Been to see Zappa?
Posted by: garyi on 05 April 2003
Here I am, half cut. Listening to a sampler of live Zappa stuff.
Infact I have listened to a lot of live Zappa today.
Have any of the forum member shere seen Zappa live?
Was it as good as the records present themsleves here?
Damn I hate being so young. will I in 20 years time be the person who should have been to some live concert or other that some wipper snapper will be asking about on the web?
If I am that person, who now compares to say Zappa? who has replaced Pink Floyd?
Wheres it all gone, eh?
Infact I have listened to a lot of live Zappa today.
Have any of the forum member shere seen Zappa live?
Was it as good as the records present themsleves here?
Damn I hate being so young. will I in 20 years time be the person who should have been to some live concert or other that some wipper snapper will be asking about on the web?
If I am that person, who now compares to say Zappa? who has replaced Pink Floyd?
Wheres it all gone, eh?
Posted on: 05 April 2003 by Paul Ranson
I saw the last tour in Brighton. I'm really pleased I made the effort. I just missed seeing them in Berlin a couple of days earlier.
And I'd rather like to hear the Beatles covers again. There are snippets on 'Broadway the Hard Way' but I have a clear recollection of Ike Willis doing a straight 'Strawberry Fields' and it being good.
I think you can still get 'Does Humor Belong in Music?' on video. I have it on Beta, so now unplayable.... Well worth it, IMO.
Paul
And I'd rather like to hear the Beatles covers again. There are snippets on 'Broadway the Hard Way' but I have a clear recollection of Ike Willis doing a straight 'Strawberry Fields' and it being good.
I think you can still get 'Does Humor Belong in Music?' on video. I have it on Beta, so now unplayable.... Well worth it, IMO.
Paul
Posted on: 05 April 2003 by garyi
It would appear that for some reason Zappa got banned from the UK for four years.
Why?
Why?
Posted on: 06 April 2003 by David Tribe
Banned? Surely you lot don't ban bands over there do you?
I saw FZ twice. The first time must have been in late 1980. The concert was in an old 1930's era basketball gymnasium on the University of Florida campus. The tour was the "The Best" tour. I think that I still have the tee shirt someplace.
I went with my 14 year old cousin. We had been listening to various bits of Zappa "One Size Fits All", "Overnite Sensation", "Hot Rats" and our favorite at the time was "The Mothers- Fillmore East,June 1971". Our "system" was some plastic armed record changer with detachable speakers. You had to tape a nickel to the arm to keep the needle in the groove.
We went to show with high hopes and were not disappointed. When we arrived, the PA was cranking Hendrix. We were amazed at how good it sounded. It is some of the best playback that I can remember hearing.
The lights went down, you could see the band come on stage and the music started. From the first note until the end of the show, (not including the encore) there was no break in the music. At the beginning of the show, some one (a roadie?)rushed the stage with what looked like a "gift" pie. The "fan" was met at the stage by a huge Samoan fellow (named Sultan I think) who knocked the pie out of his hands. The message to keep away from the stage was quite clear!
I don't remember the song lineup. I remember Frank singing, directing with a baton, generally prancing about and yes, playing guitar. Frank did not wear the guitar during the show. When the time came for a solo, the guitar tech brought the instrument out for Frank as the audience went wild. Frank played while standing and had several pedals. One pedal was certianly a wah-wah. After the solo, Frank would hand off the guitar,and the tech would take it just off stage and re-tune it for the next onslaught.
The band was excellent, and the sound quality was first rate. The concert was really loud, with the music enveloping and passing through you in a very solid two channel way and not in a cheesy surround sound sort of way.Really marvelous.
I don,t remember the lineup accurately but I think that we had Ray White, Ike Willis, Arthur Barrow and Tommy Mars. I think that the drummer was Vinnie Colaiuta but am not sure, it may have been David Logeman. I was initially disapointed that we did not get a percussionist at that show but the keyboardist did a great job of picking up the vibes parts so the meaty texture of the music was preserved.
The second time was the next year,the "You Are What You Is" tour. The show was in a big multi-purpose indoor stadium on the University of Florida campus. The building was concrete with a puffy fabric roof that was held up by internal air pressure. The acoustics were so terrible that it was nearly impossable to understand even simple announcements during sporting events.
Zappa's sound people had come early to have more time to tame the building, and it showed. The show sounded great!
Zappa was in fine form as was the band. Frank played his solos while reclining, leg crossed, on a highbacked stool. The band was bigger than before. We had Steve Vai and Ike Willis or Ray White.(could it have been all three or is that just dementia setting in?) I'm not sure of the bassist(Scott Thunes?). I'm sure that the percussionist was Ed Mann and the drummer was Chad Whackerman. I think that the keyboardist was Tommy Mars.
Even though the previous year's band had been great, the addition of the vibes really made the show this second year. Again, the music didn't stop from beguining to end.
I had hoped that the University of Florida would become a regular stop on Zappa tours but alas, it was not to be. Zappa never played in G-ville (that I know of) again. I don't know if this was the reason, but while relaxing at a club after the last show, some douche bag fan dumped a beer on Frank's head. Ahh...redneck demonstrations of affection, I guess Sultan didn't see that one coming.
DCT
I saw FZ twice. The first time must have been in late 1980. The concert was in an old 1930's era basketball gymnasium on the University of Florida campus. The tour was the "The Best" tour. I think that I still have the tee shirt someplace.
I went with my 14 year old cousin. We had been listening to various bits of Zappa "One Size Fits All", "Overnite Sensation", "Hot Rats" and our favorite at the time was "The Mothers- Fillmore East,June 1971". Our "system" was some plastic armed record changer with detachable speakers. You had to tape a nickel to the arm to keep the needle in the groove.
We went to show with high hopes and were not disappointed. When we arrived, the PA was cranking Hendrix. We were amazed at how good it sounded. It is some of the best playback that I can remember hearing.
The lights went down, you could see the band come on stage and the music started. From the first note until the end of the show, (not including the encore) there was no break in the music. At the beginning of the show, some one (a roadie?)rushed the stage with what looked like a "gift" pie. The "fan" was met at the stage by a huge Samoan fellow (named Sultan I think) who knocked the pie out of his hands. The message to keep away from the stage was quite clear!
I don't remember the song lineup. I remember Frank singing, directing with a baton, generally prancing about and yes, playing guitar. Frank did not wear the guitar during the show. When the time came for a solo, the guitar tech brought the instrument out for Frank as the audience went wild. Frank played while standing and had several pedals. One pedal was certianly a wah-wah. After the solo, Frank would hand off the guitar,and the tech would take it just off stage and re-tune it for the next onslaught.
The band was excellent, and the sound quality was first rate. The concert was really loud, with the music enveloping and passing through you in a very solid two channel way and not in a cheesy surround sound sort of way.Really marvelous.
I don,t remember the lineup accurately but I think that we had Ray White, Ike Willis, Arthur Barrow and Tommy Mars. I think that the drummer was Vinnie Colaiuta but am not sure, it may have been David Logeman. I was initially disapointed that we did not get a percussionist at that show but the keyboardist did a great job of picking up the vibes parts so the meaty texture of the music was preserved.
The second time was the next year,the "You Are What You Is" tour. The show was in a big multi-purpose indoor stadium on the University of Florida campus. The building was concrete with a puffy fabric roof that was held up by internal air pressure. The acoustics were so terrible that it was nearly impossable to understand even simple announcements during sporting events.
Zappa's sound people had come early to have more time to tame the building, and it showed. The show sounded great!
Zappa was in fine form as was the band. Frank played his solos while reclining, leg crossed, on a highbacked stool. The band was bigger than before. We had Steve Vai and Ike Willis or Ray White.(could it have been all three or is that just dementia setting in?) I'm not sure of the bassist(Scott Thunes?). I'm sure that the percussionist was Ed Mann and the drummer was Chad Whackerman. I think that the keyboardist was Tommy Mars.
Even though the previous year's band had been great, the addition of the vibes really made the show this second year. Again, the music didn't stop from beguining to end.
I had hoped that the University of Florida would become a regular stop on Zappa tours but alas, it was not to be. Zappa never played in G-ville (that I know of) again. I don't know if this was the reason, but while relaxing at a club after the last show, some douche bag fan dumped a beer on Frank's head. Ahh...redneck demonstrations of affection, I guess Sultan didn't see that one coming.
DCT
Posted on: 07 April 2003 by Kevin-W
I saw Zappa in 1988, at Wembley Arena. I'm not really a fan (I find most of the stuff after Apostrophe unlistenable), I was dragged along by a mate. About half of it was, I thought, unmitigated tripe (and very irritating in only they way that FZ can be), the other 50% surprisingly good.
The band (can't remember who was doing what, can't really remember what was played) was, as you might expect, full of amazing musicians, with FZ taking more of a "band leader/conductor" role. When they concentrated on playing music rather than showing off their technique they were mindblowingly good.
He and some band members came back on for a very late encore, after about 70% of the audience had drifted off home.
I nearly got to interview him once, through someone at Ryko, who did some reissues on CD in the 1980s, which would have been fascinating, but it must have been around the time he realised he was ill and my request was eventually refused. Pity. He's one of those musicians I miss, even though I wasn't particularly keen on his music, if you know what I mean...
Kevin
The band (can't remember who was doing what, can't really remember what was played) was, as you might expect, full of amazing musicians, with FZ taking more of a "band leader/conductor" role. When they concentrated on playing music rather than showing off their technique they were mindblowingly good.
He and some band members came back on for a very late encore, after about 70% of the audience had drifted off home.
I nearly got to interview him once, through someone at Ryko, who did some reissues on CD in the 1980s, which would have been fascinating, but it must have been around the time he realised he was ill and my request was eventually refused. Pity. He's one of those musicians I miss, even though I wasn't particularly keen on his music, if you know what I mean...
Kevin
Posted on: 07 April 2003 by monkfish
Hi
Can anyone tell me the date(s) of the FZ concert(s) in the hammersmith odeon.
Regards
Jim
Can anyone tell me the date(s) of the FZ concert(s) in the hammersmith odeon.
Regards
Jim
Posted on: 07 April 2003 by garyi
David, Kevin, Nice stories, thanks.
Posted on: 08 April 2003 by Dave J
Monkfish,
I think it was his last gig at the Hammersmith Odeon that I went to in, I think, September 1984. He did 2 shows and I went to the 'early one'.
Very friendly audience; the crowd next to me were exceedingly generous with their chemical amusement aid (not that I approve, you understand).
Anyway, the band did include Ike Willis, Ray White, Chad Wackerman and, I think, Scot Thunes and recall they did storming versions of Zoot Allures and You Are What You Is, amongst others.
I loved the way Zappa would be performing one moment and then turn his back to the audience and start conducting the band, driving them into a frenzy.
Great stuff
Dave
I think it was his last gig at the Hammersmith Odeon that I went to in, I think, September 1984. He did 2 shows and I went to the 'early one'.
Very friendly audience; the crowd next to me were exceedingly generous with their chemical amusement aid (not that I approve, you understand).
Anyway, the band did include Ike Willis, Ray White, Chad Wackerman and, I think, Scot Thunes and recall they did storming versions of Zoot Allures and You Are What You Is, amongst others.
I loved the way Zappa would be performing one moment and then turn his back to the audience and start conducting the band, driving them into a frenzy.
Great stuff
Dave
Posted on: 08 April 2003 by monkfish
Hi
Dave J
I was at the same concert but my memory of it is slightly hazy due to one thing and another, it was the 24th of sept 84 (I did some research on the net and found out), I also found the set list. Thanks for the reply.
Regards
Jim
Zoot Allures,
Trouble Every Day,
Penguin in Bondage,
Hot Plate Heaven at the Green Hotel,
In France,
The Evil Prince,
Teenage Wind,
Truck Driver Divorce,
He's so Gay,
Bobby Brown,
Keep it Greasey,
Honey don't you want a Man like me?,
Sharleena,
Let's move to Cleveland,
Ride my Face to Chicago,
Baby take your Teeth out,
Illinois Enema Bandit,
Chana in the Bushwop,
Whippin' Post.
Dave J
I was at the same concert but my memory of it is slightly hazy due to one thing and another, it was the 24th of sept 84 (I did some research on the net and found out), I also found the set list. Thanks for the reply.
Regards
Jim
Zoot Allures,
Trouble Every Day,
Penguin in Bondage,
Hot Plate Heaven at the Green Hotel,
In France,
The Evil Prince,
Teenage Wind,
Truck Driver Divorce,
He's so Gay,
Bobby Brown,
Keep it Greasey,
Honey don't you want a Man like me?,
Sharleena,
Let's move to Cleveland,
Ride my Face to Chicago,
Baby take your Teeth out,
Illinois Enema Bandit,
Chana in the Bushwop,
Whippin' Post.
Posted on: 08 April 2003 by Dave J
So Monkfish, was that your "one thing or another" that was being passed around?
Thanks for posting the set - I'd have sworn You Are What You Is was on there, though.
Dave
Thanks for posting the set - I'd have sworn You Are What You Is was on there, though.
Dave
Posted on: 08 April 2003 by Gunnar Jansson
Yes.
I think it must have been around 84-85 in Stockholm.
Zappa´s not that big for me. It was good though.
Don´t remember the set that well, the band was awesome though.
Gunnar
I think it must have been around 84-85 in Stockholm.
Zappa´s not that big for me. It was good though.
Don´t remember the set that well, the band was awesome though.
Gunnar
Posted on: 08 April 2003 by monkfish
Hi
Dave J
We only have what someone else posted on the net as a set list and rely on their memory so "you are what you is" may well have been included. I can't remember pesonally due to the aforementioned one thing or another.
Regards
Jim
Dave J
We only have what someone else posted on the net as a set list and rely on their memory so "you are what you is" may well have been included. I can't remember pesonally due to the aforementioned one thing or another.
Regards
Jim
Posted on: 08 April 2003 by blueoyster
I had tickets for Zappa Hammersmith Odeon circa 1973. Unfortunately the gig was cancelled as Zappa broke his leg the day before. I think some guy jumped onto the stage & threw Zappa off. My mate was absolutely mortified as he believed that Zappa was 'God', it took him weeks to get over not seeing him. Fortunatley I managed to see Zappa at Hammersmith in 1984 (I think), it was probably the same gig that David J went to, only I went to the later show. I was one of those people that was exceedingly generous in their chemical amusement aid. I was slightly disappointed because Zappa did not play loads of guitar and indulged himself in conducting the band, but! when he did play- sheer heaven!
I really must buy some more Zappa as the guy was extraordinary, although I agree some of him albums are a bit hit & miss.
Incidently talking of Hendrix (Nick) I saw him at the Isle of Wight 1970 (with just about everyone else- The Doors, ELP, The Who, Joni? Ten Years After etc etc). Bearing in mind that he came on stage at about 3am (and I'd had no sleep for three days) I was determined to stay awake, I'd been a Hendrix fan for 2-3 years and was not going to miss this. The gig as everyone knows was good but not brilliant, it will, however, live in my memory for ever.
I was at a party in NW London a few years ago & the IOW festival came up in a discussion. This old hippy grabbed me & said 'you went to the IOW-what was it like? I replied along the lines 'it was a fantastic festival etc etc' he said 'I WAS there man but it's all a haze, I can't remember a bloody thing!. He added that he had spent years looking for people who went to the IOW because he needed to know what he had missed.
His brain is now fully functional & he has taken to drinking tea & mineral water he has also stopped taking those illegal mind altering substances that induced the amnesia.
These old hippies, how ya going Paul?
Cheers
Blueoyster (Colin)
I really must buy some more Zappa as the guy was extraordinary, although I agree some of him albums are a bit hit & miss.
Incidently talking of Hendrix (Nick) I saw him at the Isle of Wight 1970 (with just about everyone else- The Doors, ELP, The Who, Joni? Ten Years After etc etc). Bearing in mind that he came on stage at about 3am (and I'd had no sleep for three days) I was determined to stay awake, I'd been a Hendrix fan for 2-3 years and was not going to miss this. The gig as everyone knows was good but not brilliant, it will, however, live in my memory for ever.
I was at a party in NW London a few years ago & the IOW festival came up in a discussion. This old hippy grabbed me & said 'you went to the IOW-what was it like? I replied along the lines 'it was a fantastic festival etc etc' he said 'I WAS there man but it's all a haze, I can't remember a bloody thing!. He added that he had spent years looking for people who went to the IOW because he needed to know what he had missed.
His brain is now fully functional & he has taken to drinking tea & mineral water he has also stopped taking those illegal mind altering substances that induced the amnesia.
These old hippies, how ya going Paul?
Cheers
Blueoyster (Colin)
Posted on: 09 April 2003 by seagull
quote:
Originally posted by lilolee:
I was lucky enough to catch the man at Knebworth 1978 IIRC. I loved every minute of it.
In fact the whole day was great. The line up was
Wilco Johnson's Solid Senders
Rockpile
Boomtown Rats
Peter Gabriel
Frank Zappa
The Tubes
I was there too, it was probably the best day's concert I've been to. I don't recall any of Zappa's set (I've not got any of his albums, not really a fan I suppose) but it was very good that day.
Was it really 1978? That's a quarter of a century ago! I feel old, I think I'm going to have to lie down.
Posted on: 13 April 2003 by Ron The Mon
The first time I saw Frank was sneaking in to a sound check at Cobo. This was I believe 1978. It was the Sheik Yerbouti band. I was surprised that they were playing all covers warming-up. Sunshine Of Your Love played by the Zapps made Cream sound like amateurs! They also played Supernaut (with Bozzio singing). I later found out Frank was a huge Sabbath fan. SG, Marshall/Orange stacks, the hair. Zappa looked like Iommi!
The last time I saw him was at the Royal Oak Music Theater (three nights in a row actually). Also a lot of covers. Three Beatles songs. Strawberry Fields sounded IDENTICAL to the record with the exception of Ike Willis' voice. For a song that was multi-tracked, that was quite a feat. On the last of the three nights, they sung the Beatles songs with "alternative" lyrics. Ike was actually holding a small sheet of paper in which the lyrics were scratched down just before the show. They were all laughing too. Of course, the shows ended with Stairway To Heaven. Some of those songs are on various records.
Gary, you have to understand that what is missing from the records is the onstage antics. Lots of jokes, messing about, etc. Once, during a show, a dude brought up to the stage a life-sized blow-up love doll and asked Frank to sign it. Not only did Frank sign it, he drew the signature Zappa mustache/goatee thingy on it! The crowd went nuts and the dude started crying he was so excited!
Another time, in the middle of a guitar solo, someone threw a frisbee toward the stage and Frank snagged it out of the air and started strumming the guitar with it, then threw it back out. [for you young-uns out there, beach-balls and frisbees were constantly airborn at shows in the 70s]
I could go on-and-on as I've seen Frank over twenty times (mostly front-row, never more than 10 rows back), and snuck in to several sound-checks! If you want more, let me know.
Ron The Mon,
Zappa Freak
The last time I saw him was at the Royal Oak Music Theater (three nights in a row actually). Also a lot of covers. Three Beatles songs. Strawberry Fields sounded IDENTICAL to the record with the exception of Ike Willis' voice. For a song that was multi-tracked, that was quite a feat. On the last of the three nights, they sung the Beatles songs with "alternative" lyrics. Ike was actually holding a small sheet of paper in which the lyrics were scratched down just before the show. They were all laughing too. Of course, the shows ended with Stairway To Heaven. Some of those songs are on various records.
Gary, you have to understand that what is missing from the records is the onstage antics. Lots of jokes, messing about, etc. Once, during a show, a dude brought up to the stage a life-sized blow-up love doll and asked Frank to sign it. Not only did Frank sign it, he drew the signature Zappa mustache/goatee thingy on it! The crowd went nuts and the dude started crying he was so excited!
Another time, in the middle of a guitar solo, someone threw a frisbee toward the stage and Frank snagged it out of the air and started strumming the guitar with it, then threw it back out. [for you young-uns out there, beach-balls and frisbees were constantly airborn at shows in the 70s]
I could go on-and-on as I've seen Frank over twenty times (mostly front-row, never more than 10 rows back), and snuck in to several sound-checks! If you want more, let me know.
Ron The Mon,
Zappa Freak
Posted on: 13 April 2003 by garyi
How cool is that.
What choices do I have open to me here today?
Ian Anderson talks anecdote next week somewhere or other and er...
What choices do I have open to me here today?
Ian Anderson talks anecdote next week somewhere or other and er...
Posted on: 13 April 2003 by Ron The Mon
Gary,
You've really got me reminiscing.
Back in 1983, I went and saw Allan Holdsworth for his Road Games tour. It was in DC at a goth/punk club called Club930 (anyone know if it still exists?). An unlikely place to see this band. The stage there was extremely small and in a corner and only about 18-inches high. It was an awesome show. The line-up was Holdsworth, Jimmy Johnson on bass, Paul Williams doing sound, roadie, and occasional vocals, and of course Chad Wackerman on drums. This was the first time I ever saw Chad play. My buddy who was there with me was a drummer and sat on the bass player's amp just staring at Chad the whole show. After the show we hung out with the band (Allan actually was so broke, he hit me up for change to call his wife!).
Anyway, meeting Chad then paid off the next year. In 1984, I saw Zappa twice; once at Meadowbrook in Detroit and once at DOTAR in DC. As I mentioned above, I always snuck in to sound checks but at the DOTAR gig I thought I had struck out. Then I thought I saw Chad walk by. I thought I was dreaming it. But through the doors, I could hear the rehearsal and noticed no drums! I chased through the crowd and in fact Chad was there. He was freaking! He left his back-stage pass inside when he went to the bus for his sticks. Not only didn't the guy at the stage door not let him in, he roughed-up Chad!! I was pissed. I took Chad to the door I was trying to sneak in to and showed the guard a photo of Chad (I had the Them Or Us record for which they were touring with me as well as photos for signature). He let Chad in and Chad opened another door to get us in.
By the time we all got to the stage, Zappa was pissed that most of the practice occured without Chad. After seeing Chad's bruises, he mellowed out though. They only practiced one song together with me and my buddy sitting on the stage (Baby Take Your Teeth Out). As the band was leaving the stage, Frank's body guard told us to get off the stage but Frank said it was cool that we stayed and said thanks for getting Chad in. Chad did a sound-check for about 10 minutes solo as the sound guy still had to get the PA levels right. He was playing these really cool syn-drums back then and actually did a really cool solo that night.
The highlight of the show that night was actually Ike Willis doing a guitar solo that just ripped! It was better than all the ones Frank did that night.
After the show, I hung out at the tourbus and got everyone's signature in the band except Frank's. He eluded me for years getting his autograph.
Then on the way back to our car, a limo stopped next to us and Frank rolled down the window and said "Thanks again for getting Chad in". I said "you're welcome. Great show." He took off and to this day I still don't have his autograph!!
Ron The Mon,
Zappa Freak
P.S.
Start a thread about Tull and I'll tell you a funny Ian Anderson anecdote.
Ron The Mon,
Needle-Freak
You've really got me reminiscing.
Back in 1983, I went and saw Allan Holdsworth for his Road Games tour. It was in DC at a goth/punk club called Club930 (anyone know if it still exists?). An unlikely place to see this band. The stage there was extremely small and in a corner and only about 18-inches high. It was an awesome show. The line-up was Holdsworth, Jimmy Johnson on bass, Paul Williams doing sound, roadie, and occasional vocals, and of course Chad Wackerman on drums. This was the first time I ever saw Chad play. My buddy who was there with me was a drummer and sat on the bass player's amp just staring at Chad the whole show. After the show we hung out with the band (Allan actually was so broke, he hit me up for change to call his wife!).
Anyway, meeting Chad then paid off the next year. In 1984, I saw Zappa twice; once at Meadowbrook in Detroit and once at DOTAR in DC. As I mentioned above, I always snuck in to sound checks but at the DOTAR gig I thought I had struck out. Then I thought I saw Chad walk by. I thought I was dreaming it. But through the doors, I could hear the rehearsal and noticed no drums! I chased through the crowd and in fact Chad was there. He was freaking! He left his back-stage pass inside when he went to the bus for his sticks. Not only didn't the guy at the stage door not let him in, he roughed-up Chad!! I was pissed. I took Chad to the door I was trying to sneak in to and showed the guard a photo of Chad (I had the Them Or Us record for which they were touring with me as well as photos for signature). He let Chad in and Chad opened another door to get us in.
By the time we all got to the stage, Zappa was pissed that most of the practice occured without Chad. After seeing Chad's bruises, he mellowed out though. They only practiced one song together with me and my buddy sitting on the stage (Baby Take Your Teeth Out). As the band was leaving the stage, Frank's body guard told us to get off the stage but Frank said it was cool that we stayed and said thanks for getting Chad in. Chad did a sound-check for about 10 minutes solo as the sound guy still had to get the PA levels right. He was playing these really cool syn-drums back then and actually did a really cool solo that night.
The highlight of the show that night was actually Ike Willis doing a guitar solo that just ripped! It was better than all the ones Frank did that night.
After the show, I hung out at the tourbus and got everyone's signature in the band except Frank's. He eluded me for years getting his autograph.
Then on the way back to our car, a limo stopped next to us and Frank rolled down the window and said "Thanks again for getting Chad in". I said "you're welcome. Great show." He took off and to this day I still don't have his autograph!!
Ron The Mon,
Zappa Freak
P.S.
Start a thread about Tull and I'll tell you a funny Ian Anderson anecdote.
Ron The Mon,
Needle-Freak
Posted on: 13 April 2003 by garyi
Ron, that is a great story!
Ron gets Chad into his own gig! What did you do for a job or whatever which allowed you to do these thins?
I wasn't dissing Ian Anderson, I hear he is playing next week on his rubbing elbows tour, still would have liked to see Zappa though.
I don't suppose the Mothers still do things live?
Ron gets Chad into his own gig! What did you do for a job or whatever which allowed you to do these thins?
I wasn't dissing Ian Anderson, I hear he is playing next week on his rubbing elbows tour, still would have liked to see Zappa though.
I don't suppose the Mothers still do things live?
Posted on: 13 April 2003 by Ron The Mon
Gary,
In 1984, I was in the US Marine Corps stationed just outside of DC.
I have met many musicians over the years. When bands are on tour they actually welcome hanging with fans. I never understood why fans don't want to meet them! I always go early and try to sneak in. I have long hair and a few lucky backstge passes. I just walk right in to gigs. I haven't been stopped in years. The last time anyone said anything, I was stopped at a Deep Purple gig a few years back wearing a Van Halen pass around my neck from 5 years earlier. The funny thing is the guy stopped me because the pass only allowed "press" seating on the stage, not backstage. I was still happy to watch Purple from stage left just behind Jon Lord!
Anyway an addendum to my above post at the DOTAR gig. The day before the Zappa concert, I was just hanging in DC and stopped by the Hall because I saw a tour-bus outside. The marquee said "Frank Zappa Tomorrow". The destination sign on the tour-bus said "Who Cares?". I put two and two together and figured Zappa got there the day before his gig. So I went in the unattended back door and was stopped by the tour manager. She was actually pretty hot with a British accent, though several years older than me. I asked her if it was cool to watch the sound check and she said they had just finished. I commented how I had just seen the band a few months earlier at Meadowbrook and they were great,etc. She asked if there was somewhere around to get some food, so I took her around the corner and bought us a few hot dogs from a street vendor. At this point, I thought, "Holy shit! I'm going to meet Frank and get laid by his tour manager!"
We got back on the bus and two roadies were watching an Eddie Murphy video, so I thought no-go. But she took me to a little bedroom at the back of the bus and I got a BJ there. We heard the band getting on the bus, so I pulled my pants up and went out front. I didn't recognize any of the group. What the Hell was up? Then the tour manager introduced me to Sheena Easton and told her what a big fan I was! DOH!
As it turned out Sheena Easton played the day before Zappa at Meadowbrook and in DC. It was purely coincidental.
Anyway, I ended up watching the show later that night with the tour mangager (I don't remember her name) on stage. After the show, we went back to her hotel room and screwed. I never did tell her that I had no idea who Sheena Easton was!!!
Ron The Mon
P.S.
I wasn't dissing Tull either as I love them. However, I drug a girlfriend to a record store appearance of just Ian and Martin Barre. It was designed to promote their newest record. They were playing a few new songs on just acoustic guitar, voice, and flute. Being the pisser I am, I kept yelling "Bungle In The Jungle"! I was the only one who thought it was funny. After a few songs, they were signing autographs and while in line, the girl with me kept asking outloud, "What stinks?". I kept nudging her as I was pretty sure it was Ian Anderson. Finally when we got near our turn for a signature, we were asked to leave by the record shop owner for being "trouble-makers".
In 1984, I was in the US Marine Corps stationed just outside of DC.
I have met many musicians over the years. When bands are on tour they actually welcome hanging with fans. I never understood why fans don't want to meet them! I always go early and try to sneak in. I have long hair and a few lucky backstge passes. I just walk right in to gigs. I haven't been stopped in years. The last time anyone said anything, I was stopped at a Deep Purple gig a few years back wearing a Van Halen pass around my neck from 5 years earlier. The funny thing is the guy stopped me because the pass only allowed "press" seating on the stage, not backstage. I was still happy to watch Purple from stage left just behind Jon Lord!
Anyway an addendum to my above post at the DOTAR gig. The day before the Zappa concert, I was just hanging in DC and stopped by the Hall because I saw a tour-bus outside. The marquee said "Frank Zappa Tomorrow". The destination sign on the tour-bus said "Who Cares?". I put two and two together and figured Zappa got there the day before his gig. So I went in the unattended back door and was stopped by the tour manager. She was actually pretty hot with a British accent, though several years older than me. I asked her if it was cool to watch the sound check and she said they had just finished. I commented how I had just seen the band a few months earlier at Meadowbrook and they were great,etc. She asked if there was somewhere around to get some food, so I took her around the corner and bought us a few hot dogs from a street vendor. At this point, I thought, "Holy shit! I'm going to meet Frank and get laid by his tour manager!"
We got back on the bus and two roadies were watching an Eddie Murphy video, so I thought no-go. But she took me to a little bedroom at the back of the bus and I got a BJ there. We heard the band getting on the bus, so I pulled my pants up and went out front. I didn't recognize any of the group. What the Hell was up? Then the tour manager introduced me to Sheena Easton and told her what a big fan I was! DOH!
As it turned out Sheena Easton played the day before Zappa at Meadowbrook and in DC. It was purely coincidental.
Anyway, I ended up watching the show later that night with the tour mangager (I don't remember her name) on stage. After the show, we went back to her hotel room and screwed. I never did tell her that I had no idea who Sheena Easton was!!!
Ron The Mon
P.S.
I wasn't dissing Tull either as I love them. However, I drug a girlfriend to a record store appearance of just Ian and Martin Barre. It was designed to promote their newest record. They were playing a few new songs on just acoustic guitar, voice, and flute. Being the pisser I am, I kept yelling "Bungle In The Jungle"! I was the only one who thought it was funny. After a few songs, they were signing autographs and while in line, the girl with me kept asking outloud, "What stinks?". I kept nudging her as I was pretty sure it was Ian Anderson. Finally when we got near our turn for a signature, we were asked to leave by the record shop owner for being "trouble-makers".
Posted on: 13 April 2003 by garyi
This is great stuff, why do people talk about hifi!
Ron you seem like someone I shoulda met!
Ron you seem like someone I shoulda met!
Posted on: 13 April 2003 by Ron The Mon
Gary,
Over the years friends have commented to my wife that it must be cool being
married to Ron The Mon because he has
such great stories. My wife's reply is
the stories are only good the first
time.
I've got back-stage passes to see Cheap Trick tonight. A buddie's roommate does lights for them and is getting us in. The guys in the band know me, so I'll mention your name tonight and see if we can get you back-stage when they hit the UK!
Ron The Mon
Over the years friends have commented to my wife that it must be cool being
married to Ron The Mon because he has
such great stories. My wife's reply is
the stories are only good the first
time.
I've got back-stage passes to see Cheap Trick tonight. A buddie's roommate does lights for them and is getting us in. The guys in the band know me, so I'll mention your name tonight and see if we can get you back-stage when they hit the UK!
Ron The Mon
Posted on: 14 April 2003 by Dave J
Hey there Ron,
Great stories, keep 'em coming.
Somehow I don't think my wife would appreciate me reminiscing about memorable blow jobs. However, if it had been Sheena Easton and not her tour manager I'd certainly be happy bragging about it.
One day I'll collect on my beer prize from the "Spot the Ron" competition (you haven't forgotten, have you) and you can tell me the unprintable stuff.
Dave
Great stories, keep 'em coming.
Somehow I don't think my wife would appreciate me reminiscing about memorable blow jobs. However, if it had been Sheena Easton and not her tour manager I'd certainly be happy bragging about it.
One day I'll collect on my beer prize from the "Spot the Ron" competition (you haven't forgotten, have you) and you can tell me the unprintable stuff.
Dave
Posted on: 14 April 2003 by Andrew L. Weekes
Gary,
I feel your pain
Ron,
Great stories keep 'em coming, I'm gonna vote this thread of the year.
God I've led a sheltered life....
Andy.
I feel your pain
Ron,
Great stories keep 'em coming, I'm gonna vote this thread of the year.
God I've led a sheltered life....
Andy.
Posted on: 14 April 2003 by Ron The Mon
Gary,
Good news/bad news. As it turns out I didn't get to talk to any of the guys in Cheap Trick. However, Guided By Voices opened the show last night and I has hanging with Bob, Kevin and Nate during Cheap Trick's gig (they are huge Cheap Trick fans!) I told Bob you were a huge fan and to put you on the backstage list next time they're near Watford. He said just make sure to bring plenty of beer and be prepared to drink it. He had plenty to drink by the time I talked to him, so best just to show up early with lots of beer. Just tell him he invited you; he'll think he was drunk and just forgot.
A local radio station took picks of me several times last night, so if they post them on their website, I'll link to here.
Dave,
You (or Gary, or Nick, or Andy) are welcome to hang with me anytime. I always have beer, so you'll never catch me off-guard. Just make sure to roll your car windows up and locks the doors when driving through my neighborhood.
Ron The Mon
Ron The Mon,
Needle-Freak
Good news/bad news. As it turns out I didn't get to talk to any of the guys in Cheap Trick. However, Guided By Voices opened the show last night and I has hanging with Bob, Kevin and Nate during Cheap Trick's gig (they are huge Cheap Trick fans!) I told Bob you were a huge fan and to put you on the backstage list next time they're near Watford. He said just make sure to bring plenty of beer and be prepared to drink it. He had plenty to drink by the time I talked to him, so best just to show up early with lots of beer. Just tell him he invited you; he'll think he was drunk and just forgot.
A local radio station took picks of me several times last night, so if they post them on their website, I'll link to here.
Dave,
You (or Gary, or Nick, or Andy) are welcome to hang with me anytime. I always have beer, so you'll never catch me off-guard. Just make sure to roll your car windows up and locks the doors when driving through my neighborhood.
Ron The Mon
Ron The Mon,
Needle-Freak
Posted on: 14 April 2003 by Ron The Mon
Gary asked
I forgot to answer this! Yes they do. About 3 months ago, Ike Willis' band toured. Napolean Murphy-Brock, Don Preston, and Tommy Mars were in the band too. They played songs from One Size Fits All, Burnt Weenie Sandwich, Uncle Meat, Roxy, etc.
Of course Frank wasn't there but the band was pretty good and as Napolean and Ike are the original singers, it was very authentic.
A few years back the best "Zappa" band touring was called "The Band from Utopia". In the group was Ike, Chad, Tommy Mars, Ed Mann, Tom Fowler, and the only guy who didn't play previously with Frank was the lead guitarist (who played in the Chick Corea Electric Band). This band was as close to a Zappa show as you could get. It was a Halloween show and a fan brought a jack-o-lantern carved in Frank's face. It was the most detailed pumpkin carving I've ever seen! Ike put the jack-o-lantern at the front of the stage and had all the lights in the club turned off and asked for a moment of silence. It was a very spiritual moment, with Frank's face lighting the stage.
The highlight of that show was a duet with Tommy playing piano and Ike singing "The Idiot Bastard Son".
The worst Zappa tribute band I've seen was Dweezl and Ahmet's band which I think was called "Z". Avoid them, it's like going to see Julian Lennon playing all John's songs.
Ron The Mon
quote:
I don't suppose the Mothers still do things live?
I forgot to answer this! Yes they do. About 3 months ago, Ike Willis' band toured. Napolean Murphy-Brock, Don Preston, and Tommy Mars were in the band too. They played songs from One Size Fits All, Burnt Weenie Sandwich, Uncle Meat, Roxy, etc.
Of course Frank wasn't there but the band was pretty good and as Napolean and Ike are the original singers, it was very authentic.
A few years back the best "Zappa" band touring was called "The Band from Utopia". In the group was Ike, Chad, Tommy Mars, Ed Mann, Tom Fowler, and the only guy who didn't play previously with Frank was the lead guitarist (who played in the Chick Corea Electric Band). This band was as close to a Zappa show as you could get. It was a Halloween show and a fan brought a jack-o-lantern carved in Frank's face. It was the most detailed pumpkin carving I've ever seen! Ike put the jack-o-lantern at the front of the stage and had all the lights in the club turned off and asked for a moment of silence. It was a very spiritual moment, with Frank's face lighting the stage.
The highlight of that show was a duet with Tommy playing piano and Ike singing "The Idiot Bastard Son".
The worst Zappa tribute band I've seen was Dweezl and Ahmet's band which I think was called "Z". Avoid them, it's like going to see Julian Lennon playing all John's songs.
Ron The Mon
Posted on: 14 April 2003 by Dave J
quote:
Dave,
You (or Gary, or Nick, or Andy) are welcome to hang with me anytime. I always have beer, so you'll never catch me off-guard. Just make sure to roll your car windows up and locks the doors when driving through my neighborhood.
Too kind, Ron.
I know what you mean about the neighbourhood. I've only been to Detroit once - about 10 years ago to the automotive show at the Cobo Center and it was f*cking freezing. I wanted to cash some travellers cheques and decided to find a bank nearby. At this point I would like to glamorise the story by saying that I took a wrong turn and ended up in the BAAAAD part of town however it seemed that anywhere outside of the center was pretty dodgy. Anyway, some 50 yards from one of the world's foremost automotive exhibitions, I was accosted by a crack-wasted vagrant with bare feet (it was snowing and extremely cold), wielding a knife and demanding money. I was so shocked that I just said, "I'm sorry, I'm English", crossed the road and proceeded swiftly on my way. Later on I was informed that this was a dumb thing to do and I was lucky not to end up in the local hospital.
Apart from that pleasant incident, we stayed in a very tacky Holiday Inn at Hazel Park and I was suitably impressed by the armed guard on the lift. Did a nifty 'all you can eat' buffet though on Tuesday's (and there was a great record store a few yards from the hotel).
Now Chicago, I love and New Orleans, well......