a big screen thing. Most of the show involved animations that really distract from the music and the live musicians. The best bit is where there is no hologram or video of Frank and the band just play. But they have no space. Sound was pretty crap too. That can be an issue at that venue, especially if you are under the balcony as I was for the first half. They were "forced" to take a break (their words). So I moved up to an empty seat closer to the stage and the sound was much better. Before the last song Ahmet gets up to sing and dance. I thought this felt really cheesy but then he doesn't have Dweezil's talent so maybe it's just his way to reconnect with his dad. I didn't really like it and felt a bit sorry for him.
Would I recommend it? No. I'm looking forward to Deeezils Tour in November. I know that will be good as his band have chemistry. This felt gimmicky, 2 dimensional and overpriced. The only positive thing was seeing Thunes play, even if he didn't have room to dance about like he used to.
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So milk it for every possible penny?? Fair enough.
Maybe Mojo was on to something after all.
Dweezil is the only one who should make any dough from his father's music.
I have tickets to the Hot Rats tour this fall. I have seen him twice and each time
he had a different rithym section that were incredibly hot. He works his ass off
and his siblings give him poopie.
I have tickets to the Hot Rats tour this fall. I have seen him twice and each time
he had a different rithym section that were incredibly hot. He works his ass off
and his siblings give him poopie.
