Zappa.com

Did you attend the ZPZ show at Diesel in Pittsburgh?

Dweezil and the band love reading your reviews.

Please do not post in this thread if you did not attend the show.

Mikey
Zappa.com Webmeister

Four words Inca Roads gutar solo

Well I have no complaints about the band, but does anyone know why the change in venue?

The band was in great form, the solos were great, the setlist was great, got to hear one of my favorites, Village of the Sun, for the first time in my four ZPZ shows, and Ben was impressive. I was even very happy to see the impressive size of the crowd, I had no idea there were so many fans in the area.

The venue however, was so packed and oddly set up that I was unable to see the stage or anyone on it for more than a quick glimpse for the duration of the show. Due to the six or so rows of seats and a soundboard taking up most of the floor, there was no room down there, so upstairs we went. The way the top is set up, if you aren't on the rail, you can't see anything as the balcony comes out to nearly on top of the band. There were people standing on tables and couches. If you weren't one of the lucky few to get in right away and hold on to your spot, or find something to stand on (therefore blocking even more people from being able to see anything) you got to listen to the band from a couch in the back corner, like myself. There were people seated up the stairs, and people trying to peek through cracks near the bathroom just to get a glimpse of the stage. I don't know if the Rex is much bigger if at all, but at least with that layout everyone would have a fighting shot at being able to see what is going on, which with Zappa plays Zappa (probably more so than most bands), seeing all of the talent on stage is half the fun. I spent the show looking for a vantage point from which I could see anything, but the most luck I had was being able to see Joe's head for about a minute during the Black Page, and Ben's interpretative dance. Crawling over people to get down the stairs to the rest room wasn't great either, but again, not the band's fault. I'd just like to know why the venue was switched at the last minute and to point out that the new venue was more than a little oversold. I realize I won't get too many kind responses for this, so let me just point out that it wasn't my height that was the problem, and I certainly wasn't the only one that got shut out from seeing the stage at all. So while the band was spot on as they have been at each show I have seen, this was the worst concert-going experience I have ever had. I feel ripped off and disappointed. I will avoid Diesel like the plague, and the Rex too just out of the chance that another show has to be moved across the street.

ZPZ was awesome...saw Frank in '88 and couldn't wait to see Dweezil and the band live....and they didn't let me down! From Apostrophe to Yellow Snow they are the tightest band I've ever heard. The ensemble work through out the entire show is something other bands cannot duplicate. Schelia is so amazing on sax, her tone and playing is fantastic. Pete is a freakin' monster on bass and Jamie on his left plays some of the most tasteful licks I've heard in a long time. We sat next to some of Joe's friends from Erie and had a blast watching and listening to him play. Billy adds so much and his playing was superb. And as for Ben Thomas...outstanding!!! some posters have been critical of his stage presence etc... but his vocals and antics were great by me.... listening to ZPZ made me smile like I haven't smiled in years!...Thanks Dweez for keeping Franks music ALIVE for all to appreciate for years to come. (Next time, try another venue though, Diesel sucked!...try the Palace Theater in Greensburg, PA...not a bad seat in the house, plenty of parking, and a professional venue for a professional band.) Thanks ZPZ !!!!!!

If the following post apears twice, I appologize. I thought I'd posted it already, but it's not here so I'm trying again.

My views are similar to those of sonicdescent. The band, as before, was great. The venue, to put it bluntly, sucked. And I aware that there are cost factors and whatnot that go into the choices as to where to play, and for the size of the crowd I'm not sure what else there is in Pittsburgh that might have been better. And while, as mentioned in the previous post, it's nice to see so many people in attendance, I can't help but think that the room had been oversold. And while I realize that more people in attendance means a more profitable show, which is good, I can't help but think that had a fire marshal happened to have walked through that place tonight there would have been problems due to the number of people everywhere. And I'm not alone in that thinking. After the show, once back in my car, I noticed that I had a voice mail on my cell phone.

It was from a friend mine who had also gone to the show, but we hadn't gone together. He told me that he'd left shortly after the show began because as he put it "The place was a death trap."

Anyhow, my criticism isn't directed towards the band or anyone on this end, but I thought this should be mentioned. I've attended every FZ show in Pittsburgh, plus one NYC show, from 1976 through 1988. I also saw "Z" in both Pittsburgh and Columbus, and this was my second time seeing ZPZ (both times in Pittsburgh). And while I'd love to see ZPZ again, I'd pass if the show was at Diesel again. As I alluded to before, the performance was superb, but it was difficult to fully enjoy due to constantly being distracted by people pushing past us, in front of us, or simply running into us; throughout the entire show.

Well, enough of that. It was great to see the band again, it's just a shame the venue wasn't better.

I can't say that I have ever enjoyed Zappa's music more than I did last night. This band was so tight and all the musicianship from every member was impressive as a Unit and individually. Dweezil continues to impress me and the set list was great. Every member of the band deserves special mention for how great they play their instruments and the music. Vocals, Bass, Marimba, Drums, Sax, Guitars all were off the charts! Too bad the lighting did a lame job of spotlighting the players on their solos.
I kept thinking that this band needs to play in a bigger and better venue. For those of us who were fortunate to have seen FZ in the Stanley Theater or the Syria Mosque, I am sure that ZPZ performance was worthy of those venues. I was one of the fortunate people to have had a great view of the band at this venue, from in front of the sound board. The sound was great and the performances were phenominal. Dweezil does a perfect job of being himself and demonstrating his own personality and style playing FZ's music but making it his own at the same time. ZPZ are masters at playing the Master's music. Thanks! Come back to Pittsburgh at a bigger venue.

i am not much a concert attendee, and the only reason I attended is because a friend had an extra ticket to give away and got the message on short notice, and being local, said Why Not. So, my opinions are really from an outsider view, of someone that doesn't attend much of these types of events. First thought is that many participants could NOT SEE THE PERFORMERS. The venue location was a smallish hall, two floors, kind of dark, looked a bit like a run-down strip joint from the Eighties. We were probably the last persons to enter, at about 8:15 PM, after eating dinner across the street in Giotto (which, BTW, a song was dedicated to them, Matthew the pizza maker, by the performers), and was surprised that there was no room at all. We wiggled through the first floor standing crowd towards the bar, and then, the stairs to the second floor. The first floor was so packed, it was basically very very uncomfortable. The second floor had more free empty space, but the people standing on the edge of the balcony perimeter blocked view of the stage below. So, we ended up listening to the music, seldomly seeing a glimpse of the performers, standing for two hours. My question then, was, Do-People-Really-Pay-$47-For-This ? On the other hand, the audience was courteous, and helpful. I noticed there was some code of informal code of conduct, where if one person who had a good viewing spot had to leave the spot momentarily to get a beer or use the restroom, when he returned to his spot, he would simply tap on the shoulder of the person that took his spot, and that person would aknowledge, and return that spot to him/her. I expected to find the hall will alot of smokers, but smelled only a few cigarettes. Security was courteous. After two hours of great music, it was time to get back outside on the street's open sidewalks in open and warm summer air. It was a relief from the cramped conditions endured just earlier.

This was my third time in as many years seeing ZPZ - previously in Pittsburgh and once in Harrisburg. Both were the best all-around concert experiences I've ever had. Not so this time. As previously mentioned, the venue was horrible. I estimate that nearly 20 percent of the patrons could not see the stage at all. Another 40 percent had obstructed views.

However, the band was great in spite of the lack of special guests (FZ band alumni). The show featured the great setlist and amazing execution I witnessed in previous ZPZ shows but this show had the added feature of really strong improvisational moments and showcased the band members' individual talents. They all seemed to be having a really good time in spite of the crowded stage and venue change. The show was everything I want in music; challenging compositions, amazing execution, improvisation, and a sense of humor. I was struck that ZPZ has developed its own identity - no need for special guests, no fear of the improvisational unknown, etc.

BTW, as a drummer, I could not have been more impressed with Joe Travers. He is absolutely phenomenal.

Thanks again for another great performance. And, oh yeah, the venue sucked.

I went to the show last night expecting it to be similar to the show I saw two yrs. ago in Pittsburgh. I feel so ripped off because of the venue change. I spent most of the time trying to see the band and at 5'2" that is no easy feat. I thought I paid for a seat!!!! Once I finally made my way to a spot that I could occasionally see, I had the most inconsiderate group of people in front of me. Not only were they pushing and blowing smoke in my face(a non-smoking venue) they kept coming and going like they owned the place. After an hour of this I finally accepted defeat and left. I will never go to another show at diesel and my consider never going to another zappa plays zappa show. Also, I missed some of the old band members that made it feel more like frank. I guess the show was alright, but I spent most of it so angry that I found myself losing focus. I wish I would have sold my ticket and stayed home to watch the zpz dvd.

Wonderful music from a great group of musicians.

The most horrible rip-off of a venue to see a concert. $50 to stand 3 deep on a balcony. 60 chairs set up for VIPs?? WTF?

My friend got thrown out of the venue for trying to sit in an empty chair during the encore.

AN UNPROFESSIONAL EVENT THAT THE BAND SHOULD BE EMBARRASSED OF. MY LAST TIME AT A SHOW AT REX OR DIESEL

In the Band's defense, I think the venue was changed the same day due to plumbing problems at the Rex. I don't think they had much choice but to play at the Diesel or otherwise cancel the show. I, for one, am glad they didn't cancel. It was a great performance and under some pretty tough circumstances. I thought they were outstanding in spite of all the challenges of the venue. Fantastic musicianship by all of the band members who really do justice to Frank's music, IMHO. And a great set list that I really enjoyed. I guess we were lucky to be surrounded by very courteous people on the balcony who were willing to give up their spots on the railing for others. We did a lot of shuffling in and out so that other people could get a chance to see. Yeah, the venue could have been better but it was still worth my trip from Baltimore, MD to see a really great band.

And thanks to Dweezil for sticking around afterward to greet people and sign autographs.

[quote="edzio"]In the Band's defense, I think the venue was changed the same day due to plumbing problems at the Rex.[/quote]

I don't know when the band was informed of the change, but I heard about it on Monday. And while I'm not sure about the following, the impression I got from some people I talked to last night was that there was a sign or something listing ZPZ at Diesel prior to Monday.

the rex had a plumbing blow out and the show was moved to diesel. the venue (the rex has double the capacity at diesel) sucked but at least the show went on and the sound was good. i love that the rex is one of the only concert venues in pgh to bring in interesting bands, but to put it plainly, the sound sucks.

by the looks of the cramped "stage" area, i don't think the band would have chosen diesel due to the size either.

i agree that the greensburg palace theater would be worth the drive from the city!

After seeing two incredible shows in Buffalo and Cleveland, the Pittsburgh show was a bit of a let down. I usually arrive an hour before doors open so I can get a good spot, and I was glad I arrived late because doors opened 45 minutes late, and the band started late, too. As mentioned earlier, the venue was awful (I would never see another show there), but that's not the band's fault.

This was my 8th show, and as I mentioned before, the 3rd of this tour, and the setlist was almost identical to the Buffalo and Cleveland shows. I assume it's because Ben didn't have time to learn a ton of songs. The band was as incredible as always. Scheila's solos were tight, and Ben had a great solo, too. There was tons of energy until Inca Roads, but after that, there were too many instrumentals and solos for me. My energy level just dropped, and I was actually ready to get out of the venue. Maybe that's why most of the band left the stage so quickly. That was a bummer.

One last thing, please, please, please stop playing at 21+ clubs.

See you guys next year,

Kathy, Antonio, Carolina, Miguel, and Javi

Hi! My name is Steve Oswalt from Roaring Spring, PA, and I'm writing in response to Dweezil and ZPZ's July 12th posting, which offers us free tickets for a future Pittsburgh venue. Yes, the venue was beyond terrible and not at all what I paid for, but the musicianship was fantastic. The band is smokin' and I have to believe that FZ would be delighted to know how incredibly well his music is being interpreted by ZPZ. Thank you to all who are responsible for this decision to turn a wrong into a right. It is nice to know that in today's dog eat dog music business, people like Dweezil and ZPZ are concerned about the fans and their rights to a satisfying live experience. My brother and I, who are huge fans of FZ, attended the show and the Diesel atmosphere was NOT conducive to an enjoyable evening....six rows of VIP seating and then "fend for yourself everyone else" was far from what we expected. I thought the band disguised their dismay and kicked ass quite admirably; personally, I was embarassed for the city of Pittsburgh because I was hoping that ZPZ would not hold it against the Rex (a great venue) or the promoters and decide to never return to Pittsburgh...Thank you once again for a great show under less than comfortable circumstances and thank you for the offer of free tickets to a future show. Please let me know what I have to do (if it is anything other than have my ticket stub from the Diesel show) when you roll into Pittsburgh again!

P.S. The new singer did a great job, and Sheila G can "Keep It Greasy" (so hot!)

S