Frank Zappa Muffin Man Live 1977 HD

Muffin Man is a song recorded live by Frank Zappa and The Mothers. It appears on his 1975 mostly live album Bongo Fury made with Captain Beefheart (Don Van Vliet). The song begins with studio-recorded spoken word lyrics delivered by Zappa and is followed by the chorus. The song was inspired by the traditional nursery rhyme, The Muffin Man. The song closes the album, as well as the compilation Strictly Commercial, and was also used as a finale in concerts for many years afterwards. The song's tone was compared to Jimi Hendrix's style. An alternative live version of "Muffin Man" appears on disc one (track 22) of the compilation You Can't Do That on Stage Anymore, Vol. 6. This song also appears on the 2009 album released by the Zappa Family Trust Philly '76, the 2002 album FZ:OZ and the 2003 album Halloween.
Frank Zappa's son, Dweezil, along with his Zappa Plays Zappa (ZPZ) band, have featured "Muffin Man" on many concert tours. In 2010, they offered video footage of Frank Zappa playing "Muffin Man," along with isolated Frank Zappa guitar parts, so Dweezil and ZPZ accompanied live Frank Zappa and his extended guitar solo.
The meaning of the song was never fully explained by Frank Zappa, and as such there are many interpretations. The "Muffin Man" of the song appears to be a new kind of food aficionado, one who has taken his love for muffins on a scientific and semi-religious level. He can simply be considered an incarnation of gluttony. In a more generic way, he could represent fanaticism for a certain matter, that turns him away from other interests in life. There are some who have interpreted his loyalty towards his favourite food as a parody of the repetitive bourgeois life Zappa despised. In the chorus an unnamed "girl" is introduced, who appears to have been in a love affair with the muffin man. This part can be interpreted as a record of her sexual delusions: her man was so focused in his research for the perfect muffin that he didn't give her pleasure ("no cries is heard in the night" probably refers to orgasms). Considering Zappa's typical sexual themes, it has been speculated that the song can be entirely read as a sexual innuendo.
In the Spring of 1975 Frank Zappa and his famed Mothers went on tour with long-time collaborator Captain Beefheart. The "mostly live" Bongo Fury came out in October of the same year. The album concludes with a bit of Zappa absurdity that would become a concert favourite in years to come.
Muffin Man consists of three separate segments, a studio-recorded preamble and a live chorus followed by an extended guitar solo. In it Zappa tells of the Muffin Man, more a muffin scientist than an ordinary muffin enthusiast, who takes a break from his important work at the Utility Muffin Research Kitchen to expound of the glories of his most beloved pastry. Of course Muffin Man's real greatness comes not from the amusing story, but from Zappa's transcendent guitar. Zappa was a legendarily talented and prolific artist who willed himself to the outer limits of popular music. He is remembered for his humorous, crude and confrontational lyrics, dedication to the rights of free speech, and contempt for the musical mainstream, but is sometimes overlooked as a guitar player. With a devilish Gibson SG, he produced some of the most frantically explosive guitar work ever committed to vinyl. "Muffin Man" stands as the greatest testament to his virtuosity.
Wikipedia

[@nikzar9889]

Cool thing about this song is that it's 5% lyrics, 80% guitar, 15% muffin.

[@JS-pd7lg]

It's boiled down to the true essence

[@jessewoody5772]

I just made a batch of Cherry Strudel Muffins in my muffin kitchen. Every time I make muffins Frank is right here beside me.

[@naturesfinest4871]

@@jessewoody5772 he helps eat 'em too, huh ?

[@jessewoody5772]

@@naturesfinest4871 he just brushes his scapula aside and shoves em down his shirt. And the I have to tell him to shut up and play his guitar.

[@jessewoody5772]

Frank just helped with some Blueberry Muffins this time round. Once again the Muffin Man Delivers. . . . .

[@118B]

Frank Zappa quote: "Your mind is like a parachute! Useless unless it's open". So simple, so true👌🏻

[@rokk144]

Thanks!👌

[@central_scrutinizer]

Love it, love zappa but fuck the rangers ;)

[@joeysplats3209]

That was actually Frank Lloyd Wright.

[@Fionnlagh66]

@@Matthew-ut6ed It was actually Thomas Dewar, a Scotsman, from the Dewar's Whisky distilling family. He died in 1930, more than ten years before Zappa's birth. www.brainyquote.com/authors/thomas-dewar-quotes

[@rickdavis8854]

Love this quote great band one of my favorites

[@user-bv7jc]

“If you end up with a boring miserable life because you listened to your mom, your dad, your teacher, your priest, or some guy on television telling you how to do your shit, then you deserve it.” "If you want to get laid, go to college. If you want an education, go to the library." - Zappa

[@ShadyRonin]

Where did he say the first quote?

[@user-bv7jc]

@@ShadyRonin no clue I saw the quote on the Internet once

[@wallace9075]

Well that's about the some of it

[@johannesswarts1440]

Yeah, pretty much my experience... Laid a lot in college, but the books have stood me better in stead over the many years. Though I can't say I necessarily regret the college years...

[@stevenklocinski8558]

Whether if it's real or not, who knows but it's still one of the more inspirational things I've heard in a long time.@@ShadyRonin

[@spingebill8551]

Shaking hands with your fans as a guitarist… during your guitar solo! Only a man as legendary as Frank Zappa could pull this off!

[@kenfryer2090]

He could do it because his playing was so crap it didn't make a difference

[@spingebill8551]

@@kenfryer2090 you clearly haven’t heard this song played with serious intent. And yes, what Frank was doing here wasnt serious, Frank got a drunk dude on the stage to sing his song. It’s all just fun, as concerts should be.

[@F1Slunk]

Buckethead lets you play his killswitch live.

[@jimtellez3681]

CHINGONAZO bigotón 🎸🔥.

[@Yourbankaccount]

​@@spingebill8551 stop making shit up. "The drunk dude" wasn't drunk. It was his personal security guard.

[@the_maryamfitz4961]

First time hearing Zappa, and I’m mind blown. 90’s girl here… how come I’m just learning about this dude??

[@lancehouston4156]

It’s a full and wonderful journey. Check out the songs ,”Inca Roads”, “watermelon and Easter Hay”,and “Black Napkins”🎼💫

[@LMB222]

It's coz you're Murican. Blame the school system. And the radio. Elsewhere you can hear Zappa on the radio.

[@ItalyHistoryXxX]

Sorella,sei nella strada giusta 🖤🇮🇹

[@Jim1701X]

No one’s making money off him these days

[@igoramaral893]

There's still salvation for you! 😊

[@A_Stone_Jack_Baller]

My neighbors loved this set so much! They threw a brick into my window so they could hear it better 📢 🧱 🪟 🎶🎶🎶💃🕺🏼

[@zanetamatjacic7595]

Ahaha ✌️

[@BrickInMind]

😂 good one

[@psychedkieran]

That’s tremendous ahahahahahaha

[@FranktheCrankNY]

Dude it is the start of my day. You got me laughing. Thank you for the laugh. Humor belongs in music.

[@Ervin-y9q]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂❤

[@svorttsirhc1814]

@ 1:35 stops to pick up a roll of paper and throw it back at the crowd, and proceeds with the most kick as solo of the universe. Thanks Frank Zappa for your music.

[@youriami9411]

I wonder where that roll of paper is at now.

[@svorttsirhc1814]

@@youriami9411 timeless question

[@fuckamericanidiot]

Great throw too

[@carolbeville733]

Exactly!! ❤

[@nwmnwm5889]

And thanks Frank for the paper

[@TheNietzscheanPupper]

Legend has it that riff is still playing

[@DavidJones-ey6ie]

Belew is killing it, then zappa comes in and slays with that unmistakable tone!

[@AL_KING777]

490’s.

[@shaftalight]

2:05 He kept the solo going with one hand while doling out high-fives and handshakes to a bunch of people in the crowd with his other hand!

[@JosephDawson1986]

Thats easy to do when your guitar solos aren't pre made and practiced pieces.

[@AL_KING777]

Very Mick Ronson.

[@smokeysalmon68]

Anytime I see this I can't help think Tom Morellos style is based on Frank

[@BMJ0877]

Josehdawson.. why don’t you post a YT video of yourself showing how easy it is you boring melt

[@R4ptor2]

dude sings about muffins then launches into one of the hottest guitar solos I have ever heard. legendary stuff

[@airesalmeida7879]

E verdade

[@dj-um7el]

Exactly

[@jodylowe8476]

Adrian Belew showing his guitar god chops

[@SuperLocalsearch]

you don't often see someone shaking hands while in the middle of a solo lol thats just how great he was as a guitarist

[@albertotamburini9908]

How to play elecric guitar

[@albertotamburini9908]

Sorry ELECTRIC

[@robertcrabtree4843]

Show off

[@MarkTarmannPianoCheck_it_out]

it was just a little hammer on riff . please.

[@workhorse7134]

Lot of bum notes going on in this performance. I love the song but man you can hear lots of missed notes.

[@natechiodo427]

1:20 when you hear Frank slide into the main riff you know shit’s about to get real.

[@eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee-s3p]

noticed the same thing

[@sairamr6886]

Frank's SG straight up gobbled that stratocaster

[@_Only_Zuul]

he got a ton of stage volume there..

[@downrodeo2112]

It's like him cocking a machine gun

[@marlon-jl4ge]

Shit ugly zappa changed the music World of boring assholes 🤣

[@Jerzeh]

Adrian Belew is a god tier guitarist himself, him and Zappa together is something else.

[@anothervinnie7413]

« I may not be the best guitarist but I am the most dangerous » -FZ

[@mynameismud7601]

hes full of love for music and you can hear that in every of zappas songs but especially in the live versions . he was a god and will stay with us !

[@markgilham2453]

Oh he's the best alright.

[@Shiva108]

it's not how big it is, it's how you use it..

[@midnightrunner684]

M.A.G.A Brother

[@iamkarma20]

@@midnightrunner684 tRUMPS going to jail.😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@shred5]

...and some people in the front row have not washed their hands since 1977!

[@billyv007]

+shred5 I wood not

[@bigol9223]

Well yeah they're hippies, they haven't washed anything since 1977

[@jendim12]

it's corona time baby!

[@zackzallie8735]

@@jendim12 Frank Zappa can cure corona lol

[@bagelmanprice5175]

This has not aged well

[@don.guitar2000]

that heavy muffed riff entrance at 1:22, the screaming slide on 1:29, the toilet paper on 1:34 arriving just in time on that kickass note, the amazing solo, the hand shaking the crowd at 2:03, simply one of the most GOD moments in rock n roll history. What a song and what a great performance. INCREDIBLE!

[@jg2716]

My friend August Becker passed yesterday, he loved Frank Zappa, he was a good guy, he will be missed

[@maxwattage6631]

His name sounds legendary.August Becker.he lives on through you to me I will mention him to my girl. Anything to give me a glimpse at his soul? His name says his parents were cool as shit.

[@georgeharrison70]

May he RIP. 🫂🫂🫂

[@AnitaCampos-q4j]

Sorry for ur loss 😢

[@TheQuantt]

goddamn that zappa could play the guitar.

[@MS-it9vv]

Here we are, over 40 years later, and this planet still hasn’t seen his equal.

[@YungCrusty]

M S Would you consider Les Claypool?

[@MS-it9vv]

John Potter Hmmm... I think I have to, now that you nominated him. I’m not sure that he’s in the same league as a composer - I’d have to see him live. Can Les play guitar (not bass)? Can he play other instruments as well?

[@roberttralls6098]

Not even close

[@jimmiebentley6608]

AHEM.. One name; Buckethead.

[@dethfilmsinc5047]

NO ONE could ever equal Frank. NO ONE.

[@akashn3954]

1:34 Coolest thing i've ever seen in rock n roll.You have keith richards with his low slung guitar swagger,pete townshend with his guitar smashing,kiss with their makeup theatrics,jimmy page with his dragon suit and his gibson eds1275 double neck and then you have Frank fucking Zappa throwing a fucking toilet paper roll into the audience and then immediately launching into a mindblowing solo!

[@Kyle-mz8ng]

that's a man

[@anthonyfergerson2641]

Don't forget continuing that solo while shaking hands with the crowd

[@peterbartolomeo956]

Zappa was the Grand Wizard of lead guitar. No equal. Only Page and Beck had a glimmer of Zappas creativity and guitar mastery

[@blackwingvalleylover]

A friendly and beautiful dude with mind blowing guitar skills and a great sense of humour, lacking in most rock gods, even the ones I like. He was one of a kind 💔🖤💙

[@joeysplats3209]

You left out GG Allin smearing sh++ all over himself

[@paulm7243]

When i was a teenager, this solo and Frank generally got me through some shitty times. Still 100% my hero at 45. Nobody even comes close.

[@Luka_WiFi]

Same to me. მეც ეგრე

[@jameskoubek5545]

He’s getting me through some tuff times now 😩

[@iamkarma20]

Fucking right kid! I'm 62 and my neighbors listen to Frank Zappa everyday.............................................BECAUSE THEY FUCKING HAVE TO!😉👌✌😈

[@torsonsteinke6685]

@@iamkarma20 didn’t know my dad had a KZbin account

[@iamkarma20]

@@torsonsteinke6685 😊 Tell your mom I said hi and I'm sorry that I only was a muffin!😉👍😈😆

[@townsjim]

You just know that Frank acquired some ultra high-tech equipment to record this back in '77 to make sure people in the future could appreciate this badassery.

[@paulconway7146]

this is one of the kickassiest solos, that you will ever witness.! Appréciation to anyone, who is appreciating

[@noklarok]

love how Adrian Belew shreds into Zappa shredding

[@LayneBenofsky]

The Shredtroduction

[@stefanavic6630]

The riff other riffs want to be when they grow up.

[@oceanmew]

You're right it's one hell of a riff, and when Zappa plays the riff along with the rest of the band its damn apocalyptic

[@jandejongh]

The Prince of Riffs: The Muffin...

[@Decano25]

The muffin other riffs wants to be

[@thesoftparade435]

Sounds like a Sabbath riff to me, was this song before them or something?

[@matheusmarcon3016]

@@thesoftparade435 Not really, and Zappa was actually a sabbath fan, as he used to say supernaut was his favorite song/riff ever, which was released couple years earlier than this.

[@jenlennon6614]

everytime I hear franks solo It feels like ecstasy.

[@jarobiwatts3601]

Yessss

[@dirklammertse4174]

Jennifer it is ecstasy 😁 stay cool greetings from Holland

[@strangelalansbury5028]

Everytime I feel ecstasy it sounds like Frank's solo

[@dirklammertse4174]

@@strangelalansbury5028 Frank is drugs. The longer you listen to Frank, the higher you get. The more ecstasy you get in your head. Greetings from Holland

[@superorangeish]

Goodnight Austin Texas wherever you are!

[@krymz1]

trows toilet paper roll then proceeds to shred and shake hands. what a legend.

[@popeyesailor9571]

Frank playing with one hand while shaking hands with a bunch of fans is so bad ass! He knew how much his fans love him.

[@thrashmetalgoddess]

Best guitar riff I've heard. So heavy and badass. Rest in Power, Frank Zappa

[@dingleydb]

30 years ago today

[@charmantierjeanluc5657]

❤

[@BWater-yq3jx]

Wait there was a riff?? Oh you mean the vocal melody played on guitar?

[@noahwig500]

@@BWater-yq3jx Which is also the riff. The vocal melody is the riff.

[@Mreger450]

This is the best live performance I've ever seen.

[@jawarholol4651]

Hard to argue with that

[@fatty7555]

Fuck yeah, Easily 👌 and im just seeing this now, i can't stop playing it.. Iu don't feel this in your soul, you don't have one..

[@androsislandrox]

The way that sg just explodes. I really have never heard anything like it.

[@kandahman]

a true rock star. Frank Zappa did it all, every genre of music covered expertly, originally. loud, snarky, atmospheric, obnoxious, lyrical, melodious, and dangerous all at once. love it

[@joeferris5086]

Again we see music causing BIG TROUBLE

[@morrisheinersz2005]

He is more than a 'rock star' he was a composer of extraordinary magnitude.

[@Sancho_Retablez]

2:00 Performing a solo that even the best guitar players can only dream of, and he has the gesture of shaking hands with audience. While playing. GOD.

[@mator2339]

He isn't playing all of it, but yes.

[@Stand_By_For_Mind_Control]

Your avatar looks like you're part of a Native American galactic empire.

[@Sancho_Retablez]

@@Stand_By_For_Mind_Control In fact is a very old and universal symbol, usually attached to solar meaning. Can be found under "seed of life", or something, but In Spain it's usually called 'hexafolia'.

[@JustinBlazzzee]

@@mator2339 Outside of the main riff which is still going a little lower in the mix while Frank does his solo which part is he not playing?

[@RedSiegfried]

@@JustinBlazzzee Sure looks like he's playing the solo all himself to me just hammering the neck with one hand while shaking hands with the audience with the other.

[@BobHobbs-r2p]

There never was before and never shall be since one as great as FRANK ZAPPA!!!!

[@stevemert]

I listen to Frank's music everyday. It took me decades to delve into his massive catalogue of music. Albums that were hard to approach when I was a teenager absolutely blow me away now. I couldn't approach Burnt Weeney Sandwich then but now it's my favorite. Frank is my Elvis. My Beethoven! No artist in the twentieth century comes even close. Frank is the modern composer that refuses to die. Steve Mertens. F'ville NY.

[@UfoDan100]

+Steve Mertens I used to attend FZ's music at the Capital Theater in Passaic New Jersey. Zappa's music was all over N.J. back in the 1970's. From 1971 until about 1983 FZ played the Capital. The world has changed since then and it is rare to find a concert today that isn't planned and controlled by censors and time limitations !

[@magikkris]

+Steve Mertens respect , love, music is the best.

[@UfoDan100]

I heard Frank frequently had to have his stomach pumped after his concerts. It is said, he would go into an oral fixation and disorder for penis's and sperm !

[@BlackAdam2784]

+Poy Ester You're KIDDING ME ?????

[@oldschoolm8]

Agreed. Frank was definitely one of a kind. He championed the arts and dared to be different. We could really do with someone like him now.

[@timcrawford2306]

Words can't describe Zappa! He was so far ahead of his time. He definitely laid the groundwork for many musicians today.

[@phillipthompson4349]

were so privileged to even listen to this legend. hungry freaks

[@ganazby]

I would say he constructed the entire edifice.

[@draetonalimoffatt8780]

@S Prince was about as close as we'd get. Those two guys lived a d breathed music. Now you have production teams with 10 people to write one pop song with that same Latin drum pattern. Luckily if you don't listen to mainstream there is still great music being made.

[@blistersonmefingers3343]

Nah the beatles did that pal

[@sarnamacrimuere7708]

Lenny

[@rollingwolf.N8.22]

I wish zappa did more songs like this. One of the most powerful songs on guitar for me

[@fz7788]

He did a few, sexual harassment in the work place, black napkins. Zappa loved soloing and let his band do the rest.

[@chile601]

Palladium 77 .. i was very fortunate to be at this show ... RIP FRANK

[@zebulondudora]

Oh man..i just want to hug you..maybe I could steal some molecules of Frank's eternity :)

[@spitfireaace]

I saw him on the Them or Us tour here in Vancouver.

[@mads1097]

lucky bastard!!!! i envy you

[@bodidley3621]

Me toooooo...😭😭😭😜🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@dennisd5395]

Wow. You were there. How sic is that. This video is the epitome of 70s cool.

[@die6nitch9inedie16]

Before my dad died, he only wanna hear zappa. He showed me frank zappas music and he showed me his favoritemusic as he was in my age, i understand him.. Frank Zappa is a fkn legend. And if i will get again a father, i will show my children this music. It was a religious moment and this will never end, everytime i hear zappa, i remember in this. ROCKMUSIC WILL NEVER DIE!!!!

[@marcos6175]

I was moved by your comment!

[@philipargo]

I've never really appreciated much of Zappa's music. After seeing him being so open with the crowd, building that energy with that great band, then rocking the fuck out of that guitar- I truly have a new respect for his art. I know there's a lot more that I'll like...so stoney.

[@b.groeberschuhmann5261]

Did anyone notice that it s 1977 and FZ wearing a transmitter pack for the guitar signal. State of the art as usual.

[@fredmccarroll3476]

In my opinion, outside of Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa was the greatest guitarists that has ever lived. I miss Frank! R.I.P.

[@unimobunka]

Zappa and Hendrix were friends, and probably inspired each other in some way. Zappa taught Hendrix to use Wah-Wah.

[@pizzasmutt]

@@unimobunka That's right... Dude, Even The Beatles stopped one tour to watch Zappa's concert because they wanna learn "a few stuffs".. I think the world still isn't prepare to know his works.

[@iamkarma20]

Sorry but there is no comparison IMHO Frank Zappa is the king!

[@SW-fn7cl]

@@unimobunka holy shit I did not know that!

[@Benjamin-jo4rf]

Ya turns out howlin wolf learned the blues from this kid from the north east!!! All hail shirtless attention craving pompous dbags!!!!

[@atticus7166]

what a fucking rockstar! I always found the term funny but this video just encapsulates that word so perfectly.

[@seamanjive]

Hammersmith Odeon, London, 1977...Frank ends the show with Muffin Man. The riff steam-rollered out from the stage, the power, the waves of monstrous intent, a magical moment that is still resonant within me

[@christopherlawley1842]

Ah. You were the too! A great evening

[@seamanjive]

@@christopherlawley1842 Yep, saw Frank twice at the HO in the 70s. What show did he get the punk up on stage to dance?

[@heckensteiner4713]

Shaking hands with the audience mid-solo, what an awesome guy.

[@tagaudi]

Nobody played like frank. Not because he was a virtuoso - he had fingers made wood, ya know. But his mind worked THE SPEED OF LIGHT. He was perhaps the most important composer of the 20th century. He had the heart of a lion, the guts of a wild boar, the head of an Einstein, and most of all, he was the FUNNIEST MAN ALIVE OR DEAD!,

[@eliotzappa8915]

Amen !

[@peshmadscientist1833]

+Any Rebel thank you for that. r.t. IS a great piece.

[@elihuechevarria5654]

I think he was a virtuoso, a virtuoso composer, the virtuoso is not just play fast how many people think... Brouwer once said "there is no music so fast that cant be played or so slow that cant be emotional" or something like that XD

[@oskarklang8616]

This is the best tribute to FZ.Thanks

[@VioletMold]

Amen!

[@BrianBattles]

The coolest person ever.

[@RyanSmith-wo2pi]

. . .

[@anthonymendez1015]

This is the greatest thing I've ever seen in my life

[@Lolkekexoxo]

Adrian Belew's intro for the solo is so damn good here, It feels so damn heavy, raw and powerful. And Zappa is Zappa, even Steve Vai has said that he once saw Zappa playin the guitar like no one he has ever seen, and that's Vai saying it.

[@k1001001]

It's those 16th/32nd second trilled notes he throws in there between stanzas that really defines his technique. Love it.

[@creamcheesedrz]

But he sounds flat.

[@tomt5745]

Amen to that

[@lordofleaves257]

You should check out the live version of black napkins (1977 Halloween New York palladium of course), in my opinion it's better than the studio version by far and also a lot better than even this performance.

[@therespectedlex9794]

Vai was over technical, I imagine. Can't say I listened to him.

[@Mistershredd]

The dude who sings the early bit is John Smothers, Zappa's bodyguard.

[@Internutt2023]

He was also "Bald Headed John - King of the Plookers" on Joes garage

[@hickorymccay2994]

i thought it was joey psychotic

[@HughCorbyCruick]

...who we used to refer to as “The Muffin Man.”

[@scurr8in8ya8face5]

*Thank you Dad* for showing me frank zappas music.. before you died Rest in Peace

[@hard_jazz]

🥺

[@nickh9531]

Ok someone explain to me how on Rolling Stones list of greatest guitarists frank is number 40 something yet Kurt cobain is number 12...

[@floydian1867]

+Nicholas H Because Rolling Stone has to lean more towards mainstream. If they didn't put mainstream guys way up on the list, in this case Kurt Cobain, then people world complain and they'd get a bunch of shit for it. Frank Zappa, in my opinion should at least be in the top ten, I mean if you watched the video then you definitely know how talented he is. Alas, mainstream guys still hang around in the top 10 after being pampered for years while the true masters of the art are left in negative space.

[@driesvanelten6613]

For me he's, without any doubt, no. 1 in the world.

[@magikkris]

+Nicholas H simple. music industry is satanic entertainement, if you do not promot satanisme you're not in the charts. point. next topic.

[@p123-i9s]

+Nicholas H "Rolling Stone"'s lists look suspiciously "fixed" to me.

[@billlanier203]

+Nicholas H RS never put FZ on its cover

[@SimonRobeyns]

this is such a fuckin cool performance holy shit you can literally feel the energy pouring through your screen here

[@anthonymalovrh2912]

Saw him in concert in Milwaukee - second row center seats - changed my life.

[@depravedregime5288]

Zappa killin it =) Doesn't miss a note as he shakes his fans hands crazy skills!

[@jeseyvargas4530]

Frank Zappa knew the language that speaks to the soul...moved to tears😭

[@KnEpH131]

Music, the only religion that delivers the goods ~ Frank Zappa

[@martinenathalierioux1711]

@@KnEpH131 Yesssss !!!!

[@MorningView4]

Zappa’s solo is the equivalence of an artist painting a masterpiece. Unreal talent.

[@kelvinwilson9217]

Always excellent guitar players about , but Frank was totally unique, and the first to get away with playing 15 minutes solo's, and people not falling asleep. Nice one Frank.

[@fritzbremen5337]

+Kelvin Wilson so true...

[@eamonndoconnor]

The way Frank plays here, he was on an elevated plain. The music just flowed out of him. A master at work.

[@lilgoosyman]

this is the greatest thing i’ve ever heard

[@ThisHandleFeatureIsStupid]

Frank Zappa @ 1:31 --- Sees toilet paper, playfully tosses it back while transitioning into a solo. Axl Rose @ 1:31 --- Show is cancelled. Tour is cancelled. Guns n' Roses is cancelled. Life is cancelled. Universe is cancelled.

[@rabirayrana7648]

Axl Rose: Jumps righf into crowd to beat the shit out of some random dude

[@Nemo-qh7jx]

and shaking hands in middle of solo and not missing a beat

[@0okamino]

In the context of the toilet paper, the difference is that Frank was The Shit, while Axl was just shitty.

[@williamfabiano543]

That's soo true. Total cry baby Axl was and probably still is.

[@internetenjoyer1044]

Robert Fripp: Loudly complains about taking photos not being allowed in an announcement prior to the show. PUTS THE ANNOUNCEMENT AT SEVERAL INTERVALS IN THE LIVE ALBUM

[@nicolaskozic2800]

The film's colors are beautiful. It's a precious document about true rock'n roll in U.S. There's not so much.

[@Jhensy2012]

OK, that's definitely the Zappa video to show neophytes and non-believers.

[@jsXanatos]

also non boomers

[@gotcha9983]

Im 40 just seeing this first time. It is beautiful. Thank you

[@TheSpoonwood]

it's one of the thing I remembered most, Frank's guitar sounded bigger than the whole band...huge stereo field ..crazy

[@jodyschiffer1586]

His guitar playing gave you goosebumps, still does

[@KurtKnutsen]

Was at this show!

[@adriancubilla2106]

tell us about how it was

[@eliotzappa8915]

So lucky !!!!

[@RyanSmith-wo2pi]

..

[@ytubs]

tell us!!

[@OldManBadly]

I always love that moment when Frank's guitar joins the party. Always louder... always more full... just amazing.

[@mikebarrington9322]

I identify with the " muffin man ".

[@mateusschwarz382]

that guitar tone is what I would die for omg

[@kevinmendieta6782]

26 years old and I just discovered my brain.

[@DeeboCools]

happens .

[@radtad1983]

i like how real he was his interactions with the audiences and the way he always shouts his people out! he truly enjoyed his craft and it shows

[@boataxe4605]

1:33 tossing the TP and still coming in right on time for the solo was a pure rock star move.

[@Cohle4]

2:03 Frank seems to be happy giving handshake to fans while playing his guitar solo. Contemporary ''artists'' would be offended if someone wanted to give them a handshake during a live performance. That's the qualitatively difference between then and now. I'm truly sad I wasn't born then...

[@michaelgreen5206]

Virtuoso here, love you and miss you Frank🎸❤️

[@giovannimilone1163]

The best unmatched

[@zackjp]

I love how he just casually picks up that roll of toilet paper and hucks it in the crowd mid solo

[@DetroitDude777]

I saw this band in Las Vegas in 1977. My 1st time in Vegas. Mt dad took me for my 21st birthday. Zappa was at the Aladdin. I went to by tickets in the afternoon, and my dad was asking who he was and just as I was telling him Zappa and his body guard walked right past me and I said ... HIM. I was a huge Zappa fan but had never seen him. It was my first time seeing Terry Bozzio too, and I was a fan immediately. They played a lot from Zoot Allures. I remember Zappa made them restart Dynamo Hum a couple times because somebody was messing up the intro. Zappa said it was Terry. I left for Detroit and was reading the Vegas paper on the plane back and read that Zappa's manager had committed suicide that night.

[@maxaronow712]

Sounds like you saw a great show. And by the way.... The man who passed away was Ron Nehoda, he was a tour manager, not Zappa's personal manager, who'd be Herb Cohen. Allegedly, Mr. Nehoda embezzled money from that night's performance (roughly about $15,000 in 1977 dollars, adjusted for inflation, that's about $61,000 in 2016 dollars), got high out of his mind on cocaine, and gambled it all away in a Las Vegas casino. He killed himself after he lost every penny. Zappa and the group continued the tour unhindered, in spite of this, and flew in a replacement road manager the next morning.

[@DetroitDude777]

Max, thanks for the additional in-depth info. I kinda always wondered what the rest of the story was that lead to the suicide and how it may have affected the band. Very interesting indeed. I was just telling a friend, I remember that day and show like it was yesterday. I went by myself. It was a great introduction to Zappa live.

[@mario0318]

On September 11, 1977, the first night of a tour and Zappa's Las Vegas debut, road manager Ron Nehoda committed suicide in his Aladdin Hotel room through self-inflicted razor blade wounds. Nehoda spent about $10,000 on drugs and gambling at Aladdin's casino. Zappa's manager Bennett Glotzer called Phil Kaufman to take over as tour manager.

[@matty6878]

i've always knew zappa was relentlessly strict on his band when they weren't 100% on point, but reading that background story i kind of understand how let down/pissed off they would be in that situation. but of course, he wouldn't be zappa if he let even that slip.

[@brendanwatson7593]

That solo brings tears to my eyes literally

[@ozvidiot]

Saw him as a young student at the Armadillo in '77. Goodnight Austin Texas wherever you are.

[@40nights40daystv]

This. Guitar. Solo. This is why I’ll never take my poster of Frank down.

[@ladycharlesmusic]

That guitar solo alone could bake a dozens of muffins

[@ivanmcallister4882]

Nobody could make a guitar speak , as good as the mighty zappa .

[@aesthetixx9642]

Frank Zappa never really caught on in my little Texas cowtown when I was a teen . I’m 60 yrs old now and hearing for the first time ! Wow ! Just wow 😳!

[@udz24]

I just love when Frank’s guitar kicks in!

[@のんちゃんのんびり]

Love the way Zappa just takes over from Adrian Belew and shares a brilliant moment with the crowd. That’s what it’s about ! Belew being an amazingly good guitarist himself working with King Crimson, Bowie, Talking Heads, Cyndi Lauper and many more.

[@tokkotai54190]

Holy shit he was on fire !

[@dudeman3929]

Wow. I’m 39. Listened to rock my whole life. Always heard of Zappa and maybe a couple songs but never payed attention. I thought he was a gimmick. This is some real bad ass rock and roll shit. Here comes my deep dive into him Bring on the suggestions!

[@josephroskos5931]

Frank is brilliant and Adrian just knows how to make a guitar scream in a beautiful way. They work so well together.

[@JS-pd7lg]

Too bad "Captain Tom" came along and ruined it LOL!!!

[@Will-Max]

Adrian is also brilliant 0.55

[@MrLuigiFercotti]

@@Will-Max Sounding like an air-raid siren.

[@nathanscore]

can we get some appreciation for absolutely insane adrian belew is in this. probably the reason why i come back to this performance all the time

[@albumiri8700]

After years and years of listening to this masterpiece practically every day.. I remembered today while I was listening to it that I have to mention here how good this song and frank zappa are. One of the greatest and most talented songwriters of all time! Thank you Frank for your work.

[@DidNotReadInstructions]

Rocking shit. Love all the guitars and the droning background. Frank just made up this shit on the spot. How he wasn't recognized by more people is astonishing.

[@tyguy4809]

I wouldnt say on the spot... Zappa spent a crazy amount of time in the studio and was a brilliant composer. As far as recognition, he was unpopular because he was different! popular is so repetitive man!

[@TheSoundEngineAF]

@@tyguy4809 Pretty much every single guitar solo by Zappa is improvised. It's why people love it and what makes it special.

[@tyguy4809]

@@TheSoundEngineAF I was talking about the actual song itself... thought dude was saying song was made on spot lol

[@lordharry9608]

This dirty solo rocks as hell...

[@robertcanceljr4400]

Frank makes the guitar come alive frank lives the life of a great guitarist Frank's music lives on!

[@kless001]

Kurt Cobain was a guitarists who inspired countless people to pick up the amazing instrument. He didn’t even want to be thought of as great but you know what many of us feel the beauty in his “loose” playing. Frank was an underrated player but you know what it shouldn’t be a competition man I swear us guitarists and guitar fans can be the worst with tearing our own down.

[@MrValeriy111]

Я, безусловно в восторге от таланта Френка! Считаю, что культура должна быть вне политики! Всех почитателей Frank Zappa обнимаю!) Иванов Валерий, рожденный в СССР.

[@hard_jazz]

Френк-легенда🤘🏻

[@JosephLewisSzaboIII]

I like how he's playing God-like and shaking hands. Man!

[@precisionbrown6829]

Just gotta add, Frank was unusually the best for that era. I’m so happy his son has continued

[@eis904]

Frank’s body is just OH my God I feel all tingly inside…His chest, his beautiful arms playing guitar with such passion…WOW…

[@gregbors8364]

I can take you somewhere that doesn’t smell like this

[@leonardoross8133]

This is the most epic musical moment ever recorded

[@jAug94]

Agreed