Frank Zappa - 30 Years

[alantig]

It's been 30 years since Frank Zappa died. Hard to believe how the time has flown. I was lucky enough to see him three times, including twice on the final tour in 1988. Aside from all of his wonderful music, he's led me to a plethora of wonderful musicians, all of which I can trace back to him.

One of my favorites, from the final tour.

 

[alantig]

 

[dmatthews]

What an incredible, versatile, logical, and humorous human.
He is missed...

 

[alantig]

 

[alantig]

 

[alantig]

 

[alantig]

 

[alantig]

And the "hits".

 

[alantig]

 

[dmatthews]

Be rappin'

 

[Moondog Wily]

My musical GOD! I won't blather on here (maybe later), but anyone who does not at least respect the genius that this man was is dead weight to me!! Zappa for President!!! Was able to see him just once, and it was my first concert as well ;~))

 

[FragileThunder]

Zappa and Miles are my two biggest regrets in the “musicians I could have seen but missed” category. In both cases, I literally COULD have seen them but passed up tickets under the always foolish “I’ll see them another time” premise. Both times I didn’t go to the show with friends because of a girl.

In my defense, I was an 18 year old male at the time.

 

[alantig]

My musical GOD! I won't blather on here (maybe later), but anyone who does not at least respect the genius that this man was is dead weight to me!! Zappa for President!!! Was able to see him just once, and it was my first concert as well ;~))

Talk about setting the bar high!

The first time I saw FZ, we got tix at the venue the day of the show. Had issues parking, walked in just as things were starting. There were issues w/finding the seats. One usher sat us one place, then someone came with those tix. So that usher moved us to another place, same thing happened again. THAT usher took us into the lobby, looked at our tix, and said, "Wait here." Came back a couple minutes later and said, "Follow me." They'd set up folding chairs for us. In the aisle. Center stage, about 10 feet away from the man. Glorious doesn't begin to describe it.

 

[bodia]

Man, I can't believe it's been 30 years!

 

[Maxime Bousquet]

FZ was exceptional, a crazy talent!

 

[garrettb]

I didn't get into Frank until after his death. Between what he released during his lifetime and the vault, there is a seemingly endless supply.

I've been digging the heck out of the Over-Nite Sensation 50th Anniversary edition that was recently released. Mostly because it has two live recordings from that early '73 band, which was a great iteration not heard much.

 

[Moondog Wily]

Did not want to start a new thread on this but here is some stuff that came to me via email in the latest FZ newsletter. Interesting to say the least to see how the "GTO's" enjoyed FZ's show!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Behold... a full 14 minutes of vault footage from the Whisky a Go Go show 56 years ago is available for your viewing pleasure!

Shot on July 23, 1968, this historical 16mm footage of Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention at Whisky a Go Go in West Hollywood, CA has been newly restored! The film has been newly synced to the 2023 mixes, marking the first time it's ever been seen with audio. Frank Zappa never had the opportunity to see this footage synced to the music. Now you do.

The film was shot in increments and features silent performance footage of The Mothers along with scenes involving The Freaks and the premiere of The GTO's (Girls Together Outrageously). In the audience were Flo & Eddie (The Turtles), John Mayall, Elliot Ingber (The Fraternity Of Man), Alice Cooper and members of the Rolling Stones.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

[Mike J.]

30 years! Whoa! I remember hearing the news on my radio at work. "The Zappa family has just announced that Frank Zappa has left for his final tour."

Saw him in 1973 at Cobo Arena in Detroit. Fabulous concert!

 

[Moondog Wily]

30 years! Whoa! I remember hearing the news on my radio at work. "The Zappa family has just announced that Frank Zappa has left for his final tour."

Saw him in 1973 at Cobo Arena in Detroit. Fabulous concert!

I was able to see him just once in 1984! It was pretty cool that it was my first concert ;~)) He was wearing a pink jumpsuit and an orange full moon rose up right behind the stage!! Epic experience!!! Zappa for President (he may be dead, but I think he is still the best choice) ;~))

 

[archtop]

I'm still amazed by this solo.