Things That Came Out About Frank Zappa After He Died

In life, Frank Zappa built a legacy for his musical experimentation and boundless creativity. However, his vision for how his art would outlive him has been heavily disputed.
#FrankZappa #Revealed #AfterDeath
Preserving his memory | 0:00
The covers controversy | 1:19
He saved absolutely everything | 2:28
Zappa was strictly anti-drug | 3:56
He was pretty open | 4:49
Complicated views on success | 5:47
Joe's Garage | 6:48
Read Full Article: www.grunge.com/1292684/things...

[@scubadiva666]

One of my favorite quotes of Zappa's is: “Most rock journalism is people who can’t write, interviewing people who can’t talk, for people who can’t read.”

[@ydoomenaud]

He foretold video game journalism

[@gertstronkhorst2343]

Why?

[@kevinmills2534]

Patently untrue, but I quoted it a lot when I was about 15.

[@SCORP1ONF1RE]

lol

[@IusedtohaveausernameIliked]

Mine is "writing about music is like dancing about architecture."

[@valterguitar]

the reason why he was strictly anti-drug was because the risk of the guys in the band getting arrested at the borders during tours, not the "difficult" music , he said that on plenty interviews and some of his former band members as well

[@nunestunes]

He mentioned it in his book, he just found drug users unreliable on top of all the chances of being arrested

[@owenbruce4120]

Zappa wasn't a man to waste time and focus, that's precisely what drug use does in a disciplined work environment

[@jonnybarnard8578]

I heard they dabbled back in the freak out days, maybe that's where he learned that drugs weren't a good idea lol

[@m.richards6947]

He was also just an authoritarian pro-war jerk. His parents were chemical weapons experts who worked for the government.

[@Zephyrmec]

As an OG who has seen Zappa live numerous times since the Flo and Eddie era, still known as the Mothers of invention,, there were stoners in the touring band, but Frank broke that up after his severe injury in a concert in England, when he next built a touring band, it was almost a clean slate. Technically top shelf and remaining so irrespective of who was the “rocking teenage combo” of that tour.

[@Mrpsblobsoflowendmung]

Virtually everything in this video was known before his death . Frank talked about literally everything here in person and on video . We all knew he recorded everything . Every show . Every rehearsal . Every score . Every video . All was kept and catalogued.

[@Trollzungolo]

He didn't actually record every show

[@ctcards2636]

Yeah i knew all of this already and that was before he died. None of this was "new" to me and im sure were not the only ones. I do appreciate a video on Zappa, but the description should be edited.

[@CourtWatchAu]

how did he afford to pay all the band members and record everything adn all his equipment etc ?? form what ive read his albums didnt sell that well when he was alive

[@fredzep01]

@@CourtWatchAu The musicians that played with frank were looking for something special to be involved in, they would have played for next to nothing, because Franks musical gymnastics helped them scatch an itch they wouldn't of found in any other band.

[@Thom.1502]

True, these types of Pages are just trying to make a name for themselves It is like the celeb gossip type of bullshit you read in a Gossip mags, pay no attention.

[@GMFTheTemporaryBlues]

Gail was a tyrant that cared about preserving Frank’s financial legacy… to the point that she made it almost impossible for his SON to celebrate his music on tour much less anyone else, and ultimately turned his kids against each other.

[@richsackett3423]

So many words to say "greedy bitch".

[@robertfisher4689]

Umm that happened after she died. Dz had to change the name of his band. Thats it. Lawyers dividing the estate between the children

[@GMFTheTemporaryBlues]

@@robertfisher4689 she had her lawyers send a cease and desist to Ike, who was playing a small show in a restaurant in Cleveland in the early 2000’s, that my buddy owns, she sued cover bands for identity theft to prevent them from playing his music, she readily admitted being sue crazy for people not licensing Frank’s music. It’s pretty documented that she was extorting Dweezil for large sums of cash to use his own name to play his dad’s music on NPR, in the LA TIMES, and Rolling Stone, to name a few. It did get worse in 2016 after her death in 2015, which is when He decided to change the bands name.

[@spooge33]

​@robertfisher4689 The estate was not divided evenly among the four kids. Ahmet and Diva, the two youngest, got a bigger slice than Moon and Dweezil. In death, Gail divided the family.

[@robertfisher4689]

@@spooge33 and you have absolutely xerox insight so.. ..

[@rdhudon7469]

I didn't like Zappa , then I was given a free ticket in 1980 . He had Steve Vai with him and I became a life long fan . Mind blown . Definitely a top guitar player. I still have my ticket stub .

[@George-9121]

Steve Vai said that touring with Zappa nearly killed him. The set list was never the same twice and no sound checks. But after, he said he was a better, more professional player than before. A baptism of fire scalds away the slag.

[@leesashriber5097]

I can't believe he's been gone since 1993!! So much intelligence and talent. 🕊️❤️🙏

[@tomquigley3315]

Recently found a newspaper clipping of his death in an old storage box. Will add it to the nicely framed poster of a 1971 show on October 7th (my birthday). He is missed.

[@carolinejohnson9165]

Going to Montana to raise some dental Voss !

[@ricksmith7881]

So intelligent he couldn't leave cigarettes alone

[@fintronics]

@@guitarszen Provide a link or it didn't happen..

[@fintronics]

Zappa was actually in favor of making ALL drugs legal..Look it up.

[@hailmaryrecordings8255]

The year after Frank’s death, Ike Willis, Chad Wackerman, Scott Tunas, Steve Vai, and more; played Frank’s music with the the Seattle Symphony … They basically did the “Zappa’s Universe” thing … I was there. ☮️

[@johnmichaelpatrick369]

Tell us more... How was it ? What did they play ?

[@hailmaryrecordings8255]

@@johnmichaelpatrick369 it was great! They played the “Zappa’s Universe” set, pretty-much. It was a “who’s who” of the Seattle music scene at the time too. Even the “spoon man” from the Soundgarden video was there. I used to have a program from the show, but I have no idea where it is.

[@davelanciani-dimaensionx]

And I'm guessing they had to pay Gail a boatload of money afterwards.

[@johnmichaelpatrick369]

@@davelanciani-dimaensionx I am pretty sure that it's the only way they could have been able to do it ... But I don't know, it is just my guess !

[@Seeklip6T]

I saw Zappa does Zappa in Tucson AZ. It was definitely a musician's music show. Top notch.

[@surfdigby]

Zappa's anti-drug stance was well known while he was still alive. There's interviews from the 70s and 80s where he discusses his reasons for this.

[@bennyhillschineseblokechar3689]

Apart from that dreadful , pointless government endorsed "drug" Nicotine!

[@pifflepockle]

They are moreish

[@downtownbillyandthenewjivefive]

Then he was a hypocrite, because he consumed drugs on a constant basis, in a form that gave him implausible deniability: cigarettes.

[@sebp400]

@@downtownbillyandthenewjivefive oh stop it, he was talking about narcotics.

[@3-methylindole730]

@sebp400 How do you define narcotics,?

[@threeballedtomcat9380]

Frank Zappa was light years ahead of his time is almost every possible way. 30 years have gone by and he knew exactly where America was heading, and he knew that music would one day be ruined by electronic trickery. RIP, Frank. You are still missed, brother. Great upload, tons of great information, guys!

[@wolfgangdevries127]

Lol guy who invented xenochrony. Was the first guy who ordered a Synclavier to "get rid of all flaws that musicians have". Btw he head to Czechoslowakia instead of "The Future" as some "Foreign Minister of Culture" appointed by president Havel, but quickly was swept under the carpet by Havel as well ("I'm your biggest fan!") when the Yanks stepped in FYI

[@vanhattfield8292]

Music being "ruined by electronic trickery" sounds a lot like the elderly now who struggle figuring out their cell phones and in years past, the programming of a VCR. When the multitudes of Boomers say those same things, that electronics have become too complicated and are becoming too integrated into our every day life, no one is saying they "light years ahead of their time" but instead that they are unable to adapt to modern times. He wasn't alone in saying what he said, his entire generation said the same thing...

[@threeballedtomcat9380]

@@vanhattfield8292 You are a little off target. I don't think a cheap keyboard and a PC computer program is a way to make real music. I played speed metal ( guitar) and used every type of effect , never had a problem with that at all. What is used to compose music now might as well be AI, because there is very little human involvement in a lot of it. I adapted and learned as technology changed. So, like I said- You are a little off target.

[@tomlangton782]

Light year is a measure of distance, not time.

[@wolfgangdevries127]

@@tomlangton782 it's also a common expression FYI Btw did you know Zappa was buried along with his espresso machine?

[@joetanaka6446]

I walked up to professor's office one day when I was at UCLA. Yes, back then I can tell you that they were exactly that. He wasn't there so I left a note on his door box, as you would to let him know you dropped by. When I was putting my note into the tray, I saw a paste it note up above that said, "Speed turns you into your parents" - Frank Zappa.

[@tonyduncan9852]

LOL.

[@CanyonWanderer]

I saw him live once, May 4th 1988 in Rotterdam NL. What a music, what a band! Apparently Frank was not entirely pleased with how one song was played, because he changed the lyrics a bit, to end some vocal lines with "Like in THE REHEARSAL", with clear emphasis on rehearsal. By the Way waiting outside an hour or more before the show, we picked up some of the rehearsal (it was a loud show), which was cool. He was singing "Vloerbedekking", in Dutch! it means carpet. I think there was a story behind that, where he just liked the pure sound of it... 🙂 What made this show also a bit special: In NL on May 4th we remember those fallen in the war and always have 2 minutes of silence at 20:00. That day the doors opened at 19:30, so around 20:00 there were already a few thousand people in the venue. Before a show there is always the noise of the audience talking etc. Just before 20:00 they requested the 2 mins of silence. Man... hearing a big hall with thousands of talking people going dead silent for 2 minutes.... That was impressive, gave me goosebumps

[@russelltonnesen6711]

I saw only two live performances: Denver 1979? - "Titties and Beer" and at St. Petersburg Bayfront Center 1981? - "Joe's Garage"

[@Foxglove963]

@Codefoto Vloerbedekking does not mean carpet, you fool.

[@carolynzaremba5469]

I saw him in Berkeley in 1970 or 1971. It was with Flo and Eddie (from the Turtles) and included Billy the Mountain. Terrific show. Zappa conducted from stage left. The precision was like watching a symphony performance. He was a fucking genius.

[@GMFTheTemporaryBlues]

Great story, thank you for sharing!

[@mcfahk]

Ah! Yes, I was there as well. Both nights if I recall correctly. Best band I've ever heard in my life!

[@exapplerrelppaxe7952]

Zappa wasn't an anti-drug crusader. He had a job to do and he needed his colleagues to be sober during tours and recording sessions. That's all. In an interview he made it clear that he didn't care what they did when they weren't working with him as long as they could stay sober when they returned.

[@Tekukuno]

Frank was my neighbour and friend. He often had a lot of people working there and recording. Sometimes he'd throw them all a margarita party, and sometimes he'd invite me. Because I don't drink or do drugs he'd spend the night talking to me and ignoring the drinking. (I never saw anyone doing drugs there.) He said drugs and alcohol made people stupid, so he didn't care to interact with them when they were high or drunk. I'd say he was more "anti-stupid" thank "anti-drug." He wasn't a sobriety crusader, otherwise he wouldn't be throwing them a cocktail party. He wanted them to have a good time, to be rewarded for their hard work. As for Gail, well, not the nicest person in the world, that's for sure. Let's leave it there. What an honour it is to have known the man as he was one of my favourite artists.

[@exapplerrelppaxe7952]

@@Tekukuno Good to hear from you. I agree with Frank. Some of the best people you've ever met can't handle their drugs or booze and end up pushing people away.

[@pc7135]

30 years gone and he is still ahead of his time.

[@Baldadig666]

So true!!❤

[@jkdrummer9585]

Seeing Dweezil cover the entire Hots Rats album live was amazing.

[@timleachman7915]

Yeah but didn't mommy sue him to quit using dad's music!!!!!

[@jkdrummer9585]

@@timleachman7915 yeah, his brother and sister did because they aren’t musicians lol

[@kosta380]

Zappas shit Music without sense, is suitable for flushing the Toilet 🤣

[@hootinouts]

My most favorite Zappa album of them all and his son, who is a gifted musician, does a fine job cover those awesome compositions.

[@kosta380]

Shit ugly Zappa changed the music World of boring assholes 🤣

[@RD22]

I never really got into all of Zappa's music. But as a kid, I loved Frank in interviews and talking before Congress etc. He would have a field day in today's world.

[@meekrob]

I don't know if too many folks have gotten into *all of* his music, since his music was all over the place. Some people like the funny stuff but not the complex musician-y pieces, just for one example.

[@gweedomurray9923]

@@meekrob ~ I do the heavy serious stuff along with the cartoony stuff. 🤪🙂🙃

[@mikemiller659]

it Was strange for sure

[@jfpOne23]

As an aging musician myself...I offer the advice to the kids I come across who are so inclined: Listen to Zappa.

[@bowltube]

suing cover bands is insane

[@m1ke176]

No doubt. People trying to keep his music alive getting sued. Greedy person

[@jokeyman2943]

I kept my original mothers albums from 1967 and went on from there. I studied and played music Frank Zappa referred to in the late 60's early 70's-the serious avante-garde, Edgard Varese Ionisation, Webern, Schoenberg Stockhausen compositions with 12-tone, aleatoric music etc. The present day composer refuses to die..he was trying to further the cause of serious music in his own completely unique way and by the way, as a phenomenal guitarist and furthered the career of many musicians-including Lowell George who went on to create Little Feat, another genius who Frank knew would never fit in as a sideman. It is always humbling listening to his works, serious or otherwise. Took the theatre of the absurd to new heights and yet was a virtuoso and serious composer. Whew.....

[@barronrugge]

My x wife thru out all my albums!

[@Headead5231]

Every album, every song brilliant yet different. With a catalog you could listen to for days without repeat.

[@deanronson6331]

Nobody's opus is brilliant in its entirety (not even J.S. Bach's) except for those with indiscriminate taste.

[@tomstiel7576]

i used to go on weekend trips in my car,,,,took only franks music,,,,never tired of it,,,thankfully my girlfriend enjoyed it as well

[@robertgraves3215]

I followed this man and Johnny Winter all around NYC . Both of them were impossible to duplicate.

[@jimhurlbut3649]

How cool! Frank's a bit eclectic for me but Johnny Winter, jesus, when he cut loose it was just incredible, the speed and fluidity of his runs. And such a unique voice. Love me some Johnny Winter.

[@danielbrown3461]

So was Stevie Ray Vaughn.

[@robertgraves3215]

@@danielbrown3461 I dunno, it seems we all went through an SRV phase. I even have a VCR video with a guy teaching all the tunes. I tried, sort of, to play like that, but then was like "I don't wanna be SRV". I've never met, seen, or jammed with a Johnny Winter guy, but Dweezil gets a pass.

[@danielbrown3461]

We can't forget Roy Clark....Fastest speed I ever saw anyone play on the Acostic Guitar...And his Maliguainia Performance on the odd show couple has held up for 50 years. Roy Clark...probably one of the best ever...and even better than Johnny Winter. And he could tell Zappa your very good but you might just try......

[@1blackaura]

I saw Zappa plays Zappa in Sydney years ago. It was a memorable concert and even had the band play with video footage of frank as a backdrop. I was so surprised to hear that they were getting trouble from the Zappa trust for playing. As it was definitely totally keeping Zappa culturally relevant and his legacy alive.

[@loucontino4804]

I saw them a number of times and every show was great. Very disappointed about ZFT cutting him off. Now the music is relegated to media.

[@DrMackSplackem]

It is weird that Gail's objections (at least as explained here) would apply in any way to Dweezil's interpretation of Frank's music. Everything I've ever seen of ZPZ was always top notch and as true as possible to the intentions of the composer, who unfortunately can no longer be reached for comment. I don't hate Gail, but I sure don't envy her role in all of this one bit, either. IMO, he was rather unfair to her as his wife, and that had to burn her on a very deep level. It's as understandable as it is unfortunate that the result is a widow set against the very system that made her life with her husband possible, as embittered as she was by the experience. TL:DR: Gail's hatred for the business is not so very mysterious, but her adversarial position towards Dweezil playing his father's music remains a total mystery to me.

[@davelanciani-dimaensionx]

My guess is that Frank's other kids weren't getting any money from Dweezil's shows, and they thought they were entitled to a cut. So they sued him for a cut of the profits.

[@johnmercer5397]

amazing that she even chastised Dwezil for playing his dad's music.

[@davelanciani-dimaensionx]

@@johnmercer5397 Yeah, I'm thinking it was out of pure greed. But Dweezil is the one putting in the work. Why should the other kids get money for doing nothing?

[@JenZ727]

The way Gail had things go with his music calls into question EVERY word she ever spoke.

[@eddybrevet6816]

The worst sins r committed in the political arena

[@judsonleach5248]

FUN FACT?!? - Frank is technically responsible for creating the band "Missing Persons"! He's the one who got Terry and Dale Bozio together! - "Thanks, Frank!"

[@briannemeth9417]

Would be more fun if they were a little more interesting of a band

[@warrendietzel1953]

And Alice Cooper. And The GTOs.

[@fleeb]

Frank Zappa also named 'The Fabulous Poodle' when someone in that band asked him what they should name themselves.

[@Jack-vy6uo]

Not to mention Beefheart..wildman Fischer

[@spindriftdrinker]

@@briannemeth9417 excellent band with lots of good songs, good stage presence, too.

[@wackyruss]

Zappa blurred the lines between rock, jazz, and classical music. He is a downright legend!!!!

[@thetruthchannel349]

I know a couple of people that worked with Zappa (engineers) & the impression I get from them about Zappa's open-ness to allow different interpretations of his stuff is polar opposite to what Im seeing his wife to have said. When new band members would come through the band Zappa actually had a kind of un-written rule that he did not want them playing it exactly like the last player did. He wanted everyone to bring their own thing to it.

[@HakanTunaMuzik]

Gail did not form the Zappa family Trust, Frank himself founded the trust way back in 1990 and his last few albums that came out before he died had the Zappa Family Trust written on the back cover.

[@cvhooij]

Exactly, November 15th 1990. As can be seen for example in the courtpapers of the case against Rykodisc that GZ lost.

[@gmc1966]

Everyone knew about his anti drug stance for his musicians, wasn't a secret he was very vocal about it

[@darrenstansbury4433]

A music magazine I read years ago quoted Gail as saying she met Frank as his groupie: "He had crabs and hadn't bathed for days, but I still wanted him." I have never heard anyone beside Dweezil cover Frank's music, at least not live.

[@barefootrecords]

Gail is interviewed in a book called rock star ' wives' features Ron woods wife jo. Meatloaf s wife / babe Buell gushing about elvis costello .

[@ickarenandtim]

The grandmothers of invention had a european guitarist that channeled Frank's guitar.

[@PlymouthVT]

I saw Zappa with Steve Vai in the 80's in St Pete Florida. I was and am a big Zappa fan. Somebody in the audience threw a beer can up on the stage not sure if it was full not sure if it hit anyone on the stage but Frank got really pissed and stopped the concert on a dime. He than says If anyone throws another thing on the stage were leaving. The band walked off but came back pretty quick. Great concert but won't ever forget the beer incident. I don't blame him.

[@PM-xu2nq]

Yeah, would make him seem like a grouch but after the infamous incident in the 70s when he almost broke his neck when some dickhead pushed him off the stage, plus the incident in Montreux where an audience member let off a place that burned down the venue and destroyed their equipment, it’s very understandable that he accepted no fuckery from his audiences.

[@PlymouthVT]

@@PM-xu2nq Smoke on the water!

[@MarkO45839]

Saw FZ in 1980, Thanksgiving Eve at the Masonic Auditorium. Someone threw a bottle or something onstage and they stopped playing for a bit and it was clear they/Zappa were not happy. Think maybe they got security to take care of it or something. They resumed playing. Enjoyed the show. R.I.P. FZ.

[@chrisleigh4278]

That's interesting...I saw Zappa play in Geneva in 1982. Someone flicked a lit cigarette onto the stage, narrowly missing Frank, who ordered the band to stop playing. Frank said that the person responsible for the cigarette should be located or the show would not continue...that was the end of the show.

[@alin81-82]

One of my fav artists ever. He's one of the few that was not an addict & showed me a different way, he along w Henry Rollins. Great talent.

[@petermcardle1448]

Henry Rollins? The connection to FZ you're making is that they both don't get high, I guess because that's about as far as it goes. Henry is cool, but he wasn't known for his chops. I don't think he could sight read and I don't know what difference it makes, that they were both straight.

[@Foxglove963]

He was addicted to smoking tobacco. Smoking is bad for you.

[@gatchrocks]

Zappa's disdain for drugs wasn't 'revealed' in 2020. That's a basic known fact about Zappa for decades to those who even know his name. Hard to believe someone would think that was just recently revealed unless just released heard of Zapoa,

[@mercster]

Arguably not all drugs, he loved cigarettes and coffee.

[@rozzgrey801]

@@mercster Yes, he called them 'food'.

[@Snardbafulator]

@@mercster And he died, tragically young, of cancer.

[@Snardbafulator]

@@rozzgrey801 That was just his way of trying to rationalize the contradiction. One of his less well-argued points. Caffeine and nicotine are inarguably both drugs.

[@andrewkaiser7203]

@@Snardbafulator No, it was prostate cancer.

[@GachaMetal]

Frank Zappa and Todd Rundgren are the two greatest artist/musicians of my youth and generation. Artists that you can’t grasp with just one or a few listens. You need to gradually discover the genius they are. Find me anyone who “gets” FZ upon first listen?

[@mikelouis9389]

Hi. It was love at first listen for me. Zappa was an IQ test. My super smart sister loved him, my cheerleader (literally) sister thought he was stupid and my brother only liked one song. I'll bet you can guess which one it was.

[@mercster]

@@mikelouis9389 Man, you're so smart.

[@mikelouis9389]

@mercster Toto. You're a super fan, right?

[@littlewing6231]

Adrian Belew seemed to get him right away and Frank loved Adrian so………

[@mercster]

@@littlewing6231 Love the 'Three of a Perfect Pair' era of King Crimson.

[@dopeymark]

I saw the complete Joe's Garage concert around 1980 or 1981. It was amazing.

[@nilanperera4774]

There was an ensemble in Toronto based in an organisation called Magickal Pig. The project was an interdisclipinary stage production of Joe's garage that involved holographic sets.. They had a long dance with Gail..the relationship was good but long..to the point that the project never took off. They did get permission to actually do an audiorecording of the work. A recording of Watermelon In Easter hay and Outside now was sent for approval. They got a letter back ..'We love you guys' and it was signed by Gail and Dweezil. It was one of the high points of my life in music to have had the solo in Outside Now and have it so kindly praised by Gail. I still have a xerox of the letter. Deep thanks and Love to Maestro Zappa and the Gail.

[@cAm1ll1A]

The first time I heard Frank Zappa was December 4th, 1993. We listened to him all night long... on & on... (both moved & inspired) only to find out the next morning he had died. Talk about uncanny timing.

[@BLzBob.7268]

Frank was a professional composer. It was his business. As a businessman, he didn't want his team messing up any of the tunes he had composed. They all were paid staff. They all knew that. Getting stoned on tour was like being stoned at work. It isn't acceptable. All of Franks musicians were the best he could find for the music he wanted to produce, and many line ups were big bands. The drug ban was simple common sense. And to snipe at him for smoking ciggies is pathetic. It didn't cause his death. In fact, in my mind, it shows that you CAN chain smoke all your adult life and survive that addiction! Prostrate cancer got him in the end. And if that had been diagnosed sooner, he might have been with us for decades longer. P. S. . . Tom Fowler, (who I always admired, and have met.) Once gave an example in a radio intervue about the issues with taking substances while on tour . . . He was sharing a room with Nappy Brock and they (allegedly) had smoked a joint or two, and decided to go in the hotel carpark to mess about playing basketball. Result - Tom fell and messed up his wrist. Its mid tour, and now Frank needs to change his bass player. Another aspect people should respect, is that all his musicians practiced 8 hrs a day before a tour. We aren't talking 4 guys rehearsing in a pub back room drinking beer and seeing where it goes, they were hand picked for thier skills and proffesionalism. Said my bit. If you still have any doubts about Franks integrity, have a listen to one of his 160 albums. X

[@adayinthelife5772]

Franks biggest fan was Frank himself.

[@johnnyazer5779]

I was in a band that played a few Zappa songs. Drums are fun on those songs. He he in 1971, my older sisters boyfriend played Mothers live on the living room stereo. thankgod my mother was not home or him and LP would have flown out the door. Laughed my butt off. This one station in May of 1977, played 12 hrs of Zappa from Freakout to Apostrophre.

[@orchidorio]

I remember Zappa. I didn't listen to him but was "curious". Having watched this it makes me want to revisit Zappa and his music. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@TOCC50]

MGTOW

[@MastaSquidGT5]

The original Mothers of Invention is his best work imo

[@AbbyNormal777]

That's how I feel now. I was a Zeppelin, Stones and Pink Floyd fan. Never really listened to Zappa but now I'm curious.

[@csheets40]

He was one of the most arrogant, but most modest men that ever lived. An absolute genius, and I miss him to this day

[@weeooh1]

I dont think he was intentionally arrogant, it was more related to his view or philosophy that "the most abundant element in the universe is not hydrogen, but stupidity".

[@csheets40]

@weeooh1 I love that!! He REALLY knew what stupid was, and no doubt, more profoundly than any of us did.

[@willicat44]

Intelligent people many times are bored with the average person, this leads to various levels of interaction with them and can be perceived as aloof or arrogant. Frank's right, the world is full of "average" people, many inherently capable of being stupid. There are many references to Frank's warmness and open-mindedness in the company of acquaintances that he respected and/or revered.

[@downtownbillyandthenewjivefive]

@@willicat44 Predictably average people don't generally use their brain much, except as parrots. The annoying part is when they think they are equals, and they've come without any ammo. I had an argument yesterday with one such person. He made a statement, which I replied to, and then became a complete hypocrite by arguing that I could have just passed his post by without commenting. Yet he had to reply to my post. Ergo he became a hypocrite right then, and there, and voila, he blamed me for his inability to ignore my post. A weak argument in any context. So we are far more than bored with average people, or to be more clear: we are fed up with people who don't use their brain.

[@vampyros1]

​@@downtownbillyandthenewjivefive People who have a self-perceived dearth of ‘brain power’ typically pivot to their only option to ensure acceptance by their peers: they do the lemming-shuffle and remain in lockstep.

[@hubertmantz1516]

Such an amazing musician, composer and person 🎸 ♥️

[@captainsensiblejr.]

Former archivist here, besides the Spanish naval exploration Archives in Seville Spain, the Frank Zappa Archive would have been my dream job.

[@codypendant9791]

I saw Ike perform some of the music in Portland when Frank was battling cancer. He was one of the few who could do it justice, and that's probably why Frank gave his blessing to him and probably a few others to carry it on. Dweezil has done an unbelievable job of rising to that challenge! Why do people make KZbins about things they don't understand? Frank would have scoffed at reductive treatments of his life and work.

[@kay-dc8495]

The guy was intelligent as hell, one of the greats for sure!

[@Alan-kz6fc]

If he was so smart why couldn't he create one good song ..? Music is a train wreck

[@jalander8817]

Smart guy!?!? He thought the future would be a takeover by the Christian Taliban. Reality is, its a take over of the gay and mentally ill Taliban.

[@nektekket852]

@Alan-kz6fc that's surely a matter of opinion? Zappa's music certainly isn't for everyone. It's not for the faint-eared....

[@Alan-kz6fc]

@nektekket852 One of the worst guitar players of 1970s. His talent was mediocre at best

[@rozzgrey801]

@@nektekket852 It's OK, he's like, a real Valley Girl, y'know? I mean like totally square it's like cringey, y'know? Barf out gag me with a spoon square!

[@IHADTHECAKE]

Gail, who was so adamant about “preserving” the e Zappa sound… sues her own son over guitars and his live performances. Yeah… she’s a real gem.

[@AbbyNormal777]

That's beyond too controlling. She needs to get therapy or something.

[@AbbyNormal777]

She sounds like a control freak. Needs help.

[@BLzBob.7268]

Every musician deserves to have his legacy preserved for his family. Frank knew how the bizniz people worked, and had zero respect for talentless executives who ran the bizniz. Gail took this view to the extreme after Frank died, as she didn't want the vultures helping themselves to his legacy. Strong legal rules were put in place to protect his vast back catalogue. Most of it independently produced. Unfortunately, for the musicians in his last touring band, this brought them into conflict with Gail. They knew his fans were mourning Frank, and decided to honour his memory by taking to the road as Band from Utopia. They performed as they had with Frank, with Ike Willis taking both lead singer and lead guitar roles. If you've never watched the Stuttgart show, you should. All who went to this tour will never forget it. But Gail acted like they were cashing in on her husbands legacy and tried to stop them by refusing to allow them to use the name 'Band from Utopia' as it was an FZ album title. Many disputes followed. But, I'm pleased to say, his loyal musicians (all who are mega talented and can play in any band) carried on providing a much needed service to Franks fans as 'Banned from Utopia'. Ike remains a loyal supporter of all Franks work and has performed with many bands who love Franks work. It is ironic that Ahmet who isn't musical, is now the head of the family trust. Many of Franks true fans do not approve of his handling of Franks legacy. But I feel Gails views formed his own bizniz views. The biggest travesty is the fall out with Dweezil. Not only is he a massive fan of his Dads music, he dedicated thousands of hours learning how to replicate it for Franks admirers, and hand picking who was passionate enough, and capable enough to reproduce it on tour. To be told by his brother that he had to pay a royalty fee to the trust was an insult. Dweez is another multi talented musician who can produce any type of music, but he chose to tour his Dads music. Not for profit (as there is no profit from paying a big band on tour), but to promote his Dads music for the younger audience to enjoy. Which obviously benefits the family trust, as the new audience will buy the albums. I've prattled on enough. Long term fan of Frank and all the musicians he employed. Saw him twice, first time aged 13. Seen Banned from Utopia 4 times. Seen Dweezil 4 times. Seen Pygmy Twylyte 4 times. Seen Muffin Men 3 times. All in Britain. Miss Dweez though. Wish he'd come back.

[@lizstraub6621]

Agree 100%. and Ahmet even prevented Dweezil from making money on merchandise at the venues. I'm no fan of Gail OR Ahmet. I mean, RIP, Gail, but before she died she even gave up the family home in Laurel Canyon, or the shenanigans she caused forced the sale of it. It's a shame, Frank's two youngest children turned out just like the industry leeches he despised, GREEDY.

[@stanleykostrzewski7222]

A genius , his music lives on.

[@islandbirdw]

We’re all flawed individuals 🤨

[@richsackett3423]

@@guitarszen A lot did back then. Crack a fkn book.

[@nickrich56]

The claymation alone took weeks to film! What a pleasure to view that archive.👀

[@islandbirdw]

Most people don’t know that Frank Zappa attended Chaffey College in Alta Loma California. I got my first degree there and he was the most famous alma mater.

[@johnjeffery6638]

I dont think he graduated though-

[@Shirlee-jf1qk]

I appreciate his son's ability to share his Music despite sibling lawsuits. D was the one practicing, practicing, practicing!

[@ncpmellifluousanonymous1984]

God bless Dweezil (and I'm agnostic)

[@rjcoyle4674]

Does anyone remember his cameo on Miami Vice as a weasel dust dealer 😅

[@myoptik3x103]

That scene where he jumps out of the boat was unintentionally hilarious.

[@joebarr725]

Weasels Ripped My Flesh

[@pariaheep]

I do do do😆

[@wolfgangdevries127]

Yeah it was when Zappa realized he was passé

[@marvinthemartian6788]

Frank Zappa has had a huge influence on me and my brothers. The Radio is Broken!

[@filippocorti6760]

Man From Utopia?

[@jrosner6123]

It don't work anymore......

[@gweedomurray9923]

The radio is broken as it only plays a fine sliver of what is out there. I get a lot of good music that used to be on radio and plenty that never was, at least in the different places I have lived, from Pandora, and most of it "safe for radio play". What a stupid country we live in (USA). I met a guy while in the U.S. Air Force in California who had been stationed in Germany; said Frank was a lot more popular in Europe, .. which kind of makes US fans practically a cult. I "found" him one night while playing the radio before shut eye. Turned it on and heard this curiously sounding jam. The vocal that came back said something about "ridin' a small tiny hoss" and I've been on that ride ever since.

[@haeuptlingaberja4927]

The biggest reason Zappa didn't want his bands doing drugs was the fear that they'd get busted, which would ruin his tours. He explained this many, many times. He didn't care what they or anyone else did on their own time.

[@alancumming6407]

That's right. He did not want anyone taking drugs on his time.

[@BobPagani]

What you say is true. However, he also said in numerous interviews, that people who were using drugs would not be capable of playing his music and therefore were unemployable.

[@haeuptlingaberja4927]

@@BobPagani That is also true, but Frank also, however reluctantly, acknowledged the ability while stoned of Jimi Hendrix and various other musicians he had actually played with. I think, in the end, such a negative view of playing while high was a pretty workable perspective for Frank, but he was also big enough to admit that such things were possible. I have also read that part of his view on drugs came from his intense personal dislike and even fear of "not being in control," which he also acknowledged as part of his make up. We are complex critters, after all, none more so than geniuses like Frank Zappa.

[@BobPagani]

@@haeuptlingaberja4927 I can't recall any interviews where Frank "acknowledged the ability of Jimi" to play stoned. That, of course, doesn't mean that they don't exist. I do recall at least one in which he lamented the fact that Jimi got involved with drugs because they caused his death. I think we can agree that his abhorrence of drugs had a lot to do with the fact that his music tended to be difficult to play and that he couldn't rely on stoned musicians to be able to pull it off. There was also a concern about musicians carrying drugs being detained by police or customs people, which would have shut down a tour.

[@haeuptlingaberja4927]

@@BobPagani I agree with most of what you say here, except inverted. Frank's concern for his tours being derailed by drug busts was obviously first and foremost. His views on the ability of musicians to play complicated music while "under the influence" of substances he was afraid to experiment with is a whole other kettle of fish. Zappa talked about this in many different ways, from the blues, R & B and jazz musicians he loved who were cranked while performing to genius young musicians he played with when he was in his 40s. In one of his books (I can't remember which) Uncle Frank acknowledged that he wasn't exactly sure where these youngins were coming from, much like--in a very different setting--the way that he reacted not just to George Duke, Napoleon Murphy Brock, Jean Luc Ponty etc, but then later to Terry Bozzio, Adrian Belew and Steve Vai.

[@mikeaneshansley1062]

I was lucky enough to see him 3 times. He is without a doubt my all time favorite musician.

[@leannleas855]

I saw him every time he came to Pittsburgh since 1976. 8 or 9 times total. Completely different shows, every time. My favorite, also.

[@ncpmellifluousanonymous1984]

favourite composer

[@benbarletta2927]

Over the years, either by calling 818-PUMPKIN or through the website on a forum where you could ask Gail Zappa questions, she was HORRIBLE to deal with! I mentioned once through the website) that with all of the bootleg recordings out there, and hearing that Frank had most shows recorded, I suggested that they provide tapes to the schools that teach recording and mixing, and let them do rough copies, then let one of their people tweak and master these recordings for download. Once she saw the word "BOOTLEG" she went ballistic and didn't want to hear anymore, as if I was CONDONING the bootleg business, rather than trying to get her to release better copies of what was out there already, and at substandard quality. The BAD part was that at the time I suggested this, bootlegs weren't even being sold as they were in the past, and it was a primarily trading/downloading way of obtaining obscure recordings.

[@AbbyNormal777]

She sounds hard to deal with on here. I never really knew that much about them.

[@deementia6796]

That's weird, because wasn't the whole point of FZ releasing a bunch of his live recordings was to "beat the boots" to the point where he was "stealing" the bootleggers artwork in retaliation for them stealing the fan's money.

[@pam8962]

Zappa was so unique. How can someone cover him .way before his time ❤😊. RIP 🙏 FRANK you are loved and missed ❤️

[@charliesaucier3352]

Can't be done! Dweezil is the closest. At least he's able to capture the spirit of Zappa!

[@Alan-kz6fc]

If he was before his time, that means that his music would be relevant in the future, we are in the future, no one likes his music ..or copying his style ..you don't make sense

[@johnking6252]

Dude was strange but that's what I loved about him, and he didn't give a Fu*k . 👍✌️. RIP frank you are remembered.

[@Uncletoast52]

Zappa at the Armadillo World Headquarters with Captain Beefheart is one of my fondest memories.

[@FeatnikSF]

I was backstage at Winterland for the 1975 Bongo Fury tour. Frank recognized me from a short conversation months before and encouraged me to experience the show on stage behind the monitors. I declined.

[@darrenlittle8841]

There's nothing awfully close about where we are today. Frank was spot on and we are living in an arm of theocracy. And it's new religion.

[@t-bo-lesotho]

Between the FBI, the CIA, Big Tech, George Soros, the Biden Administration, the IRS, Big Media, Big Pharma, public education, higher education, and the medical establishment, the United States way beyond fascism at this point.

[@brendanhoffmann8402]

I started listening to Zappa from about 1994 (I was 13 probably)... My uncles were all big fans.

[@jamesscarselletta3446]

It is great that Frank Zappa did not do drugs. Too many people especially in show business are dying out or ruining their life because of drugs and alcohol. I am glad that Joe's Garage is a production, I would like to see it. It is hard to say about what he would write and perform today if he were alive. I have always liked his performances. He had a special creative way with music and movies no one else had. This is what always gave him an edge. I also must say Steve Vai performed with Frank Zappa and worth seeing at any price at a concert. Me and a friend I worked with were big fans of Zappa. I got him a cd of Joe's Garage for Christmas.

[@garyphisher7375]

Frank was a heavy smoker - which makes him a hypocrite.

[@paulinebutcherbird]

If anyone is interested in Frank Zappa's home life, not shown in other books, from getting up to going to bed, composing at the piano, rehearsing with the Mothers, visiting rock stars, freaks, family squabbles, and more, then read 'Freak Out! My Life with Frank Zappa 1968-1971 Laurel Canyon'. It is my story from meeting Frank in London when publicising the Mother's first European tour in 1967 and ended up living and working in his house with Gail, Moon Unit, and seven others, thus the book's unique access.

[@AbbyNormal777]

I was never into Zappa much when I was a teenager. Loved Black Sabbath and the Stones though. Probably need to give him another listen these days.

[@charlesharper7292]

Yup, Frank kicked a few now famous musicians out over the dope issue. He was serious.

[@robertorick6383]

Lowell George was one of the musicians Frank fired for his drug use. George eventually overdosed in 1979.

[@IHaveTheSchwartz]

Gail's control affected her own son, Dweezil. Ahmet has made life miserable for his own brother in terms of how Uncle Frank's music is shared as perfectly as possible. Zappa Plays Zappa was no ordinary tribute.

[@tuvia4082]

Incredible genius, RIP Mr. Z

[@badeugenecops4741]

​@guitarszenHe died from PROSTATE CANCER. The Dunning-Kruger is strong in you.

[@somersetcace1]

Seems to me from what I got from all the interviews with the people that knew him was that he was a workaholic and a perfectionist. That's not going to always jive with everyone. However, I also get the sense that he wanted everyone around him to be their best. He wrote pieces with specific people in mind to play it. I think the point about him seeing musicians as instruments unto themselves is accurate. He was just one of those people that was incredibly driven and had little patience for those who didn't match that drive and/or seriousness about what they were doing.

[@classifiedsecret6383]

At the time it was rumoured that any band member caught with drugs on tour was immediately fired... I would advance the hypothesis that he hated to be out of control, thus his own abstinence. Also that he felt people didn't need drugs as they are stupid enough already. I saw him twice. Once in the 70's and once on his farewell tour when we all knew he was dying...

[@amyhill9127]

I'm an old metalhead that fell in love with Frank when I was a teenager. Not so much because of his music but because of his personality. And you know how people are often referred to as an onion because of their many layers. Well, now thanks to the grunge and this episode,I've realized Frank wasn't an onion. He's an entire garden. Thanks and thank you Frank Zappa and thank you for testifying at the PMRC trial 🤘✌️💪🥸

[@MarkO45839]

Ask any vegetable.

[@amyhill9127]

@@MarkO45839 I don't need to ask you anything.

[@quinnrollen]

Guy was the epitome of brilliance.

[@cautionTosser]

he was great on the Monkees

[@janetlanci3956]

My friends and I had back stage passes so many years ago, Frank Zappa was very nice and invited us to meet everyone. We spoke about being substance free. It was a wonderful experience.

[@judsonleach5248]

To My Fellow - "Frank - O - Philes"?!? - My FAVORITE interview he EVER DID?!? - Was on KPFK in California in 1990 about how ENRAGED he was about "The Arizona Dildo Law"! - LOL He said in Part! - And I QUOTE: "What?!?! - Are we gonna have Dildo Police?!? - (knock, knock, knock) - How many you got in there? - Five? - Uh Oh! - SIX?! - You're Under Arrest!" - HILARIOUS! 🙂 - We MISS YOU, Frank!!! Cheers! - Judson & Buddy!! - God Bless You ALL !!!

[@tonyduncan9852]

_"Dildo Police?!?"_ - arrived Jan 6th.

[@sandramalone3522]

I saw Frank Zappa in person and it was amazing.

[@mennace1]

Dude I play it everyday, loud and outside!!

[@PinkyJujubean]

Zappa is my favorite musician ever. I love ya, Uncle Frankie ❤️❤️

[@svenjansen2134]

@ guitarszen wow you're not very zen. Let fanboy be a fanboy. You can really like someone's music or personality without blindly idolizing someone. Settle down Beavis haha

[@ronwashington7589]

Alex Winter was in the Bill & Ted movies.

[@samlewis7878]

America and the world is blessed to have had a figure like Frank Zappa in their midsts. How many people work like--------- to produce the work he did. ???

[@guitarzan2626]

Apostrophe is my favorite. Frank was certainly ahead of his time.

[@clintstewart5545]

For me the greatest musician ever !!!

[@keensoundguy6637]

Certainly the greatest bicycle player ever.

[@derekpillers8796]

These Zappas go deep. Always more to the story.

[@philipwittke8491]

TheNikita Tesla of music...can't believe next year will be 30 yrs. 💪👍🔥A true pioneer.

[@MissyGail4eva]

What so cool about this is that Alex Winter, the blond, curly-haired guy behind the documentary is none other than Bill from *'Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure!'*

[@wylierichardson-tu6zs]

...Bogus! 😛

[@andrewharper1609]

My favourite Zappa tracks are the title track of Joe's Garage and Watermelon in Easter Hay. Frankly in today's climate of vocorders and indecipherable stuff he's much missed.

[@surfdigby]

Vocoders and autotune are two different things. Vocoders let you do lots of cool stuff, like Neil Young did on Trans.

[@ffggddss]

I thought the anti-illicit drug aspect of FZ was more well known. A few friends and I saw him play Constitution Hall in DC, in, I think it was the '70's, and at one point, there was some commotion somewhere in the audience, that turned out to be Security arresting someone for smoking weed. There was an outcry from that part of the hall imploring Zappa to 'help a friend' and have Security stand down, to which he replied to the effect, "Anybody who does that stuff is no friend of mine." Fred

[@Snardbafulator]

@guitarszen Well, no. Opiates are extremely useful medicines for pain relief, but that doesn't mean they can't be abused. I don't personally agree with Zappa's take on pot, but I certainly respect it. Zappa was also antagonistic towards the far left generally. He was a civil libertarian; he believed in setting your own rules.

[@noracola5285]

@@Snardbafulator He already said he was an idiot, you didn't have to go into detail.

[@Snardbafulator]

@@noracola5285 Frank Zappa was many things, "idiot" never one of them.

[@surfdigby]

@guitarszen medicinal and recreational use are two different things. You'd have to be an idiot to not understand this.

[@goingcrossroads]

lol, you gotta pick your battles@guitarszen ...🤦

[@ronchasr6656]

ive seen frank zappa 5 times. he was one of the best guitarists ive ever seen.

[@joshcoxmusic]

Great video

[@Every-picture-tells-a-story]

Her job is, to Rip off every single band that remembers and references Zappa.

[@boblob2003]

Ironic that Gail wanted to maintain Fank's legacy, so she shut down his publishing business that he started. I remember buying the Black Page #1 via Mail Order when he was still alive.

[@baronoflivonia.3512]

That Mike Douglas footage is FZ playing Black Napkins, a Fantastic version. Jimmy Walker was a guest on that day, it really opened my mind, I had Over Night and Apostrophe, but that playing on Black Napkins was something else.

[@rochelleholmes9271]

I saw Frank Zappa in concert. I'll never forget it !!

[@PropertyRecoveryAgentCLE]

As a musician, how could you cover Zappa...Zappa was Zappa!

[@dehsa38]

His style was so unique few people could even relate. I always wondered what nationality he was.

[@AtomicMushroomz]

@@dehsa38 American

[@dehsa38]

@@AtomicMushroomz I wasn't talking about his citizenship, I was talking about his natural ethnicity, Einstein.

[@AtomicMushroomz]

@@dehsa38 You can literally go online and find what you're looking for. And you said nationality not ethnicity which are two different things, okay Einstein?

[@dehsa38]

@@guitarszen Who is "worshiping"?? I was just curious. Get a grip.....

[@user-nj5ci1rd7o]

Thanks, I knew he was on something. It was Nicotine Franks Zappa's Anti - Drug was on his touring band. Frank's song writing is Musicially & Lyrically Genious!!! And I still listen to Frank Zappa's Joe's Garage Acts 1,2, & 3 Regularilly. And still Love It!!! Along w/Everything Else. TIME 8:05 8:05

[@richardmartin7708]

I met Zappa very briefly when he was slightly lost on his way to a talk in the university of Maryland student union during the pmrc hearings days. he was very polite.

[@tonyduncan9852]

The Man. 😎

[@ladyhonor822]

THANKS FOR ❤ PHILADELPHIA USA❤🎉🎉🎉

[@ralphbmacdonald1712]

There was a score for Joe's Garage. All the albums were scored.

[@akfreed6949]

Frank had a friendship with Edward Van Halen . Ed and his best former engineer Donn Landee produced a song for Frank's son Dweezil Zappa . Frank had an illegal ( according to city code @ the time ) home recording studio , which gave Edward the idea to make HIS 5150 home recording studio .

[@vanhattfield8292]

The studio was only considered "illegal" when it was used as a business and fees charged to others for use because it then became a "business" in a location zoned as "residential". The same type of zoning is in place in every town and city in the US.

[@akfreed6949]

@@vanhattfield8292 No , it was illegal by city regulations .period

[@mercster]

@@akfreed6949 Thanks, good to hear the straight facts from someone who was there.

[@cvhooij]

@akfreed6949 At first, they were refused permission by the city to build it. But finally, they got a permit by adding windows in the design of the main echo chamber at the back of the studio.

[@BobPagani]

Not entirely correct. The studio itself was not illegal. He wanted to put an reverb chamber in and the L.A. building code required it to have a window installed as it was considered a room. The window was put in and the reverb was used from that point forward.

[@radiomindchatter7994]

Forward seeing. A bit grumpy sometimes, but dead on regardless.

[@robertgreig9716]

so glad i saw him ```he was a genius ```does humor belong in music with Zappa it does ````thanks for the memories