The Band from Utopia - Frank Zappa's Outside Now (Stuttgart Jazz Open, July 94)

[@TimZuellig]

For some reason, Ike Willis' voice is just mesmerizing to me - always has been. Outside Now is hypnotic. And then Ike completely shreds on that solo. I could watch this 10 times in a row and never get bored with it. Just beautiful.

[@TimZuellig]

I completely agree. Something about Ike's voice is just... mesmerizing. Always felt this way. I didn't know he could shred like that, either. What an amazing composition, performed flawlessly.

[@HoursFreeAOLsp]

Ike is one of the reasons I fell in love with Frank Zappa's music.

[@sanfordsanford295]

Its no mystery, Mr Willis has a lovely voice and a great talent for singing

[@danielwagner5596]

He’s one of the bests.

[@alexriogrande1388]

I'm not always the biggest Jazz fan but I've always loved Zappa's writing and I totally agree, Ike's voice is amazing. I loved every bit of this performance.

[@gizzad]

This was 6 months after frank died. You could tell the emotion was powerful here. wow.

[@done1675]

Agreed. This was fucking deep.

[@dvened]

8 months. and yes

[@bencenemeth8429]

@@dvened thank you Master :)

[@jglasernyc]

This video gets better with each viewing.

[@Revelator2025]

Heavy with emotional layers clearly felt. Wow

[@BLzBob.7268]

This is always my go to track when I feel sorry for Franks musicians after he passed. Very emotive. They carried the torch.

[@dcra2563]

Wow that trombone solo by Bruce Fowler completely boggles my mind every time I see it; I*'m like, what? I've never heard that instrument do anything like that. He showed his love for Frank by becoming so vulnerable, they all did, but Fowler, as usual is the man.

[@ijustgottasaythis]

You are so right! I was tearing up at the lamenting type of trombone sounds...sounded like it was crying for Frank himself. I never appreciated the mellowness of this instrument. Always only thought trombone, was for Sachmo or parades, or Dixieland or a football game band...incredible!

[@liammcooper]

best 11/8 trombone solo in live rock history

[@runrunrun6777]

I wish I could like this 100 times...

[@MichaelTobin-m1d]

I Do it's Ike's Will

[@haraldbrinkies4860]

And even 🎉 one more

[@MichaelTobin-m1d]

100 Times X pick a number

[@haraldbrinkies4860]

Do it 🎉!!!

[@fubthegreat]

👍🏾🙏🏿❤️

[@jordianme1441]

I like to think that when Ike looks above during his singing...he's still following Frank's hands instruction from the sky...outside now. You' ll live forever Frank.

[@73sebrougham]

Damn I feel I could tear up now

[@Stevejoohee]

You know he is

[@timowalker24]

That’s exactly what i thought ... nothing like Ike’s voice ... i can’t wait to see what it’s like on the outside now ... thank you frank

[@SyndicatedKobolds]

That look that Ike gives at 4:34. It truly is one of the most deepest and saddest concerts I've watched. Frank is wonderful. Rest in peace Frank.

[@7Beyonder]

still remains one of the most beautiful arpeggios Ive ever heard...

[@ProgBartleby]

Ike Willis's finest hour. Bravo Ike...bravo my friend.

[@michaelfadian]

This is heavy. Intense emotion going on here for obvious reasons. Ike's playing like it's the last thing he' ever going to play. And his ability to purposely mimic Zappa's solo style is unbelievable.. I knew he was a good guitar player, but jesus. Also cool to hear Wackerman letting loose a little more than other times with the polyrhythms. Similar to how Vinnie played it.

[@haraldbrinkies4860]

Sooo inerside

[@MrPlooky]

They must have been devastated when Frank passed, such unique talent they all were..this is emotional..

[@Meestermeester899]

Man this rocks. None of these guys were traditional "rock stars". They didn't dress the part, or party like fools, but all of them could shred better than anyone out.

[@itsonlywalking6346]

Real musicians

[@seanbrennan5192]

Zappa had the best bands in the world

[@volpeverde6441]

the members of the ZAPPA band NEVER EVER SHREDED....they had more class than that....

[@jamescerone]

@@volpeverde6441I mean, idk what you would call Zappa’s guitar soloing style other than literally shredding lmao Also, Steve Vai is one of the first guitarists most people think about when they say “shredding”. Granted that was post-Zappa, but you can’t say none of the members ever shredded lol

[@volpeverde6441]

@jamescerone shredding is an awful bloody noise....guitarists seeing how fast they can play a million billion notes.... ZAPPA was the EXACT OPPOSITE....he would SACRIFICE SPEED to ACTUALLY SAY SOMETHING ON THE GUITAR....FRANK could make a big noise along with the rest of em....but it was too classical and tuneful to be called SHREDDING.... I've got 50 odd bootlegs and he's played some very weird shit....in some very weird tempos.... but never once have i heard any....'SHREDDING'.... ZAPPA was NOT death metal.... NOT ZAPPA, Ike, Ray, Denny, Adrian, Mike..... even Stevie's 'stunt guitar'.....came close to that clichéd crap....

[@gogogostopstop3891]

that was a pretty respectable guitar solo... Frank might just be smiling right now I miss you, Frank

[@timevaporwave]

Yes I thought the same. The resemblence to Frank is uncanny. I didn't know Ike could play like that.

[@gtyler7451]

Ike Willis... beautiful

[@BLzBob.7268]

Frank chose Ike to sing lead vocals. And he became the voice on many later tracks. I wasn't so sure I liked the fact Franks voice was replaced by Ike at first, but I soon realised why. Pitch perfect, total understanding of the lyrics, best man for the job. Also loved him and Ray singing Franks snipes at racism.

[@kriswright4814]

Brother Ike is channeling Frank❤

[@jameswood214]

there is no doubt frank zappa only surrounded himself with world class musical people

[@latsvarga]

This one is 110 procent in the spirit of Frank Zappa !!!!! Abso fuckin lutely awesome!!!!!

[@typodhitzemann6851]

Fantastic. Cant imagine what issue Gail could've had with performances like this.

[@jglasernyc]

Greed maybe?

[@arekhautaluoma4276]

@@jglasernyc More than greed, I think it's some delusional attachment to preserving his memory/'legacy' (something which Zappa spoke about not caring about), but in a way that ends up being overprotectionist and self-serving. At least that's how I view how Gail used to act, and how Ahmet currently acts towards Dweezil. The hologram tour that Ahmet tried to sideline Dweezil with had some great personnel, but was an overhyped capitalized push by Ahmet, all while Ahmet held legal repercussions over Dweezil for touring under the Zappa name. All very bizarre, and not in the good way.

[@simonpepper9721]

Love.

[@seanbrennan5192]

@@arekhautaluoma4276 It was the worst show I’ve ever been to unfortunately. People were heckling Ahmet and shouting “bring out Dweezle” I left before the encore. The only one that rivals it was the Roger Waters “this is not a drill” show. 😂 Christ that was bad…

[@jglasernyc]

@@mcfahk I came in second, you achieved the top prize!

[@Marcone_]

20 years missing you, Frank

[@markforrest5599]

Of all of Frank's songs, I think and hope that his heart and spirit lies in this one. You're right - Frank is conducting from on high...both Bruce and Ike appear to be feeling his presence here. How lucky they must be...

[@jmitch623]

Beautiful. I miss Frank.

[@kipphawley4514]

Shit I sure missed those days back when I was able to see FZ live. Nowadays it seems little bit difficult and different now days. R.I.P FZ. Last few years ago I had the opportunity to see FZ Son Dewezziel, and he was very interesting and humble of a great person. Also that he was very friendly and shook my hand. I have enjoyed his professionalism and his work ethic when he plays his father's music.

[@blackmurphy9606]

Props to Ike for vocals and guitar solo.

[@jonathanschadenfreude9603]

Im getting outa here pretty soon! then I wont have to live in this ugly fucken room! LOVE IT!

[@izatafactnow]

Frank is the Genius ... Willis allowed him to widly fully display/show it. Bless them all

[@Bogart9Friends]

Ike Willis, and Napoleon Murphy Brock, Ruth, George, these folks are as much "Zappa" as Frank himself. Without Ike there is no Joes' Garage. He's amazing. I'd be happy if I could just sing like that and he can rock the guitar, he's a double edge sword.

[@dvened]

long live Frank Zappa

[@jglasernyc]

This has become one of my favorite versions of this song. Somewhere Frank was smiling and probably smoking a cigarette!

[@vote4ulvio]

Love the trombone sole

[@Thousand_yard_King]

Sitting here thinking about Frank and missing him, so I looked up Ike . So glad I did.

[@ELECTROxigeno76.]

Ike Willis its a Unique, 🎩🎸

[@bellsibub9951]

Frank would have been proud!

[@haraldbrinkies4860]

Would? Is!

[@DennisLindy]

so nice .. i am flat down

[@kb4446]

The Ikester!!!!! We love you Ike Willis!!!!

[@kb4446]

Excellent! Wind! I love you guys so much! Sweeeeeeet! Awesome job!

[@kb4446]

Franks spirit somehow lives through you Ike! Everyone knows it.we Love you Ike!

[@326vince]

6 months after we lost Frank,they kept the spirit alive perfectly!

[@jprice1122]

I saw Ike and the Band from Utopia in Portland many years ago, and if you closed your eyes you would swear that it was Frank playing. Ike Willis has continued the legacy,. As an addendum , Dweezil has a special place as well.

[@MikkelGrumBovin]

iM LITTERALLY CRYING - THIS IS SO BEAUTIFUL - MAKES ME THINK OF .....WE ALL KNOW WHO....IN A LONELY , BLUE, LIKE ....HOMESICK WAY ,- 😭❣

[@nothing-b2n]

You were my favorite of Frank's people,,and you yourself

[@murvon]

I love ZPZ, but, this, is the closest we will ever get back to FZ style, mood, feel, of any Zappa concert from the past. Ike's solo in nothing short of amazing. God bless no Scott Thunes. I love this tune with "BANED" Music is the best, Frank I miss you everyday. Can't wait to hook up in heaven one day. Your music keeps me goin each and every single fucking day. Arthur, you fucking rock big time. Love you Tommy Mars.

[@benbarletta2927]

WOW! Amazing!!!

[@VoodooDangerbird]

That was beautiful, Ike.

[@DouglasWatts]

Ike's singing, esp. on this song, is what motivated me to try to sing. Total balls and total style.

[@blzbob7936]

All of the gigs so soon after Franks passing would have been tough. They all knew the tunes (obviously) but their main man wasn't there. Ike stepped up and performed Franks tunes brilliantly, even vamping Franks guitar style to make every performance a Frank Zappa experience. The big man is still carrying Franks torch. Can't wait to see him in Liverpool in October 2019, to thank him for keeping Franks material alive.

[@Tranarpnorra]

This was certainly the best iteration of "the old guard" and this song certainly brings up so much in its performance. The song, the players, the performance... Ooof! FZ said it in no uncertain ways, "Music is the BEST!"

[@MichaelTobin-m1d]

He SURE Did

[@ProgBartleby]

Simply outstanding! God Bless this amazing performance. Ike Willis is sensational! Bruce Fowler is gonzo! The whole band is remarkable. OMG Tommy Mars! I must see the rest of this performance!

[@no-eb1yc]

Those damn executives.

[@MichaelTobin-m1d]

and F*** their Secretary's

[@danielwagner5596]

Ike Willis is so awesome.

[@TheVinnyt63]

makes me think of passing from this world to the next, very structured and peaceful

[@paulojorgemoura3308]

Muito bem. Cumprimentos.

[@HenryPerez_royal_hp]

Holy shit, that horn solo was sublime! I hope it pissed the fuck out of a few execs!

[@Joepepelombardo]

+Henry Perez Hell yeah it was

[@MichaelTobin-m1d]

NVM the Execs F*** their Secretary's@@Joepepelombardo

[@simonpepper9721]

That geetar solo was such a tribute to Frank . Thumbs up 100pc. Brilliant. Thank you band.

[@SpiritOfRadio2112]

Also gotta love the Big Swifty quotes. Very Frank of him.

[@alexarmenta2893]

Ike showing how much he loved Frank Zappa!!!! I love it!!!!

[@bobbeattie9695]

Franktastic!

[@ruloh01]

Ike! Man!

[@fubthegreat]

Super Dope❤👍🙏🙏🏾

[@freddykulpmann2277]

Ich habe die Band im Kölner Tanzbrunnen gesehen. Die beste Zappa Band ohne den Meister! I Miss him so mutch! 💕

[@ChanceEvans777]

This Cover ROCKS!

[@chrisnealis4270]

I wouldn’t really call it a cover when it’s being performed by a group of original Zappa musicians. Anything with Ike involved can hardly be considered such.

[@xsellsbrod]

absolutely Fantastic IKE WILLIS is so GREAT

[@seanhennessey9869]

wow, I had never seen Ike play guitar before except as a prop with FZ, perfect for this song, great voice and I bet he is a funny guy

[@lotus8812]

but man can he sing.

[@xavierpaquin]

Nice trombone solo... excellent song

[@ijustgottasaythis]

Even though you wrote that comment about the trombone 9 years ago, you are so right, nice. The trombone can be so sad, from I just choked up from 6:03 on. I never realized how much I missed Frank Zappa, about as much as those Men from Utopia. What would he be making now? Just good emotions here.

[@jgreber1790]

Having both Ike Willis and Ray White in the same band along with the other amazing band members in the Zappa fold over the years you just got a believe that the stars aligned for Frank! Watching this wonderful trombone solo makes me think. How do you tell a good trombone player? His knuckles drag the ground when he walks(well, at least the knuckles on one arm).

[@zaperfan]

Amazing

[@dvened]

what a great performance i love this band, thank you so much guys

[@danielwagner5596]

Everyone go support PROJECT OBJECT!!!!

[@blzbob7936]

Back again. Still warms my heart, but makes me tear up.

[@cliffordlee1898]

What a fucking amazing performance, Ike is stunning, top top vocals, in fact everything, brilliant😮

[@papas_lapas]

His voice is the only acceptable version of this track.

[@chrisnealis4270]

Ike is just... the best.

[@otflipz1]

go ike! so beautiful

[@xwarx1000]

Ike.W voice is Special!!

[@MichaelTobin-m1d]

Heaven sent from Frank the Iconoclast

[@gmtb8014]

We got to give it up to Ike!!!

[@tennesseekayakd255]

This is wonderfully real. Unbelievably it was captured on video. Let’s keep up the good work

[@alexarmenta2893]

Happy birthday to the Master!!!!

[@tennesseekayakd255]

Excellent in every way. One of the greatest songs ever

[@saltybildo4415]

Tears man ,RIP FRANK

[@MichaelTobin-m1d]

This from the man that gave us..... "Were Beatrice" Cracking Frank Up as told in The Real Frank Zappa Book Allow Me A Long NYC Minute To LIKE Everyone's Comments....

[@blzbob7936]

Always seek this track when I'm missing Frank. So proud of Ike and the band for 'carrying the torch' so soon after Franks passing. Heart warming yet very sad at the same time. Love to you all who know what I mean. X

[@blzbob7936]

here again . .

[@markgilham2453]

Love Ike ❤

[@mikesudderth9361]

Just saw Ike Willis Project in Manchester, NH Sunday. His rendition of this song was magical. His voice and even the harmonies from the group were beautiful. Here's the kicker...as in the performance here....he wailed...smartly, interesting and totally Frank. I didn't think he had it in him. I stand corrected, Ike Willis can kill it still.

[@darryllandry9904]

Frank Zappa forged a tool with the finest edge and it's name is Isaac.

[@deanlongthon4963]

One two and three. Masterpieces. I was 14 when I was turned on to it.love it to this day

[@morenogiannelli8279]

Walt Fowler Trombone solo delizioso.

[@jockbeems4798]

Freakin' awesome!

[@michelkovac9657]

Suenan hermoso siempre lo extrañamos

[@dakotabuddha]

had many fun nights with ike.

[@identifiantidentifie397]

Ma che bello é sto pezzo, ipnotico….

[@nothing-b2n]

You go Ike

[@dontask1843]

quite sue Ike has one of the best voices out there, Joe;s Garage is a masterpiece

[@joaquinodriozola4963]

hell yeah man. ike's vocals were sublime on that album!

[@chrisnealis4270]

How about some bondage and humiliation?

[@joaquinodriozola4963]

Chris Nealis anything you say, master.

[@chrisnealis4270]

Careful, don't plook me too hard.

[@garycoon6866]

I couldn't agree more, I love Ike's voice, especially on Joe's Garage. Lucille is amazing

[@BigThommo]

I'm not crying, you're crying

[@jkorshak]

Fuck, that was beautiful.

[@woodzy5840]

Ike, your talents will live forever, Your the real Deal, ZAP ON!! Love it!

[@liviocesarmenezes261]

Amazing show!!!!

[@st939]

This should have been sent out in the Voyager probes as the achievement of humanity in music.

[@kipponi]

Beautiful! So many feelings I got this and biggest is amazement. Just flowing with this song.

[@vincentagro1370]

Yea man

[@danielaverill521]

Love Ike

[@morenogiannelli8279]

Bel solo di Walt Fowler , elegante come sempre , compreso Willis e tutta la band.

[@llamaman2126]

Of course this is missing a certain something, but what the hey. If he'd never been here and I saw this, I'd say Kick-ass band, worth following. Love you all and Thanks.

[@27solonsoho]

Ike is the man