Frank Zappa: the lost Interview, 1990 (Sub-Ita)

• I've only wrote the Italian subs: every other language is automatically translated by YT •
Happy 80th birthday, Frank!
The whole interview by Niles Lesh from 1990, with improved audio and video [at the best of my capabilities :) ]
○ According to Mr. Lesh, it was recorded in 3 segments in LA in 1990, but never completed as a final project and therefore never released. That's why it's been called "the lost tapes" or "the lost interview", and it resurfaced back in 2008 thanks to the author.
This project meant to highlight Frank Zappa's 50th birthday and his 30 of the music industry most strident years!

[@Matty88K]

Thank you for posting this. Frank Zappa was one of the most original and important artists of the 20th century. Self taught composer and musician. Only had a high school education but intellectually beyond most of us. A tremendous loss he died so young. I'm glad people are still discovering and listening to his music and interviews.

[@Andrea_Manconi]

Thank you for your comment. I've been working on this for weeks, only to share it with people who appreciate Frank like you do.

[@dago87able]

@@Andrea_Manconi Thanks very much from this guy here also. Can you share how did you get hold of this material, if you don’t mind? Cheers.

[@Andrea_Manconi]

@@dago87able No problem: you can find it on YT, it's been around for years, but it's really washed up in some parts and cut to many pieces. I did my best to fix it and reupload it as a whole document.

[@dago87able]

@@Andrea_Manconi kudos for the job then! I was indeed aware of the separate clips on yt.

[@alfoncesmithe]

Brilliant

[@colinwilliams553]

Listening to FRANK ZAPPA talk and being interviewed is twice as intresting as his music.To bad he only lived to be 53.imagine what he would have thought of what is going on today.R.I.P Frank, unfortunately, the world is really messed up without you.

[@lavatar3562]

Cynical, independent thinker, passionate musical genius, Soothsayer and misfit! What a legacy (there’s more recordings still to be released) Thanks for posting

[@Ed_Mann]

Don’t forget on the spectrum spontaneous asshole with no ability or desire to treat people right. And i love the guy.

[@dreamalittledo]

The humor of this man... just incredible! Thank you. 😂

[@allencollins6031]

And to this day, being able to think for yourself and to think critically is labeled "eccentric" and "weird." Thanks Frank and rest in peace.

[@AndyCroftsofficial]

I’ve always loved listening to Zappa talk.

[@rayspeak]

So many folks have no idea what an absolutely brilliant guy Frank was.. not just a musical and compositional genius, but just simply brilliant.

[@Taylor.]

Such an intriguing presence and relaxing voice. Gone too soon, Rip.

[@Mrclish5000]

I can't believe how much I was influenced by this man's music as a kid. My mother would listen to his album's. There would be times when his name would come in conversations and it would alway be in hushed tones. Now I am in my forties I see the interviews and have rediscovered the music on my own I don't feel so alone or cynical. He was a really honest man in a world that frankly was not interested. We could really use this man more now then ever.

[@kjguzman23]

Im from Palmdale Lancaster ive been there my whole life. Zappa is honestly a legend to me.

[@KalakutaShow1976]

This guy was a genius..far ahead of his time.

[@yanicklajoie6237]

Reading some comments here reminds me a poster I had of him from Guitar World magazine....saying "the stupidity of thinking it's cool to be stupid". Well...Thanks for this interview, he's a genuine mind and awesome musical influence. Seeing Dweezil touring playing his music is always a treat. I really like listening to his words and point of view.

[@goodlife1500]

Wow Frank has a amazing mind.

[@auxiliam4564]

Thanks Andrea, Frank Zappa is such a great educator in many ways

[@alanjerram9258]

This is a great interview. You can tell Zappa finds the questions interesting and was completely engaged with the chronological nature of questions and his reflection on historical events.

[@TheKatieLou]

What a guy. Intellectual, charismatic and super, super cool. Very interesting interview.

[@seanbrennan5192]

If you look up cool in the dictionary, you will see Jimi Hendrix. If you look real close, you can see he’s holding up a picture of Frank Zappa

[@marlon-jl4ge]

Frank zappa was a boring clown and an ignorant, he can not hold a candle to jimi hendrix

[@jonathancarter6831]

One extremely rare, honest, highly intelligent and highly creative man. A true human being and one I always loved and respected enormously. The light of his genius will never fade!.

[@brianmonayong2769]

Damn right. 👏

[@lizardfirefighter110]

No doubt, a great thinker!

[@mikemasiello5965]

What an absolute genius this man was. RIP

[@OlizerVanAntoninus]

The world's a worse off place without him.

[@jorgearevalomateus7034]

One can only imagine what FZ would think about social media, internet, media, climate, Democracy, etc...today.

[@davidhamilton7628]

I wish we still had him screaming his feelings about it from the roof tops

[@brianjacob8728]

Fz made pretty accurate predictions for most of those. We actually know. Still would love to hear him verbally undress the current situation.

[@arlodrews1]

Love how he clearly and expressively resents some of the questions, then proceeds to give a fantastic answer.

[@mikedavis6884]

Thank you for posting this-I could listen to Mr Zappa all night RIP.

[@thetr00per30]

Zappa was brilliant. Totally one of a kind, multi-talented, multi-instrumentalist, with a hawk's vision of calling it like he sees it. There is so many gems in this interview, thank you for posting

[@Rippedflesh69]

One of the greatest composers, guitarists, philosophers and defenders of free speech of the 20th century.

[@2011LittleWing]

Frank was such a brave person! I wished I would be,too, if I would be in the situation that Zappa was...Frank, I will never forget...

[@LeMortso]

Absolute GOLD. Thank you SO much for putting this out! PRICELESS.

[@RognvaldCloudrunner]

could not agree more! really sheds a lot of light on Franks history, and musical career. What an absolute GEM!

[@nomanmcshmoo8640]

I wish Frank was still around. I miss him.

[@jeffreybail353]

so refreshing to listen to a so down down down to earth person in touch with reality speaking the truth.

[@rwjazz1299]

Wow !! I could listen to him for hours/days/weeks/and months ..........

[@suzycreamchez123]

Thank you so much for sharing this.💜

[@LisaRichards_123]

I miss him so much

[@danswan1047]

What a brilliant interview. Thanks so much for posting this.

[@paolociampi799]

Grazie per averla pubblicata.

[@js3244]

damn i miss zappa

[@jeffdawson2786]

Arabic scales are an essential part of his guitar solos and compositions.

[@benwatson8244]

It will be good to remember that quintuple and sextuple thirds are exclusively European. But (notwithstanding evidences from other parts of the world) quadruple thirds and lesser tertial chains are European as well as Bantu African. Once more: Europe and Africa, related in their preference given to thirds, both in melody and in chordal organisation, were torn apart by a South Asiatic and Mediterranean wedge of quartal melodies." Curt Sachs The Wellsprings of Music p. 152

[@jazzyben]

Hey Ben, didnt you write the ,poodle play’ -book about Frank’s music and his final last days? If so, thanks a lot. Ben van Pel Netherlands

[@marlon-jl4ge]

He has Mixed a few styles of music together and is called a genius? Hahahaha thanks for the laugh he was a shit boring clown and his music too

[@matthewvilla7384]

Thank you for posting this

[@kevinfoster1213]

So very intelligent, and well spoken and without the profanity. What a treat..

[@anthonykimball7463]

In this interview, FZ uses the term "candy-coated dictatorship" to describe what america was fast turning into. He was quite accurate. Now, in 2021, the candy coating has pretty much been worn off and we in the US are existing in what, for all practical purposes, amounts to an orwellian dystopia.

[@dcraexon]

Something about politics , he’s a genius And his words make more sense today thanback then, maybe this is a bot response meant to elicit a response happy birthday Dwave from The Dr. demented show

[@mackenziedog1872]

This is The Central Scrutinzer

[@bennuballbags2]

Same in Melbourne Australia

[@willbarrow8271]

@Avalon Hike "How Pathetic it must be to earn your livelihood spreading worthless, divisive prattle. I Guess someone fed you alot of Crap at a young age

[@jamesonjones6952]

@@willbarrow8271 lmfaooo it’s not as though he’s wrong.

[@MrUnit731]

Thanks for sharing this! Great upload.

[@brianmccrory3778]

Thanks Andrea.

[@Andrea_Manconi]

You're welcome Brian!

[@stoogethree4438]

Thank you so much!

[@sfcmp7005]

It is amazing. I was watching an interview with Randy Bachman of the Guess Who and BTO fame. He said the exact same thing in an interview, almost word for word that Frank said in this interview, regarding the kind of music they had to play in order to get a gig. The main goal was keeping them dancing, and drinking. If they were not drinking you lost the gig. He told a story of how they got fired from a gig, but the manager couldn't replace them quick enough for the next night so he asked them to do one more night but to change their song list. They did and the guy not only kept them, but it was out of that, that spawned the hit Taking Care of Business. When they went to record it, that's a whole new story, for a different time.

[@Andrea_Manconi]

I've noticed that the tales from the Swing era are just about the same!

[@mymixture965]

Great, thanks for posting. What a great person he was.

[@ske13ok]

The quality of this footage is perfectly synced with his tone and diction. At times ominous and bright. Que Viva Zappa!

[@PaulStaatsLawrence]

Thank you for posting this. So many quotable moments. I was only 7 in 1990 but I did get to hear Zappa plays Zappa live a couple years ago. They played Frank’s music with the respect and precision required. Keep it Greazy

[@Auntkekebaby]

Excellent interview. Thank you.

[@gregsolomon]

This Interview Is From 1990...The Same Year That Zappa Was Diagnosed With Terminal Prostate Cancer. Zappa Was Not Feeling Well In 1990...And It Shows.

[@krisscanlon4051]

Agreed...sounds a bit weak in his voice and looks tired...those cigarettes weren't good ole Frank

[@KyOte13]

Wish he was still with us… we need his music, his perspective, & his honesty today

[@riceflatpicking4954]

We need George Carlin too

[@jbetnar]

@@riceflatpicking4954 Carlin checked out before it really hit the fan. He laid out everything in his last specials.

[@thebrokerofbrokerstv68]

Wisdom personified..

[@SpaceCattttt]

Ah! Finally someone spliced together the separate parts (or found the whole interview). Nice!

[@richardvernon9150]

Frank never let me down. Ever! I feel so blessed to have his music in my life for over 50 years. Great interview. Xxx🎶🐵❤️

[@danstewart8218]

Fantastic - thanks for the share! 👍

[@retrohale_camp]

No doubt Why this interview was ‘Lost’! Thank You for Found it and post it ! Still super current for today!

[@slipdishman8443]

Grazie per aver pubblicato questa intervista! Frank Zappa è un genio puro! ❤

[@Andrea_Manconi]

Vero!

[@radiomindchatter7994]

Frank nailed the future...incredible.

[@lightmarker3146]

I was blessed to see Frank in 78 at a small venue in R.I.. He played long that night and said he enjoyed the crowd.

[@barbaraaguttman8854]

I was fortunate enough to see 6 of his concerts; two with Flo & Eddy along with so many incredibly talented musicians. Can’t remember all the first bands to all the concerts… but here are a couple. Chuck Berry (the first concert seen) and a few years later The Birds of Fire Concert ;John McLaughlin with Ravi & his Orchestra. Love & peace Frank Zappa🙏🕊

[@robcale8165]

I've watched this interview in the past and Frank's opinions and observations strangely pivot today in oblique but still insightful observations that reflect the times then and today.

[@mcdaniels6188]

If Frank were still alive he'd have a plethora of songs reacting to what's going in this country.

[@thewkovacs316]

if frank were alive, he would be very depressed

[@spaceclown7650]

In 2022 Frank would start picking on the woke-tards and their delusional demands (because they beg to be mocked) and a bunch of PC Babies would have him canceled. Frank would be allowed no voice in this country today. The left-leaning corporations would silence him. Because Frank spoke the truth and that's taboo now.

[@epicgravyfilms]

The absurdity on BOTH sides of the culture would provide a never ending well of material

[@brianmonayong2769]

Always expect the unexpected when interviewing Frank Zappa.

[@Mrclish5000]

You just got a new sub, this is the type of content that needs to be shared.

[@Andrea_Manconi]

Thank you! I really appreciate that!

[@tinavifquain6958]

' As a young girl, I went to lots of Frank Zappa concerts . Listened his music much. Thanks !!!! ' ! ❤ ! " Responsibility Matters for ALL Lives " !

[@hannahsheehan6615]

He looks like he's getting his school picture taken lol

[@Istari_01]

Great guitarist, great composer, great thinker. And funny too. Nuff’ said! 🕺🏽💃🏽🍻🍻

[@barflytom3273]

a great satirist above all.

[@Deecat88]

Fascinating conversation. A true visionary.

[@kronictonic]

This is my favourite Frank Zappa interview. Prophetic in some parts, interesting in all

[@paulinebutcherbird]

Try my interviews with Frank on You Tube: Pauline Bird interviews Frank Zappa. They are in five parts: Parenting, Composing, Evangelism, Jazz Party Hats, Ask me a question

[@Yourismouter]

thanks for posting this in its entirety, this is one of my favorite top five or top ten interviews with my hero Frank Zappa. brilliant interview, I love how the questions are done, I've based approaches to interviews and conversations with people on this and loved Zappa on McCarthy and his suggestion for a new Mount Rushmore.

[@Andrea_Manconi]

Thank you, I feel the same

[@Yourismouter]

@@Andrea_Manconi your welcome! curious what are your top 5 or top ten Zappa albums?

[@seanbrennan5192]

@@Yourismouter Weasels, Burnt Weeny, Bongo Fury, Jazz from Hell, Ship Arriving.

[@Yourismouter]

@@seanbrennan5192 love Burnt Weeney, Jazz from Hell, and i will seek out weasel and ship arriving and bongo fury, thanks for the recommendations

[@seanbrennan5192]

@@Yourismouter Weasels is very avant- guard, heads up. I couldn’t appreciate it until my 4th or 5th listen. But like his other works, it becomes timeless

[@johnbartley7101]

One of the best interviews that I've watched! I would, however, not give the camera guy... stuff... I'm listening, b/c the A/V is a killer. Great upload. I thank you for allowing me to listen to one of the most influential musicians of "our" time talk about what Zappa thought was important....

[@STEVEFINNERTY]

Miss you Mr Zappa.

[@LForehand]

A fantastic, and at many times prophetic insight, into the minds of one of the greatest artists to ever walk the earth. We miss you, Frank.

[@susanpace9735]

He was prophetic as to what our government was and Is now

[@davenelson8187]

A man with nearly total focus ❤ Love it or leave it…

[@georgesidmusic524]

What an interesting and intelligent man. I can see that he was cynical, but he knew what he was talking about!

[@assburger323]

I always love some FZ commentary, but gotta credit the interviewer too, he does a great job.

[@BMG19FUNNYDIE]

So smart. So relevant to today. Uncle Frank!

[@filmusikchannel7596]

FZ will be an Idol for million years. A Genius.

[@garyolshan4177]

The legendary Frank Zappa was so far ahead of his time on so many levels it aint even funny.

[@NarLiv]

Great interview!

[@KrishnaDraws]

Fantastic interview.

[@josephcostantino9549]

Straight Up LEGENDARY GENIUS !!)

[@AFerreiraV]

This man had a brilliant mind, independent and rational. I'm impressed.

[@kipponi]

It is true. He was real D.I.Y man in everything. He watched all news so he was very aware politics and society. I don't know how much he knew macroeconomics? Music industry he knew everything and MTV music ha ha.

[@marlon-jl4ge]

He was a boring clown and his music too, hahahaha

[@absolutelypositively]

Thanks Andrea for the video! Love Frank and all things about him. You put up an important interview. Especially when he talks about politics and democracy.

[@Andrea_Manconi]

Well, I appreciate your words so much! It took me quite some time to put this video together. We share the same interests on Frank's public figure!

[@eugeniopannozzo4217]

R.I.P frank gone but not forgotten.

[@413TomaccoRoad]

But very gone.

[@bradmalinowski]

Frank was a visionary.

[@Drifterella]

OMG.. I met him and befriended him and miss him more than anyone I can think of including dead family members. Bloody musical genius and a very deeply thinking person about life, the universe and everything as Douglas Addams would put it ;P RIP Frank. I deeply miss you still. From Frank 2 Frank, heh..

[@Drifterella]

Oh, and thx a ton for this little pearl of a live interview !!!!

[@Drifterella]

And between all his so fucking smart remarks we see him sucking hard on that cigarette that ultimatly killed him. Soo sad.

[@Andrea_Manconi]

@@Drifterella Thank you for such a great appreciation and the amazing story you just shared!

[@user-kd1rn3up5g]

Che bella questa intervista... Storia ragazzi storia!

[@quinnwilson5683]

Frank would hate whats happening in thw world today

[@Inquiring_Together]

Dang, while watching this I wanted to leave a comment like if it was a live stream, but its not, unfortunately. Zappa kept it so real, really calming.

[@charlesrobinson7469]

Frank Zappa is a Perfect example of that saying " You don't know what you've got till it's gone." I wish He would've run for President.👍

[@seanbrennan5192]

@@davebryant8050 It’s a shame how the Dems have turned to the party of censorship. It used to be the religious right wing nut jobs that wanted censorship. Well maybe you could call BLM and LGBTQ religions now though. they basically are in their own right. Zappa would not like Trump, but he would also not like Biden. He was always an independent and in fact was going to run for president before he got sick

[@marlon-jl4ge]

Zappa was a boring clown and his music too

[@charlesrobinson7469]

@@marlon-jl4ge 😄👍

[@seanbrennan5192]

@@marlon-jl4ge Stupidity is the most abundant element on earth. -FZ

[@marlon-jl4ge]

I prefer to listen to street musicians , hahahaha Instead of that shit clown zappa, hahahaha

[@CayusCaesar7]

Thanks for uploading. Great and very elucidating interview. Guess is the interview where he put out more things about his life . Great.

[@Andrea_Manconi]

Thanks for your appreciation! I really hoped to find people interested in this one!

[@CayusCaesar7]

@@Andrea_Manconi actually to me, was the first interview of his where he spoke clearly and honestly about his growing up, political opinion , including the obscure McCarthy era, and musical key influences. I really was already a great admirer of his work and these declarations of his grew in me this admiration even more. Thank you again for this upload, I guess this is one of his last interviews and by the way, he gave his overall look on his journey. Great!

[@bencampbell3250]

This is amazing

[@thegreenbird795]

Saw Frank live in 1977 and was one the best concerts I ever saw...A real professional.

[@simonkeel3030]

Damn, Zappa was a very well read person

[@lisazinn866]

God I miss Frank

[@quakers200]

Unique, misunderstood, talented, abrasive, funny, complex.

[@spaceclown7650]

Everything you said + brilliant + visionary.

[@marcodellino5940]

A genius!!!

[@mikemorrison270]

I love this man.

[@spumpstein9374]

Thanks for posting this interesting interview. Unfortunate that it has so many video glitches going on. Tough on the eyeballs.

[@Andrea_Manconi]

I know, especially the beginning of the original tape was ruined and washed out... I couldn't do more than this, but I bet that a professional software could do way better.

[@denysunshine9752]

Thank you Zappa for keeping it real.

[@danielaloi8062]

"If I Was President" segment is outstanding