The Drummers of Frank Zappa

With, from left to right : Ralph Humphrey, Chester Tompson, Terry Bozzio, Chad Wakerman, Ruth Underwood.
• 00:00:00 Musical opening
• 00:03:00 Terry's Intro and Ralph's Audition
• 00:17:47 How Chester Got In The Band
• 00:31:20 Ruth's Story Meeting Frank
• 00:56:57 More Stories and Chad's Audition
• 01:12:20 Discussion of Other Player's Audition
• 01:17:33 The Black Page of Frank's Music
• 01:35:31 Playing In The Band
Performance : • The Drummers of Frank ...
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[@foxbean100]

Ruth Underwood... what a gracious, elegant, humble, generous and articulate being she is. Amazing.

[@jazzyboy7784]

Gotta love those nice jewish girls from Long Island...

[@RogerBiwandu]

Exactly what I was thinking while watching this great roundtable, shame, Don Vincenzo Colaiuta is not there.

[@Stahlgewitter]

Anyone who can play marimba that well must be

[@jimd9360]

Not to mention a brilliant percussionist. Check out a reaction video of Inca Roads by a music professor. She starts a circuit of her kit from the top of the marimba and onto an array of drums. While her playing is lightning fast, it's not all about speed and fury. Incredible playing.

[@arttursh8324]

"the girl with the big tits & the blue thing holdin' em' up" Frank Zappa

[@paulthoresen8241]

Ruths existence is comforting

[@theazza]

Met Ruth back in 2005 on holiday in L.A. Super friendly and approachable, answered all my questions. She’s the best.

[@whyzup6593]

Long Islands finest...

[@PhilBaird1]

I really enjoyed this and listening to all the guys, but Ruth has such a warm personality and is a wonderful communicator. I could listen to her all night. Essential viewing for any fan of Frank's music.

[@robbyrob0723]

It is!

[@rooannaroo446]

Always…

[@Jaminbenb1]

Ruth should write a book! Her memory is awesome! What a great interview!!

[@triptoyourheart]

Yes, absolutely. She's just amazing.

[@johnharvey4496]

Ben Barletta rhymes with Red Barchetta. Join the dots.

[@joshbolton5624]

We need a documentary on Ruth herself for real!!!-

[@randyhammill9021]

Seriously. She’s even the most captivating member of a Zappa related band in an interview.

[@stevedotwood]

She's very funny too, great sense of humor

[@c11p]

R.I.P., Ralph. An underrated and underappreciated Zappa drummer.

[@sam_uelson]

Ralph's not dead, he just smells funny

[@russblack443]

Personally I always preferred Ralph to some of the others. The combination or Ralph and Ruth was fantastic

[@danender5555]

Yet another pathetic and meaningless underrated crap...

[@FreeAssRecords]

David Abbruzzese here. These musicians are the changers of the game for me. Chester makes it all look so easy. Chad has a skill dynamic like no other. Ralph showed me how to play to what i heard with feeling. Terry's melodic support yet rocked and rolled beyond. Ruth exemplifies grace under pressure and a class of skills that was unknown to me prior to discovering her playing. Zappa gifted us all with his incredible music and more than that, his incredibly talented rhythm sections. Thank you for this interview.

[@russmartin6763]

Dave, I agree with everything you say, and would also like to comment that I think you’re a fantastic player, as well. That other band you were in was never better than when you were in it.

[@FreeAssRecords]

@@russmartin6763 Hey! Thank you for taking the time to share your kind words! I agree with what your saying, too! All the best to you and yours! D

[@YogsenForfoth]

@@FreeAssRecords Dave! I can’t believe you’re on here with the rest of us plebs! 😂

[@FreeAssRecords]

@@YogsenForfoth 😂🤣

[@martinroland]

Another question here. Wackerman said that he had 120 songs in his pocket during the 88 tour. But a couple of years ago I heard the number 180? You now anything about this?

[@LeSpulch]

Man it's real dangerous trying to store this much drumming power in one room...

[@chuck482]

Fucking hilarious comment!

[@corybanter]

That moment where they all start "singing" the drum fill from "More Trouble Every Day" is PRICELESS.

[@anilkarahal4526]

Zappa and Colaiuta. Golden years.

[@kesim]

More Ruth please. Anything else would be just Ruthless.

[@chuck482]

That's damned funny.

[@Ro1Gg2Bv3]

Was it not in one of his numbers: ...... ;;;;; ..... Just Ruth

[@michaelkarath3407]

I was at the show Ruth Underwood references at 51:00. It was on Nov. 9, 1974, at the Orpheum Theater in Boston. Right in the middle of the show, several huge rafters from the ceiling just unraveled and crashed hard and clumsily down on the band. And the band kept playing with Zappa taking a 10 or 15 minute solo while roadies feverishly ran about the stage fixing the vibes and some of the keyboards. I remember it being an absolutely great solo, too, and thinking what a treat that was, even though the accident could have been a disaster. It sent chills up my spine hearing her recount that story. I thought it would be lost to the ether. I can see it in my mind like it was yesterday. It was the last Zappa show I saw with my favorite lineup that included Ruth and George Duke.

[@Saltfly]

You’re officially part of Zappa history. That’s gotta be a pretty damn good feelin.

[@JillKnapp]

I could watch this every single day and never get tired of it.

[@jamesrustler6022]

frank had a knack for choosing the greatest musicians. not necessarily the biggest names, but the most capable. and to be capable of playing what frank wrote, up to his standards, meant you were by virtue an instant legend.

[@chuck482]

There was the story told by Vinnie Colitauita. Sorry I spelled his name wrong.

[@chuck482]

Just wanted to say his audition was 3 lines of 150 people each. And he got to the end with Frank saying along with only one other guy *singer) , "just wait here one the side of the stage after the auditions are done."

[@mauricedorreboom5388]

Napoleon Murphy Brock was picked up after seeing him play in a Bar in Hawaii. He didn't even had to audtion, just show up ... if you like what you hear, you are in.

[@brianwhitney5441]

I could listen to Ruthie for days about hard experiences with the Zappa

[@dlxinfinite7098]

I think there was some hanky panky on the road between Ruth and Frank.

[@radiomindchatter7994]

You can tell that Terry is a genuinely nice guy...great clip!

[@lorellesouthern3527]

Is that Terry Bozzio?

[@zendakk]

@@lorellesouthern3527 Yes :)

[@joec5962]

Chester was almost completely ignored if it wasn’t for Ruth. She was the only one with enough decency to acknowledge he had been almost completely ignored for the beginning of interview 😢. He was humble enough to keep his mouth shut until he was given a chance to speak. Then he told his story. What a great man and drummer!!! And not to mention he is barely acknowledged in the comments below 😕

[@briandebold7795]

Bro he didn’t need to speak he and his drumming speaks for itself but ya I hear you, absolutely love him!

[@craigchapman8220]

He is one of the best drummers of all time.

[@BoneyWhy]

Why make it negative? He was by no means being ignored! What bull!

[@anthonycassillo5142]

I think any & all the musicians that had that golden opportunity to play with Frank Zappa on a recording & or live in concert were all truly talented musicians

[@goodwintrent2989]

This may sound funny, especially because I'm not a drummer (I play bass) , but of all the great stuff on You Tube, this is my all-time favorite video. It has everything - amazing drumming; 5 very intelligent, articulate percussionists/drummers - all with a great respect foreach other - and they all tell wonderful stories about being in Zappa's band! Required viewing for anyone who claims to be a Zapppa fan!

[@matthowe7057]

I feel exactly the same way. This is a very special upload!! (I'm not a drummer either but an ex-bass player). As you say, all are highly intelligent & articulate with a great respect for one another. Ruth is pin sharp. Would love to have seen Vinnie join this discussion.

[@godbluffvdgg]

I am a drummer and as a Zappa fan since the mid 70's, It's one of my favorites too...I love when Chad comes in..:)...Bozzio did such a great job, as usual...:)

[@davids9192]

Goodwin Trent Always find myself coming back to this video. A living history lesson on such a creative period of Frank’s music. Ruth is so charming.

[@godbluffvdgg]

​@@ThisIsTheMajor :)...That's killer; did he have the monster set with him? ...He's ageless, it seems...He's a much overlooked drummer outside of the industry..His work with U.K is some of his best...Did he do anything from that group? Carry No Cross or The only thing she Needs are MONSTER drummer pieces...:)...

[@godbluffvdgg]

@@ThisIsTheMajor He is indeed...I've been a fan since his Zappa Days...:)...He brings so much energy to the kit...He's mellowed a lot from his long hair days...:)...Him playing the devil in Titties and Beer kzbin.info/www/bejne/javdiHibnrqZabs&ab_channel=bolimozak.. Or; Punky's whips - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKjZq39tgN-YlZI&ab_channel=FrankWaldegg He's a beast...

[@valleysofneptune]

As also a massive fan of Hendrix, I was so pleased to hear Ruth describe Frank’s love for Hendrix…..Frank and Jimi would have made some amazing sounds together. This is drum heaven to watch

[@johnfredjr2222]

although understandable,..but Frank would not have been comfortable with Jimi , for obvious reasons

[@brucewyatt1618]

@@johnfredjr2222 why bruh?

[@Astral-Projector2389]

@@brucewyatt1618 drugs my friend. Drugs.

[@c4gman]

Attended the Zappa/Mahavishnu show in 73 at the Spectrum in Philly. John opened the show with a Namaste greeting to he crowd. As they played, from my seat I could clearly see Frank and bandmates watching their amazing set from right behind stage right. When Frank and band came out for their set ’backstage too. It was clear how much respect and affection the bands had for each other. Saw many great shows at the Spectrum and this great show is in my all time top 5 !

[@fintanoclery2698]

Lucky you, that sounds like a legendary show. I was born in the 70s only caught Frank once as a young teenager in the 80s and John McLaughlin a handful of times over the years. Luckily there are so many recordings of them in their prime. Cheers

[@22ucespatriotwarrior88]

Spectrum man.. that was my GIG! Music Sports.... First ever show was there! It wasn't Zappa....

[@danalawrence4473]

I saw them in Detroit, and it was similar- one of the greatest shows I have ever seen. Ponty was with Zappa at the time. And Cobham was beyond reality.

[@imaseeker100]

This gathering of artists is a cultural treasure. Never mind the music, which will be studied for a hundred generations.

[@torbjrnengan3689]

Wonderful talk. Bozzio said about Wackerman "I love him, we often play together, and he makes me sound good even when i'm make mistakes"! What a great way to be of service to the music.

[@andragg]

I really love Ruth's story about seeing The Mothers at The Garrick. Ruth and Art Tripp's talent for playing marimba and vibes on Uncle Meat inspired Zappa to use those instruments a lot more. Ruth, Ian Underwood and Art seemed to have fallen from heaven for Zappa. He was so fortunate to have The Mothers in New York in 1967 with their concerts at The Garrick plus meeting Dick Kunc at Apostolic. Uncle Meat was the first Mothers album I heard when I was 15 in 1970 and I still think it's their best album with Zappa's finest writing. It changed my thinking and showed me a new world of music I never knew was possible. Along with Cal's incredible cover art, it was like it was from distant planet in another galaxy. I love a lot of Zappa's later work and the drumming of Ralph, Chester and Terry, but Uncle Meat is just so special.

[@user-sb5dd6cx9y]

Hey what a great interview from his trusted drummer's and Ruth ,,, thanx !!!

[@cdcoop0]

One of the best videos on the internet. Nothing against Chad and Terry (who are legendary in their own right) but I would pay lots of money just to hear Ruth and the Ralph/Chester two headed monster tell stories.

[@johnvalentine3456]

Ruth, what a story teller. Wish I were 1/100th as articulate!

[@slow71971]

Anysley Dunbar didn't make it?Wow!

[@fredmossberg2069]

My first concert was Mothers/Mahavishnu/Leo Kottke solo acoustic. So great hearing Ruth's stories!

[@SeiStatoTu]

Thank You, you made Frank Zappa music possible. I love Mrs Underwod.🥰

[@davidkosa]

Amid all the KZbin trash are gems like this. What a stimulating, funny and amazing set of tales.

[@thomasfourounjian3805]

Came here for a second and stayed for the whole show. Thoroughly enjoyed this.

[@mattryan6886]

This is an absolute must watch for drummers and Zappa fans. The stories are absolutely amazing, and I learned some seriously important lessons from their stories of auditioning with Frank.

[@craigfazekas3923]

I'd love to have heard Aynsley's input. This was fabulous !!

[@DrTomoculus]

That's who I was hoping would be in this video. That dude. Not only what he did with Zappa. His work with Journey, Whitesnake and Jefferson Starship, when you really listen to what he's doing, he's just solid, he makes every track work. And all of a sudden he'll veer off and show you why he was with Zappa if you listen really carefully.

[@godbluffvdgg]

My third time listening to this and I just smile ear to ear listening to Chad...I'm the same age as Chad and I was a drummer too and I remember seeing him featured in Modern Drummer and how inspiring it was...At 21 Chad was a BEAST!

[@NEntv58]

Chester: "Apostrophe and Overnight Sensation are two of the best-played drum parts i had ever heard in my life"

[@stevetingley2508]

This is mind-blowing information about a legendary band I'm awestruck

[@jimconley1448]

Wonderful job Terry! You really let everyone have their moment!

[@speedsterh]

Fantastic video. I caught up on Frank's music during my college years, around 1992. I started with "The Helsinki Concert" and listened to it an obscene amount of time. Then I bought as many albums from FZ as I could (although money was scarce back then). And everytime I listened to a new album, I was like "What's the secret I'll be afforded today" ? The music, the mood between musicians, were so much more real than the rest of the conventional music that I was addicted to it. I can totally understand that the muscians that had the privilege of playing with FZ had such incredible and vivid stories about that era. Thank you so much for reliving them for us !

[@fredzep01]

your story mirrors mine exactly, same time frame and addicted to buying zappa albums even though i was skint. wish it would of been these days. discs cost 2 - 3 quid now while back then they were 22 -25 for a double cd 15 -18 quid for a single, ha ha ha.

[@markjackson8856]

Normal drummers. Don't play the blacknpage . Ralf Terry Chad & cesterv& Ruth have opened my mind in ways I could not comprehend. You changed me forever.thank you .I love & respect and cherish the experience of seeing you aĺ play and getting to talk with you over-the years Godbless.❤

[@JohnKlymshynCoachK]

Great musicians are great, disciplined, humble listeners.

[@Leddrums]

Bozzio is very intelligent. He says that he regrets the fact that he was too young and could not play with the sensibility that he has got nowadays. He is actually very musical now

[@surfdigby]

Someone needs to get in touch with Ruth and get her to record an album of cocktail style Zappa songs.

[@brandom1953]

What a well spent 1:46:13. Priceless memories of the one and only FZ.

[@keithregan8316]

Ruth brings tears to my eyes with the gracious accolades she showers upon her bandmates!!

[@ganazby]

This is easily the best thing on KZbin. If something better comes along, I won’t watch it. And I’m a guitar player. 🎶

[@hotzenplotz6654]

"McLaughlin...knowing things, no one else could know." Ruth is gorgeous.

[@vvvvaaaacccc]

I'm not a drummer, and I don't know much about Terry, Chester, Ralph, Chad, or Ruth, but I love Zappa. this is a conversation worth listening to.

[@madrobotfan]

The piccolo snare was Frank's rosebud. Great video.

[@tinkersailorhead4360]

The piccolo drum Story Ruth tells is heartwrenching. Asking Ruth about it is very much about going back to your Roots emotionally on your Path out of life as I Unterstand it.

[@sarahrtv]

Ruth Underwood please please please write a book.

[@godbluffvdgg]

Ruth is such a delight! Her story of getting in the Zappa Band was so endearing...Plus it's nice to hear people that are actually older than me...:)...I was 7 when she was attending Julliard and Zappa concerts...:)

[@DrGonzo57]

I just to play for Gary Lewis and the Playboys on drums and I remember a gig at Don's music store in Franklin Ohio where we opened for Billy Cobham's band. Billy had a bunch of union dudes from Cinci and let me watch him rehearse the band. Billy doesnt just know the drums but is musically a well rounded musician. The cool thing was that the music store had all Billy's old prototype drumsets in the back room where Billy ran the band through the tunes. I will never forget the drum set Billy used back stage. It was a yellow North drum kit and the stands and rack were made of of steel monkey bar pipe. Very cool. Billy could really lay into the drums. And man you ought to see him on a racquetball court. You do not want to be in front of a ball he hits. Peace-Tim

[@dariomaiello393]

This conversation among Friends, top musicians around the Great Uncle Frank Is pure beauty!

[@DJP10573]

This is gold!! I can’t give it enough likes.

[@Geraint3000]

I could listen to Ruth for days.

[@rancemohammitz2304]

Jeezuz, Ruth is one helluva storyteller...

[@rancemohammitz2304]

LMAO, to listen to her is to understand just how the hell she could understand and PLAY so much of FZ's music

[@bikershark9]

Back watching this after watching the new Zappa doc (which is excellent). Ruth is wonderful.

[@haydenwalton2766]

just fantastic! my five all time favourite percussionists of frank's - in conversation. for me, nothing beats those roxy gigs

[@garthok6224]

Ruth has the gift of storytelling. It is amazing

[@tonyn152]

What a great video. I could listen to 2 more hours of these stories!

[@roggermelo5141]

Every time I watch this video, I can feel Ruth’s energy flowing

[@DarelGabriel]

This is so beautiful! There is no greater club than the drummers of Frank Zappa. Amazing.

[@jessewoody5772]

Very nice listen. Hearing back stories from different time periods was very interesting. Frank was an amazing man, as serious as he was funny. Everybody that played with him was ultra talented and made even better by having known him. Hell, even Im smarter just for having listened to him. His music is not for everyone for the simple reason they dont give it a fair shake......their loss

[@rubrshrk]

I listen to this at least once a year. This is the best thing on youtube. I wish it was about 4 hours longer.

[@omroepamersfoort]

great Ruth story: the drumsticks of Chester :)

[@unamacarana]

This is absolutely wonderful. Thank you for posting.

[@melodismeadow]

in plumbing trade school back in 84, we made up resume's, I made mine adressed to the Zappa plumbing company, have been a fan for years, Lowell, Steve via, bozio, some amazing musicians graced the stage with him.

[@HeinzFoerster]

WOW I am so overwhelmed to hear this stories, bringing back lots of memories to concerts which I was allowed to experience and to all the background for Franks . Thank you very much

[@carlossalvado5851]

thank you guys for your talent and for synchronizing with this great composer who was Frank Zappa

[@juleswinnfield3958]

This is definitely one of my best late night discoveries. The genuine respect of each other’s different genius, and openness with one another is incredible. No egos or competition. Beautiful and inspiring, really.

[@countblue]

There is more drumknowledge concentrated here than allowed. Its like a critical mass of drummers. The screen should explode.

[@TheJollycoppers]

I love this level of intelligence in musical composition and dexterity. People oversimplify rock music and place it in their own stereotypical box. Who else, other than Frank, could fill a composition with humor and have it also be this incredibly technical.

[@m.g.kroger]

Alive, each word is alive! Thank you for this!!

[@magprob]

I saw Zappa in San Diego when Ruth was with them. She really is great!

[@jeffdawson2786]

This is my favorite collection of FZ stalwarts to date. I wish they had thought of these reunions before.

[@bryanstaddon5998]

I had the incredible great luck to see all of these people play with Frank. It’s been a lifelong inspiration to me. I’m a guitar player but nowhere near this level of beauty. I thank you all and your playing still inspires me. Rarely does a week go by in the last 50 years where there is not some Zappa in my ears. So glad that near the end you folks talked about “The Lick” in the 70’s versions of More Trouble Every Day. First time I heard it was live, and just like all of you did ,I immediately started singing it. Still gives me goosebumps! Thank you all for putting so much beauty in my life, I’ll never forget any of you. Also one last thing: Terry could you please get a bigger kit!

[@byronlemay2166]

This is just fantastic. As a drummer myself and a huge fan of what these people have done...this is probably one the most entertaining things I've ever seen on KZbin.

[@pejoha]

fantastic stories, fantastic people & musicians...

[@briankelly4191]

This is such a great video, I’m bummed Vinny and Ainsley aren’t here too

[@Oneness100]

I guess they aren't Terry's favorite Zappa drummers.. ;-(

[@timhutton6802]

Who knows? There could well be other reasons they're not there.

[@timhutton6802]

In fact Terry says here that Ainsley is one of his favourites.

[@danalawrence4473]

I saw one of the concerts with Mahavishnu and Zappa- and Ruth is right, the volume was mind-bogglingly loud and intense!

[@darzil007]

No doubt a group of best drummers there is, but what surprised is our very talented and powerful and dear co worker Ruth. , very nice to see in this great group of masters , Ruth and I played few gigs together was really fun , with JJ band .must say as a Drummer was so much fun and good rhythm section with you Ruth . More power to you

[@TanneSchneider]

Great records. Thank you so much, dear mr or mrs or sweet dog or ... arf Greetings from Germany lostinthiswhirlpool🏴‍☠🏳‍🌈🏳 have a nizzze time, de Tanne

[@maazrizwan5966]

is it me but chad looks too polite and nice to be a drummer, he looks more like a high school english teacher lol

[@JasonLeonPike]

This is a great video. Thanks for posting.

[@joewollhower]

This is an amazing chat. Many magic morsels. Thanks so much for doing this.

[@davidwilson9264]

That was phenomenal, it took me way over the 1.46 it should take to watch this as I had to check out some of their references that I had forgotten or had not known, four hours well spent. I was amazed by their knowledge and how they held so much in their heads and also loved the camaraderie and that they clearly admired and probably loved Zappa.

[@FrettieFingers]

The Fowler brother's dad taught at my college in the early 70's so it was a real treat to see them on campus and then sit behind the sound crew at their gig.

[@stevencuevas3563]

For any FZ this a MUST WATCH brilliant stories and insights from all

[@JohnLloydDavis]

Even for me as a guitar player, this is my favourite collection of musicians talking about their time with Frank. I watch it regularly and learn something new each time (my memory is getting bad as I get older)

[@LL-vy5bj]

Would have loved to see Ruth play in the jamming bits, god knows she would have brought something incredible to it as usual!

[@coltonweatherston3308]

Ruth's stories are the best, and I love that Diva Zappa was having a birthday party while Chad Wackerman was auditioning 😂

[@andrewsandoz8005]

Really enjoyed and appreciated this show...Thx

[@paulsimmons1901]

Really amazing, Reminds me a bit of how King Crimson'd three drummers worked together. Amazing arttists. . . .

[@craigchapman8220]

Chester is a monster drummer.

[@antoniokofoed7139]

That duet that chad terry did was other worldly .

[@chuck482]

I'm still watching this, aa you should be. These men love Ruth.

[@Leddrums]

Chad is a monster actually. And I really like his work with Zappa. Of course Bozzio was the most relevant one. Thinking about City of Tiny Lights played by Bozzio with Belew at vocals 🔝

[@martinroland]

Another question here. Wackerman said that he had 120 songs in his pocket during the 88 tour. But a couple of years ago I heard the number 180? You now anything about this?

[@Ro1Gg2Bv3]

I experience you guys have brought in the rithme's and music of the native's of North America in modern culture.

[@michaelkepes6125]

Thank you Ruth in Detroit at masonic auditorium I went to see zappa i knew about mahvishnew when the concert was about to begin John who was in all white asked for a moment for meditation but this was Detroit and the crowd hollered back f* k that we want to rock&roll the concert was in my top 20 and I've going to concerts since 1968 all around the world

[@1369buddy]

Chester,,playing Cheapness Laughing at the lyrics Sez , nobody in the hood sang about hotdogs,,Lmao. This was a Outstanding Vidio Really enjoyed it. Thanks!!

[@robbyrob0723]

I always wondered what Ruth thought of Steve Reich's percussion writings. Runs concurrent with her Zappa tenure

[@davidcyrenne5815]

All legends, but Terry Bozzio... That voice. After all the vocal work he did with Zappa, I can't help but chuckle hearing him talk, even just normally. Pull my chain you tiny potato headed whatchamacallit !