Zappa.com

Hello All,<br> <br>First I want to say how sorry I am for all of the craziness that has already been part of the Zappa Plays Zappa mystery.  I am not going to regurgitate any new words of wisdom, but I do want to apologize for any confusion that might have gone on involving our name and credibility... if we ever had any to begin with.  It is obvious that the past is something that can't be changed.  Reviewed, criticized and pondered over, yes that can be done but for my part in all this, I need to get something’s clear on the new continued advertising that Flo & Eddie are going to be part of the Spring Fling in Europe and in The United States.  At the present time, we are not doing the tour.  I think that all of this is a moot point as I am not sure if there is a tour but for those who have written me through our Turtles website asking for the truth (or as in one case asking for an interview in Oslo Norway in the Spring), I want to let you know what I know.  <br><br>I wish I could say otherwise about us on the tour, but that’s the way it is.   I am sorry for any of you who bought tickets only to have to change them.  I am sorry if our announcing we might be on the tour was jumping the gun.  We were excited at the possibility and I was sorry to hear it was all falling apart.  I hope that the shows go on and I hope that the Zappa Brothers have a great time playing the music.  I know they are capable of making this a memorable experience for themselves and for you die-hard fans.  <br><br>They are a great musical family and, despite the problems that surrounds every tour that tries to get out on the road, I hope that this idea that they had sees the concert stage at some point.  And I hope I am here to see it and/or sing on it.  If not I hope it is successful and will get the support of you great Zappa supporters and fans.  <br><br>As I type this, I am thinking back to some great tours.  I remember at the Montreax Casino in 1972 when some goof-ball with a flare gun shot a ball of fire in the ceiling, you all know the story by now.  The panic of that afternoon was incredible.  There was only two exits out of the building and we were off the ground about 25 feet on the second floor of a four floor casino.  One of the exits was in the middle of the concert theater and the other was through the backstage.  When the panic started, people stormed the stage and before our equipment burned along with the theater, it was crushed and trampled by hundreds of Zappa fans.  I had jumped from the front of the stage searching wildly through the smoke for a girl I had brought to the show who was sitting in the back of the theater.  I jumped into a smoke pit.  Smoke filled the entire hall from the ceiling down and it stopped about three feet from the floor.  Everyone was running for the doors and people began throwing the bands amplifiers through the back windows that lined the stage behind our drums and everything else.  HUGE orange amplifiers breaking these large 20’ by 40’ foot plate glass windows.  It was really a scary time.  I remember hearing Frank's voice doing his best to calm everybody down.  "Don't Panic, Stay Calm."  The only voice of reason was Frank at that moment doing his part from the stage.  That day is still etched in my mind as it was really only the beginning of the worst week of my touring life as a member of Frank's band, or for that matter any band, as 1 week later Frank was thrown into a 9’ cement orchestra pit at the Rainbow Theater.  He had a broken neck and back and stayed in a wheelchair for nearly a year.  That was my last week singing in the Mothers of Invention. <br><br>"Don't Panic, Stay Calm."  Don't forget why you love the music of Frank Zappa.  Don't forget what it was like to see him play live and rip off a solo in "Orange County Lumber Truck" or "King King."  Try to remember that the “business” of music dictates whether this tour will ever see the light of day, not the music itself.   If this tour does happen, go and support the show, have a good time and enjoy whatever it is that the Zappa's put on stage.  It will all be over soon. "Don't Panic, Stay Calm." <br><br>I hope to write and speak to you all again .  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! <br><br>Mark Volman / Flo  

Hi Mark,<br><br>Happy Holidays to you too. <br><br>Dave<br><br>Edit, ironically enough I was listening to BTM from JABFLA when I was reading that. My co-worker was saying you guys sounded like Will Ferrell. He says things like that.

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Proud member of the Trendmonkey's "Loser" club, and a joyously weepy reader.

Hi Mark,<br><br>Happy Holidays! That was a great letter! Thank you for clearing everything up and for your rememberances!<br><br>Paul

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Remember, there's a big difference between kneeling down and bending over

Happy Holidays, Mark!<br><br>Thank you very much for your clarifying note, it's nice to get some information on what's going on. Also thanks for your story of The Montreux-fire...<br><br>Best wishes,<br>Bonny

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Join the PackardGoose forum! Send me a PM!

I wish all the Losers would take a page out of how Mark articulates his appreciation for not only Frank Zappa's music and but also the ZFTs attemp to get this show out there.<br><br><br>Instead of Ranting and Raving regarding the discomforts the tour postponement created for him he boldly speaks of fond memories and his appreciation of Zappa music..., yesterday, today and tomorow.<br><br><br>I've seem Mark & Howard live many times and additionally had the chance to watch an Alice Cooper  show with them.<br><br>I'd rather see them on the stage singing as opposed to watching the gig with them in the audience.<br><br>Hopefully Mark & Howard are involved but either way you can see the spirit of Frank is alive and well in Mr. Volman.<br><br>Peace, Love & Harmony<br> <br>

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Trendmonger's Moment Of Clarity

FZ "Read It And Weep"
April 17,1981

Frank Zappa left the ZFT in Control of his Vaults and Artistic rights.
We the fans are not in control. We have a choice to use our eyes and ears or read it and weep.

[quote author=Trendmonger link=board=concerts;num=1135107964;start=0#4 date=12/20/05 at 18:01:18]I wish all the Losers would take a page out of how Mark articulates his appreciation for not only Frank Zappa's music and but also the ZFTs attemp to get this show out there.<br><br><br><br>Peace, Love & Harmony<br> <br>[/quote]<br><br><br>Do you have some sort of tourettes syndrome or something?<br><br>IB ;D

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All the time he would spend...all the colors he'd blend...
Where are they now?

[quote author=Idiot Bastardson link=board=concerts;num=1135107964;start=0#5 date=12/20/05 at 18:17:37]<br>Do you have some sort of tourettes syndrome or something?<br><br>IB ;D[/quote]<br>The Monger tipped us off to his deal today, IB; Frank Zappa gave The Monger "a metaphorical slap in teh face" and it turned off The Monger's light bulb ;D<br><br>http://www.zappa.com/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=wishList;action=display;num=1135000909;start=63#63<br><br>

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“The person who stands up and says, 'This is stupid,' either is asked to behave or, worse, is greeted with a cheerful 'Yes, we know! Isn't it terrific!" -Frank Zappa

Hi Mark! Thanks a lot for sharing your rememberances, I like the albums you and Howard recorded with FZ a lot.<br><br>Merry Christmas!<br>

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"When you hear music, after it's over, it's gone in the air. You can never capture it again." -- Eric Dolphy

http://www.frappr.com/frankzappaforum - FZ Forum World Map

Do girls from all over the world flock to write your name on the toilet walls of the whisky a go-go?<br><br><br><br><br><br>

Heya Mark!<br>i don't think you have to apologize for anything at all. You have been through some amazing and awful times, i am in awe. I also hope that you can be part of this tour (if it ever happens). If not, you were part of a touring Mothers band that is one of the most well-known in all of Zappa history. Something to be proud of. Thanks for posting again. Drop in any time! Happy Holidays.      Diane

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One two, buckle my shoe!

Great to hear from you!   I can honestly say your posts this summer were the best thing to ever happen to this forum.  Getting to read and ask questions of a first hand source was reMARKable.   Unfortunately there was a forum crash and all of the posts from that time period got deleted.   thanks for contributing again.  Anything you have to say, there'll be an audience here for you.  Did you know there is a well circulated (frank even released it on beat the boots)  recording of the Montreux show?   And it does in fact have Frank's level headed instructions to exit the building preserved for all time.   When I heard him take the reigns like that, even more proof this guy was THE MAN.

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For my clinically insane music
http://routenote.com/album/FOWL
http://www.myspace.com/fowlmusic
http://www.last.fm/music/fowl
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Your mental health requires buying my cd

Hey Flo!<br><br>Sometimes you seem to be the only thing suspended in the mids of a great emptiness, whenever there is nothing more elaborate...  ;D<br>So, thanx for coming back here, and all the best from Germany! <br><br>

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Good Lobna!

[quote author=andre_cholmondeley link=board=concerts;num=1135107964;start=0#14 date=12/21/05 at 10:50:53]yeah Mark!!<br><br>that was great to read today on FZ's birthday, you are correct to remind us to re-focus on THE MUSIC and remember that is the core for all of us.<br><br>Have a great christmas, chanukah, festivus all of it...<br><br>Thank you for sharing that incredibly detailed memory. I felt like i was watching a film.....Where's your book!??? your memories are so vivid and in depth -- and the rock n rollercoaster was only starting for ya at that point!<br><br>THANKS<br><br>-andre' (an Official Trendmonger-designated "Loser" !)<br>project/object[/quote]<br><br>Come on budy are we not National Leauge fans?<br> <br><br>I by no means do, nor have I ever infered that any Zappa fan is a once now and forever always a loser.<br><br>My take on that whole thing is that each and every one of us at a given moment in time can be lost or loose out (and some repeatedly over and over and over)  on something when we get fanatical.  Just like sports fans. Our energies to want a certain specific outcome is what can at times jade artistic intent.<br><br>I am very happy for each and all Zappa fans today that embrace with peace, love and harmony as a way of celebrating Frank & Mathilda Plum's Birthdays.<br><br>If you were to put yourself in my shoes back on April, 1981 you may very well have a better understanding of my intent on the concept...... Ya see, I somehow knew there was a very good chance that that would be the first time I would meet uncle Frank. Enjoyed his music since 1967, seen a few live shows by then, but I knew this Tribute To Edgard Varese show would be the place where Frank would be most comfortable.<br><br>I knew that if I kept the topics on an interest level that Frank enjoyed most that our conversation would be fruitfull but after talking about Varese, Stravinsky, the new label BPR and all it's at that very moment impending releases the question of the I Don't Wann Get Drafted lyrics in the Fall Tour 80 program just turned Franks interest 180 cold. Slap in the face. Read It And Weep. I was the Losser. It was my loss but there was a leson learned so that metaphotrical slap in the face did bear fruit when talking to and or understanding Franks thought process. <br><br>Since then I try.... to keep my personal wants of Franks works to a minimum. Less rantin' n Ravin' and more Eyes And Ears so to speak. And fortunately I had teh chance to meet and speak with  Frank many more times where I have no regrets. <br><br>I am very happy for all Zappa fans. AS I said the doors of the VAULT could have ben slamed shut and locked and I would have been at peace.<br><br>This way of thinking only helps me in my own way.<br><br>I have a fond appreciation for all the Zappa fans. No Hatred. Now for all those Rantin N Ravin' fools and what they think of me,, Oh well.  still I am glaad they got as they say  Major Release.<br><br>

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Trendmonger's Moment Of Clarity

FZ "Read It And Weep"
April 17,1981

Frank Zappa left the ZFT in Control of his Vaults and Artistic rights.
We the fans are not in control. We have a choice to use our eyes and ears or read it and weep.

[quote author=Trendmonger link=board=concerts;num=1135107964;start=15#15 date=12/21/05 at 11:05:46]<br><br>....at that very moment impending releases the question of the I Don't Wann Get Drafted lyrics in the Fall Tour 80 program just turned Franks interest 180 cold. Slap in the face. Read It And Weep. I was the Losser. It was my loss but there was a leson learned so that metaphotrical slap in the face did bear fruit when talking to and or understanding Franks thought process. <br><br>[/quote]<br><br><br>Yea, it took you a while (acording to yourself), but you learnt<br>the lesson that Frank didnt wanna be bothered with<br>meaningless, boring crap.....<br><br>Let me tell you...that goes for most people you know...<br><br><br><br><br><br>Really? With all the great stuff thats inside? Even some of it<br>planned and made ready by Frank himself?<br>Well, you are special......<br><br><br><br><br>....even tho its doesnt  sound like you really think we deserve it... ;)<br><br><br><br>Have a nice day,<br><br>IB ;D

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All the time he would spend...all the colors he'd blend...
Where are they now?

Is it just me, or do all of Trendmonger's posts sort of blend into one big blend? Kind of like conceptual continuity, but not interesting or fun.<br><br><br><br><br><br>By the way, Mr. Volman, I'd just like to take this time to thank you for all the great music you were involved in, it's great stuff! I'd also like to thank you for visiting the forum once in awhile, I love reading your posts. Feel free to stop by any time!

[quote author=Idiot Bastardson link=board=concerts;num=1135107964;start=15#16 date=12/21/05 at 16:08:10]<br><br><br>Yea, it took you a while (acording to yourself), but you learnt<br>the lesson that Frank didnt wanna be bothered with<br>meaningless, boring crap.....<br><br>Let me tell you...that goes for most people you know...<br><br>[/quote]<br><br>Frank and I spoke on that day for a good 20 minutes.<br>As I previously reported he and I were havin' a good ol'  time talkin bout Varese, Stravinsky, his new label Barking Pumkin Records, my lifelong interest in his music and all the releases that were coming out within days.<br><br>The Fall 80' Tour book published which were at that time unrleased songs including Drafted Again getting it's official audio release the futchum on YAWYI. While mostl of the lyrics were known from the single IDWGD single Drafted Again contained the additional unreleased sections that were later heard on YAWYI.<br><br>At that time I did not know weather this new version was boring as it related to the unreleased material but asking about it was something that just was not presently a hot item for discussion.<br><br>Now those lyrics at some point in time may very well have been something Frank would have wanted to discuss but not on that evening. <br><br>In the context of that evening it was a fanatical question.<br><br>One oter topic frank was quite amuzed at was a repeated life story that my brother Mark told me from 1967 to 1974.<br><br>My brother Mark is 8 years my senior and born in 1954.<br>From 1967 to 1974 we would listen to Frank Zappa almost daily together. He woudl stand over me and say.<br><br>Frank Zappa is The Best!<br>Years Ahead Of His Time<br><br>I heard that phrase no less than 1,000 times in that time.<br><br>Frank was amused by that and I beleive he used it for an Official Zappa release. <br><br>Now that does not mean that April 1981 was teh first time frank ever heard the phrase Years Ahead Of His Time assiciated with the namre frank Zappa or his work but I'll tell you one thiong for sure. My story made a most definitive impression on him.<br><br>Frank and I spoke on quite a few ocasions after the Good Friday evening of April,1981...  many of which are published TV and Radio appearances.<br><br>Your comments are LOST and out of context.<br> <br><br>

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Trendmonger's Moment Of Clarity

FZ "Read It And Weep"
April 17,1981

Frank Zappa left the ZFT in Control of his Vaults and Artistic rights.
We the fans are not in control. We have a choice to use our eyes and ears or read it and weep.

Hey, can you two idiots (Trendy and the Bastardson) take the flame-war outside? You're ruining Mark/Flo's thread.

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I want dis little pussy
Baby wants some o' dis
And some o' dat
Don't treat me, baby, like your
Any old Alley Cat
Alley Cat, Alley Cat

Jimmie D Fan

Nice one Mr Mark. You sir, are a bright shining star in the sky!  ;D

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"Listen to that noise! It's like Barry White eating wasps."

Great fucking story once again Mark, keep em comming!!!!  Have a merry Xmas and Happy New Year!

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[quote author=Isaac link=board=concerts;num=1135107964;start=15#19 date=12/21/05 at 17:27:46]Hey, can you two idiots (Trendy and the Bastardson) take the flame-war outside? You're ruining Mark/Flo's thread. [/quote]<br>You wouldnt care if it was anyone elses thread though... ::)<br><br>Ass kisser.  :-*

Uh, yes. I would.

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I want dis little pussy
Baby wants some o' dis
And some o' dat
Don't treat me, baby, like your
Any old Alley Cat
Alley Cat, Alley Cat

Jimmie D Fan

[quote author=Isaac link=board=concerts;num=1135107964;start=15#23 date=12/22/05 at 14:29:34][center]<br><br>Uh, yes. I would. ::)[/center][/quote]<br>Bullshit.