Frank Zappa's problem with David Bowie

My weekly chat over coffee. It's a good way to spend a Saturday morning, I promise.
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[@otisgibbs]

More Zappa stories: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIuldYeIp7Jnp6c kzbin.info/www/bejne/hai1hpKkqb6MZtk kzbin.info/www/bejne/joiunWanmat3p9U Adrian's original Facebook post: facebook.com/AdrianBelew/posts/in-1978-i-did-my-first-tour-of-europe-as-stunt-guitarist-and-singer-for-frank-za/10150588871654995/ Here's his follow up: facebook.com/AdrianBelew/posts/by-definition-a-postscript-is-never-as-engaging-as-the-story-itself-i-hope-youre/10150589290144995/

[@Krankyoldtime64]

Saw Adrian Belew with King Crimson during the 'Discipline' tour, and then over the release of 'Three Of A Perfect Pair' maybe? Anyhoo, excellent mad guitar-playing from Mr Belew.

[@louise_rose]

2:16 😁 - this whole story of how Bowie hooked up with Belew is priceless! 😸 Brilliant guitar player, for sure. Is his name really pronounced "Baloo"? I've always thought it was BELL-yehw😉

[@blinkcyclone5162]

I really enjoyed that story and loved the fact that you sat on the fence regarding David and Frank not taking sides ..

[@victorgordon]

😅😅😅😅😅😅 4:10 4:10 😅

[@bmuhamad]

I saw 200 Motels at it's debut here in Los Angeles' Aquarius Theater, during late 1970, right after the death of Jimi Hendrix.

[@michaelcohen7343]

I had the unbelievable privilege of meeting Frank Zappa on a plane when I was 17. We had a really cool conversation and I was so proud to have made him laugh!

[@hippiehillape]

I was a toddler in the early 70s. Parents took me to a festival. Frank came down from stage and mingled with people on blankets. That family picture has been on the mantle my whole life.

[@Bocman1]

that's so cool

[@drjerry5389]

Great! Love it! But I so often hear people who met John Lennon, Jim Morrison or Daisy Bluebell or whoever and they have family and kids and still claim that the greatest moment of their life was when they met their idols and it sounds like everything else was a downfall after? The greatest moment is becoming a father or meeting your wife? It should be? My father met Paul McCartney but he thank God still says it was great but when me and my brothers getting born was his greatest moment.

[@GoblinMagicandEngineering]

@@drjerry5389 He said nothing about treasuring it as the greatest moment of his life. He said he's had the picture taken on his mantle his whole life, because that is in fact a once in a lifetime experience. He probably does have family and friends that he loves and treasures more than anything, probably the ones in that photo, but that wasn't the point of his comment was it? We're at a Frank Zappa video talking about Frank Zappa. I think his photograph of him and his family on the blanket with Frank is relevant in this space. So... Get up off the computer or phone, go outside, take a nice walk, forget about this conversation, remember why you love your own life and why you have control over that life specifically, come back here, re read the original comment and then your comment and then my comment again, and then c h i l l o u t m y g u y. You only have so many years on this Earth, and so do I, so stop reacting to people and start honing your own forge.

[@henryzeisler8280]

Same with my Son! As he got older I took him to see a band "He really wanted to see!" The warmup group was Oingo Boingo and the headliner was "The Police!" That's when I said to him "Let's Rush the Stage!" He said "but Dad, we'll get in trouble..." I replied "What are they going to do Call Your Parents?" A moment later we rushed the stage!

[@thetreacherouscretins920]

I went to an outdoor Zappa concert in Santa Fe and a family was there in the first few rows with a toddler and Zappa went into the crowd and brought the kid up on stage to dance during The Black Page…all with the approval of the parents of course…

[@princequestly2218]

A few of my favorite musicians of all time. Bowie and Zappa. Thanks for sharing that unique story.

[@wernerandreasli9165]

No, Belew and Zappa :)

[@user-kq1hg3eo6l]

I like "Space Oddity" "Rebel, Rebel" "Changes" and "FAME" the song he co-wrote with John Lennon.

[@RattleheadRik]

I met Adrian at NAMM 2020 and couldn’t believe how sweet and down to earth this man is. Amazing how all the guitar god stuff hasn’t phased him.

[@theresaakins2317]

I've been to NAMM but not that year. Darn, would have been cool to meet Adrian. But, hey, I saw Steve Vai in concert not too many ppl. He was great!

[@jessewolf7649]

Met Zappa as he was coming out of the men’s room as I was walking in in March ‘68 at Philly’s Electric Factory. He had just finished a set - I said “that was great” - he wiped his wet hands off on his T-shirt - and we shook hands. I had seen Jimi H a month earlier at the same venue, and had been appropriately blown away. In parting I asked Frank who his favorite guitarist was - I was an idiot 16 year old - without missing a beat he said “Hendrix”.

[@avatacron60]

But it was not Hendrix but Holdsworth.

[@bigal1863]

@@avatacron60 Holdsworth I would believe for sure

[@clappersox]

@@bigal1863 except as @jessewolf7649 say's this was 68. So it was Jimi.

[@percyvolnar8010]

@@bigal1863 it was hendrix for sure. This was back in 1968. In an interview in the 80's frank was asked the same question and he said 'Holdsworth'.

[@bigal1863]

@@percyvolnar8010 Very probably, while Holdsworth was already performing and recording by 68 he surely wasn't as widely known as Hendrix then

[@goodie2shoes]

this was randomly recommend. I love these stories. I'm nearly 50 and I always loved that era. People were so creative and cool.

[@Oh_I_Will]

What does your age have to do with anything

[@goodie2shoes]

@@Oh_I_Will nothing really. Except it indicates that I love this era and that I've lived through other era's?

[@henryzeisler8280]

Adrian was “somehow” on a road show for Roland Equipment and played, answered questions about anything asked. This was in Chicago in the “70’s.” At the end I walked to the area he was in to ask for an autograph, he said sure but neither of us had anything to write on or with but someone had Black Sharpie that he grabbed, turned to me and said “ Write it where?” I just pointed to my t-shirt and still have it 45 years later! My favorite song is still “Elephant Talk!”

[@JanCarol11]

Adrian has always been such a gentleman to his fans. All about the music.

[@oscarleijontoft]

Elephant talk is a marvel! Especially that live on the tv show. Fripp even smiles!

[@oscarleijontoft]

It occurred to me just a few years ago, what Belew was doing on the guitar (the tapping that sounds random) is exactly what Chick Corea often did on piano.

[@thenowmanshowonthearroyoch8078]

I met Adrian at the 2016 Bowie Celebration show at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles (Koreatown). He was very cordial and down to earth and we communicated a little after that. I was hoping to interview him, but he had an extra busy schedule and was also doing solo shows as well. Thank you for sharing Otis.. (Dan) Niswander

[@scottberry6487]

I truly love your visits with us. I fell across you years ago when I heard old whiskers on XM. Took me another another year of searching to find you. Since then I have bought every LP of yours I could find. My son and I do slot of digging at record shops. Living in Kansas, haven't had the joy of seeing you live, but hope to. Was lucky enough to see my hero John Prine in wichita about 8 years ago. Keep up what you are doing. I love your storytelling. Can't wait for the next one. Thanks again for the joy you have given a disabled person that don't get out much. But I got you and roughly 300+ LPs dating to John's first. Love your work. Thanks again for sharing. Scott.

[@user-qx3we1mk5m]

damn i thought you were talking about frank at first. was gonna call you crazy lol

[@roberthevern6169]

Thanks, Otis! Good to hear that everyone had their egos in check! Love the channel, so glad I found it a year or so ago! Be well! Bob in Idaho!!

[@Firekeeper61]

Great presentation, Otis as always. We love you buddy.

[@apexjoe4769]

Great story about Frank,Adrian and David. I'm a fan of all three and enjoyed this story very much.👍

[@drybayoudan5429]

Excellent account of Frank & David’s escapades. Each had totally obscure styles of music. To imagine that dinner conversation, is hilarious. Frank never mixed words. In the same sense, David’s humor is so believable. My friends & I tried to see both shows, anytime they were near. So many memories from Ziggy Stardust, to Joe’s Garage. Absolutely genius work from both. Thanks for stirring the memories into my coffee this morning !!

[@vnrjn8]

Bowie's music was not obscure -- but he liked to at times market it that way. He was very canny and understood that he was as much a businessman as he was an artist. I love his work,, especially the outre bits but I realize that he never disregarded the bottom line for very long.

[@drybayoudan5429]

@@vnrjn8, I agree. May point was that his marketing & styles changed through the years. Each phase was very well defined. I apologize, since “obscure “may not have been the proper term. From any aspect, his works were great.

[@pabeccs]

Hope you don't mind me mentioning it but the phrase is actually 'never minced words'.

[@rsmko]

Otis is my twin brother. Elevator boys. @@pabeccs

[@wildrover9650]

Saw Bowie while stationed in Germany 🇩🇪. Great show. Also saw Zappa in Germany as well. However Frank he didn't play one instrument or even sing. He was the conductor and he did this orchestra thing. It sucked. Very disappointed.

[@calrow123]

Stumbled upon this video. You're a great orator I enjoyed watching and listening to you relaying these stories.

[@figgettit]

too slow

[@calrow123]

@@figgettit too slow for what?

[@pomegranitejason]

Did he have pee on his hands?

[@MichaelGlotzer-yu3hk]

that was a great story. I’ll listen to your others. I have many stories about Frank because my father managed him for 9 years so you can imagine I went to dozens of shows and slept many late nights on a sofa in the recording studio (I was really young) . Thanks!

[@kaliandatiger]

Wow! You must be the luckiest guy in earth 👍

[@screwyootube1]

Very cool story! I happened onto your channel when I saw the irresistible title and was glad I did! I am a lifelong rock & roll fan, and always love to hear stories from/about artists that I've never hear before, and really dug this one! Looking forward to checking out more of your videos!

[@SaintNine]

Me too.

[@Oh_I_Will]

I wouldn’t consider it a “cool story” at all

[@Oldbugssy]

I was just thinking about Frank, as I most often do. This popped up as a suggestion and I am grateful to hear this story. Thank you.

[@grausound]

I had the pleasure of seeing Adrian on his Lone Rhino and Twang Bar King tours - small rooms - my great friend Ed Melee introduced me to Adrians music and I am forever grateful. I as well saw him later at his Acoustic tour --- and yes he answered questions from the audience -- one of those questions was from me - I asked "Hey I sent you a copy of my bands music and I never heard back from you?" a stupid question I admit now ... but some months later I received and email from him saying "That was a ballsy question at the show in NJ ... but your band does kick ass so that question makes more sense now ...

[@phydauex]

Lone Rhino blew my mind. Amazing album.

[@HD41117]

Much love to you, too, man. That was so interesting and really beautiful to watch. I'm off to explore the rest of your videos now!

[@Indiskret1]

So many insanely talented people in music back then. Was only 13 in '78, but I got to experience a lot of the fantastic music much earlier as my 10 year older brother was a complete music nut, and especially David Bowie. He travelled from tiny Sweden to USA just to get to see Bowies many different tours. Frank Zappa I got into much later when I started driving motorcycles and met a guy who played Zappa and ZZ Top, non stop. Started with Garage suit, but when I really understood the genius of Frank, I got most of his other albums. Thanks for the great stories. Subscribed!

[@broadcastdepth3686]

You had me at, "I met a guy who played Zappa and Zz top" Will you be my friend?!!! :P

[@motelghost477]

"So many insanely talented people in music back then." And Frank Zappa wasn't one of them.

[@Indiskret1]

@@motelghost477 "Yeah? Well, you know, that's just like uh, your opinion, man."

[@s.goldberger4887]

Excellent channel - I have only heard the first part of the story with Bowie and Adrian - thank you!

[@MrSmiley1964]

Just loved the Cap't Tom line. It's classic Frank, I have no problem hearing it in his voice when you said it.

[@tommythecat4961]

I was writing the exact same thing before I read your comment. Not only his voice and the tone of disdain, you can actually picture the movement of his eyebrows while he says it, am I right? Would have LOVED to see it happen...

[@jeromedupont5218]

yeah very funny.

[@backdoorarts5243]

I remember reading this on Adrian's page. I first saw Adrian with King Crimson in '81 having known him from playing with Frank and Talking Heads. Amazing player in an amazing band. He was playing solo at the infamous City Gardens in Trenton, NJ about 5-6 years later so I decided to go even though I wasn't crazy about his solo stuff. Turns out he'd formed this new band called The Bears and that was their first tour. I was blown away and still listen to that first disc to this day. Thanks for sharing, Otis!! If you haven't heard him with The Bears it's worth checking out.

[@kitano0]

Indeed. The Bears had more in common with the Beatles, I thought, than any of his solo or collaborative excursions. A song called "Complicated Potatoes" comes to mind....

[@ralphmarrone3130]

I love The Bears!

[@sidedoor38]

I saw him in New York City on the pier with King Crimson, probably the same year 81 or so. when the “beat” album came out. If he played on Bowie’s hero tour, I also saw that in New York City at the garden. It was in 78.

[@DonMaslanka]

Just saw Adrian and Jerry Harrison do Remain In Light at small club in Albany in ’23. Fortunate to have seen him w TH!! King Crimson!!! David Bowie and solo. His noise is unlike any other!

[@NotoriousLightning]

Why were the City Gardens infamous?

[@herb369nichols]

😄 GREAT story Otis!! So glad I stumbled onto it. 👍🤙

[@BlindSquirrelRocks-dv9lc]

My first memory of Zappa in concert was the July 1970 appearance at MiddleEarth in Indy, which was an old movie theater before the seating was removed and rock concerts were booked. Crowds for those concerts were often quite intoxicated, and usually raucous. One addled patron stood up during a break in the Zappa set, and he let loose with a screamed statement: "Right on with the revolution!" Zappa paused momentarily at the microphone, and then offered a reply: "You wouldn't know a revolution if it came up and bit you on the end of your d**k!" My appreciation for all things Zappa was cemented right then and there...

[@jackempson3044]

I saw a concert of his in the seventies. People behaved well. It was in a major university. Maybe it depends on where it's at too.

[@andreszuniga5641]

Right on with the revolution!

[@stevewilcock4767]

Saw Frank at Knebworth UK in 1978.Mindblowing gig.The band blew the Tubes off the stage! Halcyon days.

[@cthulhusshinebox4977]

@@andreszuniga5641You’ll want a revolution till you actually get a revolution 🤦‍♀️

[@TeddScheckler]

Yeahhhh, maaaaannnn! 🎸

[@tracypower6413]

You had me at Zappa…. another great story.

[@tranquility001]

What's your favourite Zappa song?

[@sydnacious4239]

San Ber'dino or Magdelna@@tranquility001

[@tracypower6413]

@@tranquility001 peaches en regalia

[@tracypower6413]

@@tranquility001dog breath also favorite

[@metalmike570]

"Ground Control to Major Tom Ground Control to Major Tom Take your protein pills and put your helmet on (Ten) Ground Control (Nine) to Major Tom (Eight, seven) (Six) Commencing (Five) countdown, engines on (Four, three, two) Check ignition (One) and may God's love (Lift off) be with you [Verse 2] This is Ground Control to Major Tom You've really made the grade And the papers want to know whose shirts you wear Now it's time to leave the capsule if you dare This is Major Tom to Ground Control I'm stepping through the door And I'm floating in a most peculiar way And the stars look very different today"........

[@alfs3]

First time finding the channel and already loving your demeanor and substance here Otis - subscribed!

[@bigmontesplace]

I love this story so much as I've got so much love for Bowie and especially Zappa, two of my favorite artists

[@metalmike570]

"Ground Control to Major Tom Ground Control to Major Tom Take your protein pills and put your helmet on (Ten) Ground Control (Nine) to Major Tom (Eight, seven) (Six) Commencing (Five) countdown, engines on (Four, three, two) Check ignition (One) and may God's love (Lift off) be with you [Verse 2] This is Ground Control to Major Tom You've really made the grade And the papers want to know whose shirts you wear Now it's time to leave the capsule if you dare This is Major Tom to Ground Control I'm stepping through the door And I'm floating in a most peculiar way And the stars look very different today"........

[@andreworr4307]

Two of my musical heroes as well,saw Bowie live twice in the 80s ,never had the chance to see Frank alas,seen his son dwezil though and he was great

[@metalmike570]

@@andreworr4307 Did he have another alias - The Cameleon? So I checked it and Google says: David Bowie (1947 - 2016) was known as "rock's chameleon" because of his many persona transformations.

[@ConwayBob]

Thanks for another fascinating tale. What I appreciate most about your stories is how you humanize these seemingly larger-than-life rock legends who are, after all, real human beings.

[@will-ie9on]

Apart from Bowie obviously, being alien and all

[@mroche1088]

I got to see Adrian with The Bears play at Mabels in Champaign Illinois a handful of times in the mid 80's. I also worked at Record Service, a record store in Champaign, where The Bears did an In-Store appearance for their first record release. All great musicians and songwriters and so great to see play live. The fun they had on stage was infectious.

[@maxhammel]

Thanks to the KZbin algorithm for this video. I really fell in love immediately with the way you’re doing your videos. Very poetic editing … greetings from Vienna, Austria

[@RoyPerez-drumnote]

so happy i discovered this channel, thank you for the great video, i love everything about it!

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

Man Frank Zappa was so great. Honestly there are comedians who work their whole careers and never wind up as funny as Frank could be in a second. So many of his albums are incredible. I'd say if I had to pick a favorite it would be Joe's Garage. The story of it is just absolutely hilarious. I also love Zoot Allures and We're Only In It For The Money. If you want to hear Frank at his most condescendingly hilarious check out his version of Stairway To Heaven and Ring Of Fire. They are absolutely to die for funny but also really awesome arrangements that no human being besides Frank Zappa would've ever thought of. LOL!

[@bradfinfrock-qj3vc]

I like how he called him Captain.

[@2112SNEEK]

I very like the clean sound production on Joe's Garage, it sounds very ahead of its time. And mr. Colaiuta's work .

[@Stephan_Dixon]

Joes Garage was my Zappa gateway as a 14 year old, 45 years later I’m still a huge fan !

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

@@Stephan_Dixon Oh man it's so awesome. It's probably the Zappa album I would recommend to people that are curious about Zappa. It's not NEARLY as avant garde as some of his earlier stuff like We're Only In It For The Money but that album is an absolute MASTERPIECE of satire dude! "Hi boys and girls I'm Jimmy Carl Black and I'm the Indian of the group! Concentraaaation Mooon..." literally makes me laugh out loud every time I hear it. LOL!!!

[@Stephan_Dixon]

@@SimpleManGuitars1973 it’s funny how I discovered it , I grew up in Ottawa Ontario here in Canada and the local FM station was playing the single Joes Garage , fairly regularly and I really liked to song . I asked for the album for my 15th birthday and my mom got me acts II & III . I had no idea what I was getting into , neither did my mom when she heard Crew Slut blasting from from my bedroom that night ! I love that record, and agree the humour in it still makes me smile and laugh all these years later . I agree a masterpiece!

[@sabrosapurr]

A) Very cool story B) I absolutely love the quality and style of the video. Thank you for listing the camera equipment, which I will now study :)

[@kidarcade]

Ok I just found this video. With all honesty: please tell us more stories the way you do. Your voice is awesome and the calm way you explain everything is just fantastic.

[@waynewallace6630]

Zappa used to come my college and give lectures. He was brutally honest, incredibly creative, and fascinating. Learned more from him in an hour than all my professors in 4 years. Going to Montana and become a dental floss tycoon.

[@wellesradio]

That sounds about right. I don’t think they even paid him for it. Frank Zappa used to grab cofffee at a Winchel’s in North Hollywood and lecture passersby on the street. Guy lived to lecture people.

[@dddevildogg]

Still got my zircon encrusted tweezers

[@underwoodvoice9077]

But not a mental tossed flycoon?

[@dddevildogg]

@@underwoodvoice9077 My pygmy pony on a moonlighty night

[@dddevildogg]

@@underwoodvoice9077 I did steal the margarine

[@joeg6222]

I first saw Adrian with King Crimson on 7/5/84 at the Opera House in Boston. Saw him a couple of times with the great group The Bears and a few times solo. Definitely a sonic adventurer! Thanks for the stories, Otis!

[@encoreunefois1X]

Awesome tale. I saw Bowie in 1990 and 1996 in Berlin where I lived for many years. My memory tells me that '96 was the Sound & Vision tour where he was supposedly bidding farewell to all his hitherto hits and that Adrian was in the band. Now I Google the dates and it seems I've got things mixed up. Getting old!? Anyway, love Adrian. Bowie had great taste in fantastic musicians.

[@fabiouk6764]

Sound and vision tour was in 1990. Adrian Belew was in the band m He was stunning.

[@TheHuckster100]

Love your stories, love your interviews. Fellow Central Indiana resident here, Lapel actually.

[@adambartone9193]

I love both of these artists, thank you so much for sharing

[@semiliterati]

My first run mixing monitors was for Adrian Belew, in 91, or 92. Leading up to it, I was more stressed about who I was mixing for, than I was about the mixing. I remember being super stressed out about it, wishing I could have cut my teeth on some local rock night, or something, instead. You know, opposed of the guy who wrote some of my favorite guitar riffs of all time. I wasn't actually old enough to be in a bar yet, and I looked a lot younger than I was, Everyone in the band knew how green I was, but if they had any concerns, they did a great job hiding that from me. They were all really nice to me, and I'm sure they would have been extremely tolerant if my inexperience created a problem, but being that they were all as experienced as it gets, they didn't really leave me with an opportunity to mess anything up. They all knew how to manage their own stage volume, they knew exactly what they wanted to hear coming out of their wedges, and they knew exactly how to ask for it. I think we went around once, following FOH as they dialed in each channel, and made a few more tweaks over a half song sound check, and they were happy. I can't remember what desk I was on, but these were the analog days, so I wouldn't have had more than 40 inputs, if even have had that many. With 2 or 3 openers, I'm sure I had to chart everything. However it all went down, when they took the stage, we were several songs in to the set before any one asked for anything. In all, there might have been a half dozen fiddly tweaks during the entire show, but they were all just subtle enhancements, and I wouldn't be surprised if they were only requesting them for my benefit, to appease how intensely attentive I was, terrified that if I looked away for a second, all hell would break loose, and I'd end up being that kid that let them down. When it was over, I got all the atta-boys from the band, which was kind of amazing considering who I was getting this from, especially in comparison to how apprehensive I was coming in to this thing. However, it wasn't until my first night mixing for a local band that I fully appreciated how lucky I was that this was my first monitor experience instead of whatever that whole mess was. 30 years later, I'm kind of realizing what a profound impact this has had on my opinion of Adrian Belew. Both a man, and a musician. I'm probably a couple of years older now, than he was back then, and considering how his solo career never found the audience of a Zappa, or a Bowie, I'm probably more humbled now, than ever. It was his name on the marquee. This was HIS project. Yet, he welcomed me on his stage, and allowed me to take the one seat with the highest potential to ruin his show, on the confidence he had in himself to prevent me from doing it. What a mench!

[@DidYaServe]

Adrian Belew was and still is one the nicest and most talented guys in the music industry.

[@avatacron60]

ok, ok...

[@Star_Stories_37]

I totally forgot I loved the guy thirty years ago… 🙏

[@grantcanada1]

Greatest rewind in many a year - huge huge huge AB fan - thank you

[@bundr]

Excellent video. I loved the style and information. Thank you for uploading!

[@artemisXsidecross]

A great story and highlights “All's fair in love and war” and at times being on the road can be a battle to some. ☮

[@Zopf-international]

Hi Otis! This is great. And you are cool. Kind regards from Valencia Spain. Great story.

[@davehooper6481]

I was at that show at The Vogue too. I was only familiar with the Bowie songs he played but I could see that the audience was really into it. I loved that he took questions from them. I also noticed how much he sounded like Bowie and would be great harmonizing with him. Good to see you Otis.

[@GuitarColonel]

best music story channel on the tube...love it!

[@tomhenninger4153]

Love it! I meet Adrian one time! Awesome guy! I saw him with his band from Cincy called the Bears at a little club in Dayton named Gilly's. My bass player and I went to the bar at the back of the venue after the show and he was standing there. I asked if I could buy him a shot. Adrian said sure. While waiting I said "so you sound like your playing backwards. That's wild!" A: Yeah I have some effects that help. Me: Oh cool. so the effects play it backwards for you. A: Got very animated... "But I PLAY it!" I think he took my comment wrong. Me: Sorry about that. Wanna do a shot? And we stood there drinking another 15 minutes or so. hahaha! Saw him in Nashville a couple of yeras ago. He still has IT! 🙂 Oh yeah ZAPPA and BOWIE are tow of my favs! Thanks!

[@nathankellstadt412]

I was just listening to Adrian last night. Thanks, Otis.

[@kennedyterence4209]

Morming Otis, In the 80s my sister was the ticket manager for Bill Graham, like you I went to a lot of shows that I might not have gone to had my sister not been working, or able to get me tickets. I saw Frank in 1981 at The Berkeley Community Theater with Steve Vai on guitar, and at The Greek Theater in 84. Always an interesting show! I was smart enough to see King Crimson in 1982 at the Greek. What a night, Robert Fripp, Adrian Belew, Tony Levin and Bill Bruford. I remember Adrian biting his guitar at one point! What an amazing bunch of musicians all unique in their own way! Plus, the Greek in Berkeley always had such a great vibe! I was so lucky and have such fond memories of those times and the people who worked for Bill.

[@richarddelconnor]

I worked for Frank in 79 and 1980. I’ve never told any of my stories publicly. I helped him remodel and build the studio in his home in Laurel Canyon, and sometimes set up the tape recorders for him before his sessions of Sheik your Booty album. I was working full-time for the Village Recorder, so I hung out there during those couple years and befriended some of the members of his band who wanted to join my band The Rich who were also recording there.

[@will-ie9on]

Sounds a little like you were poaching, did Frank rework a song in your honor at that evening's show??

[@jammininthepast]

Great stuff....yep, sounds like Frank. Zappa is one of my all time Favs...Freak Out to Zoot Allures - Joe's Garage period - all of it! Thanks brother you're appreciated.

[@HiAxl]

I LOVE Belew and he’s a huge influence on my playing and specifically how I use effects. This was a really great story man. Thanks.

[@AnthonyCassidy50]

Thanks. I'm a fan of them both. I'm glad you just told it the way it was, and didn't take sides. Nice work!

[@SaintNine]

A difficult choice, both are such iconic musicians and I have enormous respect for them. Zappa was an education and worked his bands hard. I imagine Bowie was more relaxed, but it's not a choice I'd have liked to make.

[@BearJwG]

I love all the characters in this story. I have this picture in my mind of the mad Brit running around poaching all the amazing American guitarists. SRV and Belew are both very different but both incredibly talented. Love it Otis.

[@kevincurpheymusic]

I'm a huge Bowie fan, I've never heard this story before. I love it. Lol (subscribed to your channel)

[@Oh_I_Will]

I hated the story…airing a one sided story

[@janwesterhof2544]

BOWIE WAS THE REAL THING!! ZAPPA A NASTY FREAK

[@brucemillar]

Fantastic tale! Thank you for sharing. 🙂👍

[@hdstacey]

I saw Adrian a few years back in Ft Mitchell, KY playing a reunion show with his high school band, The Denems. Back then they one of many garage bands here in the Cincinnati/ Northern KY area inspired by thr British Invasion. On this night they played the first two Beatles albums completely! Adran played drums with The Denems and sang the Lennon parts! I know a high school classmate of his that showed him his first guitar chords. Otis I love this channel and your stories. Thank You.

[@johndrx165]

I saw Adrian with King Crimson in 1995 doing the Thrak tour. Double trio. Show was awesome and he was incredible.

[@ministerofdarkness]

I’ve had the good fortune of meeting some Nashville locals that remember Adrian’s cover band Sweethearts. That’s the band that Zappa saw Adrian playing in and plucked out of obscurity and onto a lifelong career in music. One in a million chance! Well deserved and such a nice guy.

[@user-it8mt3zg9f]

Great story telling. Thank you for sharing. One love, brother.

[@jessebfly]

I love these stories. Thanks Otis.

[@catheryndenton1766]

Omg !!! Priceless!!!!

[@tomblackwell3117]

I saw Adrian live in Toronto with the Bears. He's a superhuman guitarist. His solo work is amazing and shows his tremendous talent at composition.

[@miksmith41]

Thank you for some additional info about Bowie that I would probably never have known otherwise. God bless you mate :)

[@denniswilhoite6715]

Otis- Adrian lives near me and several years back I had VIP front row seats to a Kansas concert and he sat next to me. He is the nicest guy ever and endured my questions about Bowie and Zappa with class. I heard a couple of stories after he loosened up and I go to see him play locally whenever possible. Great video !

[@metalmike570]

Great story, how old is Adrian now??

[@denniswilhoite6715]

@@metalmike570 I imagine he’s in his mid 70’s I know he still plays

[@metalmike570]

@@denniswilhoite6715 I looked him up with Google. So all this with Zappa was 1978 and then David Bowie 1979, and then a long career with King Crimson. You're right he still plays and tours.

[@livefree9852]

Never heard of him, but I love the stories. Thanks, Otis!!!’

[@paradoxstudios6639]

Really loved the "Weasils Ripped My Flesh" album, one of his most creative and mentally entertaining works to listen to.

[@2damnoldforUtube]

Love the insight, thanks for posting.

[@vladpadowicz5946]

Geat story and thanks for sharing it, especially for being outside in the cold to do it just to point out the theatre behind you, that's the kind of dedication and attention to detail that merits the highest respect. KZbin's algorithm was spot on with this suggestion and I instantly subscribed. I'm a huge fan of all three geniuses in this story but wasn't aware of their crossing of paths, love these glimpses into the history of rock legend's lives. I saw Adrian with King Crimson in the mid 80s in a large bar venue in Montreal. Got to the show early to get a good seat and took a table right in the middle of the place. The tables sat 10 and I was alone, looking forward to making new friends with those who might sit with me, but strangely, no one did lol. So I was alone at this huge table in the middle of the bar for the entire show. I couldn't help but think of the band's perspective and they must have wondered "who's that dude tripping balls out loud all alone at that table?" 🤣 Best show ever!!! 🤘😎

[@kurtbargar1618]

Growing up in Cleveland we were exposed to all the big names of the era we had connections so we sat up close we saw Adrian with the talking heads in jcu auditorium and spiders from mars 3 row ronnos gibsons tonality in that auditorium still is in my head more than 50 later. I just found your channel and find it fascinating long live rock

[@MikeTheEarGuy]

I saw Zappa “in the round” at the Celebrity Theater in Phoenix in ‘79 and it was fantastic. You mentioned the Zappa guitar solo where the band left the stage - leading into that, the band went on an extended jam and Frank went and set up a portable bar and for the next several minutes as the stage spun around, Frank was preparing a martini and then sat in a lounge chair in a smoking jacket. The whole time the band is rocking out like crazy! Frank finishes his martini, stands up and walks over to a coat rack that appeared in stage. He takes off his smoking jacket and hangs it up, strolls over and puts in his guitar and instantly launches into this amazing solo, and the band instantly disappeared! IT WAS EPIC!

[@tribalflute3895]

What a fantastic place to see a band!

[@tomwinter2906]

Love the way you do things here - got me hangin' on EVERY word - gimme break: I got things to do !

[@user-ff7wb4fm9k]

Much love to you, too Mr. Otis. Thank you for another Great and Groovy installment. Keep your powder dry, friend...

[@donscott763]

Another great piece. Sent me down the King Crimson rabbit hole, on a freezing Saturday morning in GA. Got my coffee. Will you be taking audience questions at HI-FI? Thanks again, Otis

[@kitersrefuge7353]

I think i could listen to you talk about anything and make it interesting. Never liked Zappa but i listened all the way through. Your stylized approach to delivering content is captivating.

[@jimdixon3470]

"Frank Zappa? He's okay I guess..." -- No one ever People seem to either really love him or hope to never hear another record of his again. I really like one of his records, am lukewarm on a couple of others, and have little love for the rest, even while respecting the effort, the bands he put together, and his willingness to spend huge sums of his own money to record orchestral albums that would break even if he was lucky. Frank was always cantankerous, but he told an interviewer in 1978 (the year of this story, I think a Guitar Player" interview) that his audience had changed from the broad hippie counterculture who showed up for the Mothers of Invention in the late 60s to basically teenaged boys (or grown men who were still teenaged boys at heart) by the late 70s. He claimed the hippies had all settled down and were staying home, and thus his turn to novelty tracks like "Don't Eat the Yellow Snow" and "Titties & Beer" was made to find new fans. I wonder if he was feeling a little jealous of Bowie's move into the mainstream in the mid-1970s, and Bowie's status as a critical darling. He had reason enough to be angry about Belew being poached (Zappa band members weren't easy to replace), of course. Hard to say if he was specifically jealous of Bowie, or simply just disdainful of all mainstream rock stars, as he'd been telling the world since the "We're Only In It for the Money" album back in 1968.

[@Tregrense]

Nice one Otis. Belew is a jewel. Your videos are a hoot.

[@Audfile]

Utterly fantastic story told brilliantly. Thanks!

[@rockerman4791]

Golden story, I love Frank and I always wondered why Adrian made the move so early in his Zappa career. Informative and entertaining, happily subscribed.

[@ll1881ll]

Thank you for posting this. You’re a very good narrator and historian. I’m a big fan of Frank Zappa, I have a Lotta respect for Dave Bowie. He was an envelope pusher and of course, so was Adrian Belew.

[@unrequitedmusic8004]

Bowie just copied styles and people. He did it well, but he didn’t push the envelope.

[@commonsense4257]

am 70 have always been a Zappa fan...my first intrduction was Live at Fillmore East..heard that in 1973..right away sold...through all my years bought all his LP's / CD's DVD's and saw him live a few times..lived in the Netherlands..and spent 40 years at sea..but he did have the uncanny talent to pick out great ''unknown'' muscians...let's say that..Belew / Bozio / Vai..etc etc..he had a great ear....thanks for your story..first time i heard that one...take care

[@banzand]

I was assistant director of Laurie Anderson’s film, HOME OF THE BRAVE, and Adrian was in that film and I remember having really fun chats with him! Good memory. So glad you mentioned him and brought him back to mind.

[@denvergrantz2480]

That must've been an interesting job!

[@bradparker9664]

I was always intrigued by the friendship between Zappa and Mike Nesmith. He appeared on "The Monkees" in what was possibly the last episode of the series ("The Frodis Caper") as I recall. He then appeared walking a cow on a rope in their movie, "Head." Zappa claimed that John Lennon stole a song from him, stemming from tapes of a show they did together in like 1970. Apparently, Frank gave the tapes to John and they had a verbal agreement that each could use the tapes for their own purposes, which is a nice, hurdy gurdy kind of hippie agreement, but it's kind of dumb when there is no written, specific contract. Zappa said that Lennon took Zappa's 1967 song "King Kong" and used some studio tricks to erase anything of Frank's from the tape except the instrumental part from the live show. Then Lennon did whatever he did, and it turned up on "Sometime in New York City" (possibly Lennon's worst post Beatles era solo album) credited to Lennon/Ono. It's been years since I listened to that album, and I've never heard "King Kong." I can't really see John doing that, but I have no reason to doubt Zappa, either. Great video as always, Otis.

[@GamingPlus10]

Lennon had the right to publish the tapes but he changed the name of King Kong to Jam Rag and gave himself writing credit which is a big no no. It's tantamount to plagiarism. Frank would have won had he sued but he decided it would be a PR disaster.

[@bradparker9664]

@@GamingPlus10 that's right...Jam Rag. "NYC" doesn't get played as much as say, "Double Fantasy" at my place. Oh he certainly had the right to publish. The problem with that agreement is that everyone has the right to do anything with those tapes. I'm a huge, huge Beatles and Lennon fan, but you are certainly correct...John was WAY out of line and Zappa could have sued him into the Stone ages. Lennon's lucky Chuck Berry didn't go after him for "Come Together," which was a rip off of "You Can't Catch Me," as you know. I think that could have been a subconscious thing, whereas the Zappa thing was clearly deliberate. My best wishes to you, ~bp

[@stickman1742]

@@bradparker9664 Berry did go after Lennon for Come Together. They made an agreement that Lennon would play some of Berry's songs on some album or something. They even played a set together on some tv show. And Zappa could not sue Lennon into the Stone Ages. Jam Rag isn't worth enough money to warrant a lawsuit.

[@hansvandermeulen5515]

There's a Zappa box set called Mothers 71 with the 4 complete shows from Fillmore East on June 5 & 6 in 1971 including the encore of the 6th with John and Yoko.

[@zendixie]

I heard this story a few years ago and it’s a great one. Frank didn’t f**k around. Adrian is out there as far as guitar is concerned. His work with the Talking Heads is the stuff of legend. His time with King Crimson and the way he was able to work with and impress Robert Fripp puts him in a very small group of musicians. I guess I was too country/folkie to get into Bowie’s whole stage craft thing. Great video Otis!

[@chrisnaples2838]

Thank You Otis another great one ! I saw that 78 tour in Philly @ The old Spectrum , I was about 6 rows out and it looked like on some songs Adrian was using the Strat that Hendrix had lit on fire at Montery Pop. I knew Zappa owned it and restored it because of the Guitar Player Magazine cover he was on ,I don't know , but it sure looked like it

[@spaghetti.lee-69]

HUGE Zappa Fan & Completist Collector here. Thanks Otis. Keep e'm Comin

[@earlthepearl3922]

Love Zappa but never saw him in concert. I saw Belew twice with Bowie (one of, if not my all time favorite). A very talented, very versatile, very gifted guitarist. A lot of energy and finesse. He can change up styles one song to the next and do it flawlessly, then on to some different from those. When he played for Bowie you could tell by the way they interacted on stage and how Bowie would look and him with a big grin when he took off on a riff that they were tight.

[@michaelmoraga2926]

Right on. As a Bowie superfan of his entire output, I can say with confidence that the '78 tour with Belew is my favorite (Didn't see it live unfortunately).

[@mikewest1542]

Saw Belew 3 times with Bowie , twice in 1990 Milton Keynes Bowl 100,000 fans in a cold field, London Arena 10,000 fans and 5 rows from the front and also the 1st time Earls Court , London 1978, 18,000 fans and my very 1st Bowie concert , I never forgot either concert , especially the first one !

[@jtvj8423]

My foray into Belew came from Nine Inch Nails actually. He was invited by Trent to do specific guitar parts on The Downward Spiral, where I first saw his name in credits. One of the most underrated guitarist in history for his impact in contemporary music.

[@jumpinjojo]

Dumbest statement I’ve read so far today. How could he be so “underrated” after having played for such legendary bands and artists? So, what’s his rating?

[@jtvj8423]

@@jumpinjojo Go out on the streets and ask the average person if they have heard of Adrian Belew, I would posit that less would know about him than guitarists like Jimmy Page, Hendrix. Not sure why you find it so negative that I think Adrian Belew should be even more appreciated than he is as a 10/10 guitarist. Have a good day and be nice to people who are enjoying art.

[@peasantsoul]

Love your stories and story telling style.

[@brianmmier595]

I just stumbled on this by accident. I am a small time TV news cameraman/producer and really like the way you capture some of the spirit of Indianapolis - a city that a lot of people have never visited. It's really well filmed in general besides being a great story.

[@Asherov]

One of my favourite stories, three of my favourite artists.

[@MrHoppy-so2no]

I actually saw Adrian during Bowie's "Sound & Vision" tour in 1990 - one of the best concerts. Over the course of the last couple of years, Adrian has also been touring with a number of fellow musicians who supported Bowie over the course of their years with Bowie and performing Bowie's songs. Sounds like Zappa had a thin skin - don't eat the yellow snow!

[@b.justiceforall9544]

Frank always told it like it is was absolutely no bullshit; How would you react when someone is trying to take your guitar player behind your back.

[@WeTubule]

@@b.justiceforall9544 You mean- Contract your guitar player while he isn't playing with you.

[@DudeSilad]

@@b.justiceforall9544 He was borrowing him. Not stealing him. Bowie was never so precious. His band leader for years was Carlos Alomar. Carlos never had any problems being allowed to work with other artists and Bowie always let him now when'd be required. Bowie would only spend a couple of weeks in a studio. Much is made of the work done in Berlin but the reality was they were only in the studio for a couplel of weeks. Heroes side one was recorded in 2 days! Billie Eilish will spend weeks just doing her vocals for one song!

[@stickman1742]

@@DudeSilad If that was the case then why was Bowie trying to do everything so secretly? Wouldn't it had been better if he had called Frank and said that he really liked his guitarist and would Frank mind if he borrowed him for his tour? Maybe Zappa would have acted differently.

[@DudeSilad]

@@stickman1742 Who knows? Maybe he was scared of Zappa. Maybe he was scared Frank would put on one of his tunes and kill his ears

[@DoktorDamage]

I just randomly stumbled upon this. Such a great story !!!! I was fortunate enough to see David Bowie when I was only 16 years old at Maple Leaf Gardens on May 1st, 1978. My older brother took me to see that show. At the time I was blown away by the show and particularly by Adrian Belew. I didn't even know it was him until I mentioned that show to a neighbour who informed me it was in fact Adrian on guitar !!! My brother also took me to see The Rolling Stones for the CNIB Oshawa show at Oshawa Civic Auditorium on Sun April 22, 1979. It was actually labeled as "Keith Richards" on the stub, which I still have. I still have the Bowie ticket stub as well. I am 61 now and my brother is 67.

[@mobot3d15]

Great story. I also want to say that for no specific reason I can pinpoint, I really enjoyed the feel of this video. The simple but good camera work right down to the focus and the odd snowflakes.. It just felt good.

[@baronmorris8207]

☝️💯

[@jerrymorganjr]

Bowie was a true gentleman. He wasn't poaching Frank's guitar player. Frank's tour ended before David's started. That's just business.

[@kellykloss4653]

@wonderwhaz Loyalty is a two way street. Frank was an asshole. Dwezel was a great guy. Nothing like his daddy. Not an egomaniac, who thought his shit didn’t stink. Smoked yourself to death, Frank. Real smart.

[@p_e_t_e]

@@kellykloss4653 he died of prostate cancer, genius.

[@p_e_t_e]

@wonderwhaz lol,, Zappa plucked this guy from obscurity, (where he would probably be to this day. he most certainly would not have played with Bowie, Crimson or Talking Heads) gave him a job in a famous touring band and by the time Bowie tried to pilfer him, Zappa had spent a considerable amount of money and time on Belew.

[@p_e_t_e]

lol, true gentlemen wouldn't have been secretive now would they? was he being a true gentleman when he fired the entire Ziggy Stardust band on stage without notice? how long did Belew last with him? lol!!!

[@noidreculse8906]

I vaguely remember Zappa and daughter, moonunit. The problem he has with Bowie is that David Bowie was 100 times more successful. NOBODY has covered a Zappa song

[@davegregovich3522]

I'm not sure Frank Zappa hoping to be commercially successful. Nor have people cover his songs.

[@noidreculse8906]

@@davegregovich3522 If frank really didn’t care, wouldn’t have said anything about Bowie. So in fact he did care that he wasn’t successful in any way. Commercially, Financially, or name recognition.

[@bou58man]

You forget one important aspect of, you can’t cover Zappa ! Too difficult !

[@noidreculse8906]

@@bou58man his “music” is not music, Dynamo Hum and Slim from the Video are perfect examples of his “talent” The best thing about Zappa is his testimony to congress

[@BaritoneUkeBeast4Life]

First off I would like to say I am new to your channel and this was my third video of yours I have checked out, after KZbin recommended your channel to me. I really like your song, "Broke and Restless" and your channel is so full of great stories of Rock and Country legends, that I just had to subscribe. When I was 14 years old I went with my family into NYC and my dad surprised us with tickets to see the broadway play of Dracula for my birthday. Frank Langella cancelled due to illness and Raul Julia played Dracula that night instead. While we were waiting in our seats for the show to start my mom turned around and was shocked to see that Frank Zappa was seated 2 rows directly behind us. Neither my brother nor I knew who Frank Zappa was at the time, but she went over to him and quietly whispered if he could sign her program. He was a gentleman and graciously signed it for her. Unfortunately other theater goers noticed my mom approach him and asked her who he was. My mom tried to play it off as him being someone she used to know so he wouldn't be harassed, but a small crowd gathered around him anyway and my mom felt awful about it. A month or so later my brother and I saw trailers on tv for the movie Baby Snakes, and recognized him from the theater. We started listening to his music and have been fans of his ever since.

[@paulfraley7990]

The outside sounds (traffic) of this production is so soothing. Not annoying background music. Cool effect.