Howard Stern Interview with Moon Unit and Frank Zappa

From the 27th of June 1993

[@2wayplebney]

Thank you, Howard, for making Frank laugh while he was so sick.

[@kerbygator]

Zappa; best guitarist ever in my world.

[@BaronTurco]

I agree

[@daveleephoto]

superb interview, Moon was gorgeous, Frank was and will always be the finest American composer of the 20th century.

[@DieFlabbergast]

Not even close: Barber, Copland, Diamond, Piston, Hovhaness, McKay, Bernstein, Antheil and Carter were all considerably better than Zappa. But that's okay: they couldn't do rock music.

[@Bikewithlove]

My god she's gorgeous, and bless Howard really for making Frank and Moon laugh so much in a rough time. Moon, Dweezil, Ahmet and Diva are all great people who seem to have been raised well by their parents. I hope they're all doing well.

[@dfc99nyc]

She always dressed conservatively like the nice Italian-American girl that she is.

[@gergsar]

Moon is an intelligent, and very nice person.

[@larryjackson4632]

Moon is also easy on the eyes.

[@denniscat9395]

Larry Jackson Hot as hell

[@Stinky95030]

Dennis Cat mm hmm,he aint lyin

[@paulinebutcherbird]

+gergsar Agreed. It shows in her book, too.

[@sl4983]

She has an amazing personality, very down to earth and intelligent, and GORGEOUS.

[@chamberpaint]

This is one of the sweetest interviews with them I've ever seen. I loved Franks laugh. It always sounded like he was surprised, when he laughed. He rarely laughed in public, but I recall us doing a lot of it privately.. He loved to tease......

[@tomski787]

Howard, thank you for Frank's laughter.

[@fractalspace1111]

Frank Zappa was a genius in his own way. Probably in the top 3 most creative players in the history of rock

[@kerbygator]

Agreed. I feel honored to have seen Zappa five times in concert. Once I was within twenty feet of him the whole show and it was awesome.

[@MakMuk]

+Simon Keel Creative in what sense? Throwing spaghetti against the wall is not creative.

[@fractalspace1111]

Mak Muk Frank Zappa was creative in every sense of the word. His songs have an insane amount of depth and layers to them.

[@MakMuk]

Simon Keel Hahahaahaha.........it seems that way to you because you're insipid.

[@fractalspace1111]

Mak Muk Ah right and you are the arbiter of guitar playing. You probably like that fat turd Malmsteen

[@wizardmix]

I've watched and heard a lot of Frank Zappa interviews because I enjoy listening to someone who can think in a media world seemingly full of lemmings. I don't believe I've EVER heard the man laugh and what Moon said must be true because she seems to have rarely heard it herself. Frank Zappa lived only 5 more months after the taping of this interview and in pain no doubt. Yet Howard Stern got the man to laugh. I don't know that anyone in the media has ever done that. So to those below me, say what you may about Howard, he's a hero in my book for allowing someone I respect to enjoy himself for a few minutes instead of playing the typical trite media bs game so many others have had him sit through.

[@Joepepelombardo]

But all his kids and his wife are set for life ZFT

[@keeelane]

i've seen him laugh plenty of times. if you watch his older live material he's laughing his ass off.

[@wizardmix]

Well I'm a Zappa fan but I haven't seen everything. Most interviews I've seen he's either being sarcastic or looks beat and not so excited to do an interview.

[@FZmustacheFZ]

Joepepe lombardo Clearly you have no idea of 1) how little money Frank actually had, and 2) how little money is made from record sales.

[@kazimatiz]

FZmustacheFZ I believe Frank was very wealthy at the time of his death, celebrity net worth sites put him at $40 mill. He toured and produced albums relentlessly throughout his career - under his own label in many cases. Also note that he had a lot of success in Eastern Europe.

[@davidhutchinson5233]

She would be the coolest girlfriend any guy could hope for.

[@deadgoondee]

I have had a crush on Moon for as long as I can remember.I love her laugh and her eyes.Frankie made an angel.

[@emilywilson4986]

The Maestro certainly did make an angel, D. Notice her explicitly conservative attitude about her womanhood- unlike every other ditz Stern has on his show, she doesn't advertise herself as a sex object. She is mature beyond her years. And her laugh is wonderful. Something she got from Frank.

[@deadgoondee]

Thank you Frankie...For all the expansive music,proof that music doesn't need to be so linear.Thank you for Moon Unit,a perfect roll model for my daughters.

[@deadgoondee]

And a millions times danke for Sheikh Yerbouti

[@paulinebutcherbird]

+Emily Wilson I do find the demure dress a little odd. I like the way Stern tried to get behind that choice.

[@Beautiful-Sickening-Rolex]

She was adorable! It's sad watching this knowing he died that year

[@keefriff99]

Moon is beautiful and her laugh is so infectious. She was on Marc Maron's podcast last year and still has that adorable giggle.

[@rennhoalohaloren6211]

Howard's hilarious with Moon and she's amusingly game, candid, and reciprocal. Stern made Zappa laugh genuinely and from the heart. Nothing more need be said.

[@kevinseraphimday6373]

For a man who was considered ugly by the media, he had some beautiful kids.

[@Robards18]

Zappa had the intelligence to see the truth in many things and the wisdom to laugh at it.

[@salasvalor01]

Howard Stern is so great that he was the only person Frank Zappa approved of, definitely the only interviewer.

[@deckard2665]

Zappa: Well I don't know about people who have cancer I don't hang out with them Stern: Right. I guess its not a happy group. Zappa: "Zappa Laughs" generally not.

[@clintv9]

SnowyOwl Moon Unit looked pretty upset at that part.

[@ronvalley1973]

i bet the canabanoil shit could of have saved frank

[@garybaxter7297]

I love the fact that Moon still called Frank Daddy.

[@paulinebutcherbird]

+Gary Baxter Yes, I'm surprised. When she first learned to talk and during her childhood she called him Fwank, and Gail she called Gal. We always thought it was sad that her relationship, in that regard, was no different from anyone else's. Dweezil, I note, still calls him Frank.

[@kropkamark]

Hi Pauline......Can i ask you who published your book I'd love to read it////

[@paulinebutcherbird]

It is published in England by Plexus Publishing, not to be confused with the American company of the same name. Amazon sell it as do a few specialist book stores. But do be warned it is not about Frank's music or rock stars but follows my own journey from that lucky day I met Frank in London and he later invited me to move to Hollywood and live and work at his house.

[@garybaxter7297]

Pauline, I was wondering if you were aware of and could validate the information concerning Frank and his military upbringing along with his connection to the Laurel Canyon deep dark hush hush scene? I just heard some things that were way out there. Thanks

[@paulinebutcherbird]

I worked for Frank from 1968 to 1972. I have no knowledge, nor have I ever heard of Laurel Canyon deep dark hush hush scene. If you know something, I'd be happy to hear it. Regarding his military service, this was before my time. As I understand it, he was exempt because of his criminal record after the incident at Studio Z. But I never did ask him about that.

[@evasquez42]

Moon is so fucking fine..love how she carries herself! 😌

[@paulinebutcherbird]

+E Vasquez Agreed. But that demure outfit does raise a few questions.

[@Dejahthoris22]

RIP Frank Zappa. I wish the younger generation knew about his music. Its sad what passes for music these days.

[@pigjubby1]

Wow. A strong woman who seems to not take BS from anyone, yet is a lady. Very rare. Good example girls.

[@paulinebutcherbird]

+pigjubby1 Agreed.

[@mommyrandi1]

i love that she still called him daddy.. mine still does and it feels good every time i hear it

[@paulinebutcherbird]

+Randi “Chicken nugget” Gal It's unusual too because she grew up calling him Frank. As a baby, it was 'Fwank'. All the children were encouraged to call both Frank and Gail by their names.

[@dgrundman7499]

Heh, that actually warmed the 'cockels' of my heart, whatever they might be, thanks for the warm feeling Randi. :) Wait . . . I'm 53, I have prostrate problems for Christ sake, I don't get warm fuzzy feelings, what the . . ?? (looking down) Aww shit. I pissed myself! Argghhh! This getting old shit, god dammit!!!! :)

[@mommyrandi1]

didn't take your meds either..

[@Johns1082]

the zappas seemed like great geniune people having alot of fun, great to see in celebs 😀

[@grahamblack1961]

She's gorgeous, funny and totally adorable.

[@edmonddantes9408]

Holy shit, I didn't know Howard Stern used to dress up like Ronnie James Dio back in the day.

[@narvul]

She's a beauty.... and so was her father.

[@caitlinmcardle154]

She really is and he was a great man:)

[@themightychabunga2441]

Moon is a fine person like her siblings. Frank and Gail raised mighty fine offspring with their eccentric lifestyle. Different is good, needed in fact. Mono-typing leads to extinction.

[@paulinebutcherbird]

+TheMighty Chabunga Some people are re-thinking that script after recent public squabbles between the four siblings.

[@narvul]

Brian O'Kongkohwer More than I can tell you.

[@paulinebutcherbird]

How things have changed!

[@justinfreeman3473]

So glad I found this, had no idea it existed! Sure wish Frank was still around though.

[@mojav26]

She's so beautiful!

[@nevigo5519]

She is very charming.

[@klaytonvonkluge4905]

That sucks he passed away before his time... only 53 i think.. R.i.P., Frank .. we miss you, man.! Always liked Dweezil and Moon, too...

[@gigtrek3926]

I think this is a priceless interview, since Moon is so appealing and Frank seems to really enjoy the whole thing. I liked hearing about her home life, growing up with Frank as a dad, etc.

[@gregsmith8854]

"Well the fur trapper stood there, with his arm outstretched across the frozen white wasteland wondering what he was going to do about his afflicted eye. And it was at the precise moment he remembered and Ancient Eskimo Legend wherein it is written On whatever they write it on up there, that if anything bad ever happens to you eye as a result of some kind of conflict with anyone named Nanook....The only was you can get it fixed up is to go trudging across the tundra, mile after mile, Trudging cross the tundra.....right down to the Parish of St Alphonso. ..Yes Indeed here we are ....At St Alphonso Pancake Breakfast. ...Where I stole the margarine " RIP Frank

[@gregsmith8854]

PS How do you abuse a sausage patty?

[@Beardwhip]

Make it fetch your slippers while ya got a bad case a bromadrosis

[@rhyoliteaquacade]

You dont wanna know!

[@HUnatuurkunde]

Greg Smith brilliant!

[@jumpers3]

Moon is so pretty.I'm sorry your dad died young

[@stephenowens8763]

That’s about as close to a belly laugh I ever heard from Frank. I guess feeling well after being sick let him just enjoy time with Moon and Howard’s humor.

[@ChicagoJ351]

You have to give Howard credit here. Great interview, very entertaining. Not everyone can do what he pulled off in this interview.

[@2degucitas]

Why is Howard dressed like a New Romantic? Did he escape from Adam Ant?

[@mistermister3319]

+2degucitas Halloween episode.

[@91thebossman]

on 27 of June?

[@Bradyvilleboy]

Such a beauty. And Frank was my Elvis.

[@Lioninthenight]

Frank and the Zappa family liked to watch the old Stern channel nine shows back in the early 90s.

[@zachjohnson637]

She had great hair

[@bluestate69]

Frank Zappa. The biggest genius of them all.

[@twostikks1]

Wow, impeccably edited and well preserved! And a great appearance by Frank & Moon. I still miss Frank.

[@MasterofPuberty]

I hope this was live, otherwise there is no excuse for ending the interview there. Frank loved you Howard! He would have gone on!

[@FossilisedFishooks]

she's great!

[@rimerril]

My best friend Keith and I listened to his stuff in the 70's and 80's ALL the time. Keith was an artist, very intelligent, and understood music. Frank, we miss you. WE MISS YOU. And I miss Keith.

[@Frankincensedjb123]

When I first saw Howard, I thought he was going to break into "you spin me right around, baby, right round."

[@replicantx]

He does make Frank laugh several times, so that makes this worthwhile I guess.

[@paulinebutcherbird]

Definitely.

[@hitobito255]

I love how both the woman in the interview segment as well as Moon Unit are dressed up like...Elaine Bennis from Seinfeld! Am I right, or am I right?? Bobby sox and a flower dress!

[@BrownSoldier96]

9:45 I love the faces that she makes. What a lovely woman. She's still very attractive.

[@InfiniteRhombus]

woah shes really pretty

[@SkinoGreeneVu]

god damn Howard stern is a machine in this... that a a lot of energy... I couldn't be that hyper around my own family let alone strangers lol

[@Craig-dv3ji]

It was everywhere in what he was saying to Howard, but Frank was really this close to just having to admit that he knows he's going to be dead in the next few months. His mind would've only gotten more and more acute as he aged. Miss him.

[@lysetteandel9225]

I've always loved Zappa. Now to see his daughter all grown up and nice. Very cool. I wish she could meet my brother...

[@bp3567]

Frank Zappa huge loss. I'm still in mourning.

[@Trytocookthis]

Thanks for finding and sharing this.

[@GW4PCITY]

13:16 "I'm trying to leave the nest, Howard that's what's Zappaning." haha you know she's franks daughter lol

[@blackl1steddrums]

Look at Howard in his full blown Rock Star days. Hes great

[@rhyoliteaquacade]

She handled that very well! Sad that Frank is gone. We could really use that sharp political insight of his these days.

[@magavsschwaga7834]

Loved Zappa! Robin Quivers, Fred and Gary add so much to Howard's trip.

[@nomore2001]

That fucker's game is creepy as fuck.

[@paulinebutcherbird]

I think Moon and Frank both liked and admired him.

[@robertkennington7768]

Cute, innocent, endearing interview.

[@paulinebutcherbird]

+Robert Kennington Agreed. Sten is superb at it. And Moon was relaxed and happy.

[@circlecloud11]

Early on...and I mean early like the mid 80's I wasn't so keen on Howard's interviews. But by this time and moving on he really became one of my favorites. He has a way of letting people act like they really are. You get that sense here. Frank's and Moon are laughing and don't seem put off by anything he says. Quite the contrary, it's like he catches them off guard in a good way and lets their real personality show. He needs to have his own Barbra Walters type interview special regularly!

[@paulinebutcherbird]

Totally agree.

[@eddiecongdon8017]

This version of Stern was gold he has toned it down these days but still very witty

[@johnpothews9771]

No make-up conservative look and spoke very well.My dream girl.Theres nothing sexier than a great looking girl that tries not to be sexy.

[@MrJosedaluz]

Howard Stern is one of the greatest interviewer ever. For me, is just the best ever.

[@timeriderx]

Frank was much more conservative than one would think. Maybe more of a centrist/independent. He was born just south of where I lived as a kid. I remember the zany bunch tossing jello at us all back in the day (Electric Factory). Crass yes but not as crass as the Stern. Real! yes and I love his kids, Moon is still HOT! We will all miss his Frankness.......

[@VideoGameCenter100]

timeriderx just because somebody is more quiet and reserved doesn't mean you can pinpoint their political beliefs based on that. I know your desperate to believe Zappa was aligned with your beliefs even though it's simply not true!

[@jonathanwhite5640]

Frank and Hot Rats,turned me on to a lifetime of good music thank you,and the Valley girl :-)

[@wowwhywow]

sexy?...I guess that's a matter of taste...one thing for sure...she's Honest...she's Real...and she's Gentle....that's what makes you think she's sexy....it's sthe sign of a great woman

[@Grisostomo06]

+chris boulet She's a lady and she respects herself.

[@VitomirMilosevic]

Nice one,thanks!

[@brianquinn989]

Shes beautiful

[@anonymas1582]

shit is he going to let her talk or just put words in her mouth and then interrupt her to perform?

[@theodorepapageorgiou149]

What a CUTIE PIE! No not you Howard.

[@beachandstorm]

To me this is all about Frank Zappa--A great lyricist--and musician

[@rick-ry3kj]

great stuff!

[@televisiontrekkie3802]

Valley girl is moons opposite nature, I hope no one takes the song seriously. She's grounded.

[@anthonynavarro6074]

Love u moon. Shine on frank

[@joesmith6524]

great show w/o robin who interrupts howard all the time!!!!!!

[@RedSpiralHandTV]

I don't even know why I've always loved HS so much except that he just fucking tells it like it is. And this, ladies and gentlemen, is the fucking world you live in. Don't be assholes and say otherwise... FZ was so amazing...saw him in concert in the early 80s in San Diego and as a young woman he pushed all my buttons and I loved it anyway...

[@wyndonpendergraft]

Why is Howard dressed liked Dracula

[@johnwade3476]

Moon is a doll :)

[@mikedavis786]

There is the most beautiful woman I've ever seen

[@jasonsmith8300]

I like how there were quotes around the word interview

[@richardordonez8331]

Howard's a great interviewer

[@carlosmclaren1983]

gotta love the Sternster!

[@sunnythymes5444]

Howard looked GREAT!👍😄✌LOVE that look on you Howard.

[@wellthatisgr8er]

She seems great.

[@dmalmostwan]

Love Frank RIP prophet

[@TheSlenderman]

to hear his imput today. i miss ya frank

[@b.buster.]

That's not a podium, it's a lectern. You stand on a podium and behind a lectern.

[@nogoodbastid]

An earlier prostate exam would have saved his life. Dudes, get your prostates checked.

[@frankbagwell937]

A. Graham moop

[@johnnybravo1041]

He said that he had several of them and they never caught it. Check his 1993 interview on abc

[@groundcontrol-x8701]

Zappa is the Man!

[@cheeseontoast9418]

omg im in love with her

[@sl4983]

OK Frank Zappa recommended Talk Soup as a snippet of the 80's, will check it out.

[@VictorValcarcel]

He made Frank laugh :D

[@stuie46]

The doctor's kept missing his cancer. Hmmmm.....

[@eddiecongdon8017]

I wish all these old E videos were up

[@christianclark7441]

Moon is maybe the prettiest girl I've ever seen

[@christianclark7441]

And Howard was a creep to her

[@garyinmarz8938]

always loved Zap

[@mrsgstd]

Howard refers to Frank Zappa as a "Rock Star?" Hardly. He was so much more than that. An artist, composer, performer and critic. Not a rock star.

[@apexmike849]

The "'Bye Daddy!" was painful to hear, in context. :-(