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I have just had the good fortune of seeing my 15th ZPZ show at Toronto’s Molson Amphitheater, bringing me full circle, as the very first ZPZ show I attended was at the Former Hummingbird Centre (now Sony Centre) in Toronto back in 2006.
1 Toronto ON - Hummingbird Center for Performing Arts - June 16 2006
2 Buffalo NY - UBCFA - October 23 2007
3 Ashville NC - Thomas Wolfe Auditorium - August 11 2007
4 Buffalo NY - Town Ballroom - November 6 2007
5 Kitchener ON - Elements Club - July 4 2008
6 Buffalo NY - Thursday at the Square - August 7 2008
7 Toronto ON - Mod Club - October 22 2008 - YCFOSA
8 Toronto ON - Mod Club - October 23 2008 - YCFOSA
9 Harrisburg PA - Whitaker Center - October 28, 2008
10 Buffalo NY - Thursday at the Square - July 2 2009
11 Cleveland OH - HOB - July 3 2009
12 Pittsburgh PA - Diesel - July 7 2009
13 NYC - Beacon Theater - August 9 2009 - Prog Nation w Dream Theater
14 Burlington VT - Higher Ground - August 10 2009
15 Toronto On - Molson Amphitheater - August 14 2009 - Prog Nation w Dream Theater
In that span of time I have witnessed the band grow, strengthen and change a few personnel. I have musically grown and expanded my knowledge, interest and enthusiasm for Franks music, (as well as my Frank cd/dvd & shirt collection). I have seen the fan base growing slowly and organically by adding newer, younger and more female fans into the fold alongside the long time, stalwart, mostly male fans from “back in the day.”
Dweezils’ goal of spreading and re-spreading his fathers’ music to not only prevent it from disappearing, but also to bring it to the fresh ears of legions of newer, younger and more diverse fans is coming into fruition. His vision, dedication and perseverance to this ethos seems to be beginning to snowball. It is a slow, organic process but patience, persistence and the demand for excellence is paying off. It doesn’t hurt that DZ comes across as a humble, down to earth, genuinely nice guy who acknowledges and appreciates his, and his father’s fans. Yes, his fans. Count me as one. There’s no denying Frank was a monster in his musical prowess, but Dweezil has grown some pretty scary teeth, in that regard, as well.
Even though I’ve witnessed similar scenes across my 15 shows, it really struck me at this most recent Burlington VT show what a decent guy DZ is. There must have been 50 or 60 people at the front of the stage, all clamoring for signatures, photos and the opportunity to relay some relevant story or personal remembrance of Frank, the music or some previous concert experience. Dweezil patiently hung in there until every last fan was satisfied. Even one particular guy who went on and on and on and on and on about technical shop talk related to recording equipment and methodology and stage guitar rig set up. As a few of the remaining fans rolled their eyes and waited their turn for a moment with Dweezil, he never once even batted an eye or tried to shoo this guy away.
The few opportunities I’ve had to shake his hand, get some memento signed or snap a photo, DZ was gracious and accommodating. Good dude, that young man.
While attending the recent Pittsburgh show, I had the opportunity to inquire about the then upcoming Progressive Nation tour, and how the ZPZ slot would play out. While I would always love a longer ZPZ set, DZ mentioned that the band would be off for some period of time after that tour, which influenced me to see a couple of those shows, since it seemed it may be some time before I get another ZPZ fix, somewhere down the road.
I really dug that experience as well. I had never seen Dream Theater before, and was only barely familiar with them. I have always been a bit of a prog fan ( mostly Yes & a few others), but never much of a metal fan apart from a little Metallica & others if I had a need to bang my head a little. After seeing DT twice now, I can say I will surely make an effort to see them if they come to my little town (Buffalo NY). So, Dweezil’s desire to expose new fans to Franks music, also somewhat worked in reverse as well. Perhaps some of the old Frankophiles will lend an ear to some Dream Theater as well.
Mike Portnoy was a gas. As much of a guitar fan as I am, I watched this guy pretty closely during their set. What a great drummer and truly entertaining character. This guy had me in stitches when I wasn’t marveling at his drumming prowess. When he came out at the Beacon and sang Bobby Brown with ZPZ, I nearly lost my mind. His stage presence, confidence, sense of humor, delivery and vocal quality really brought that song to life even more than it has on its’ own. Mike has that Frank swagger, and sarcastic biting wit that just oozes old school zappa. (I’m guessing – I never actually saw Frank in person, sadly – only on video). Now don’t get me wrong, I really like the addition of Ben, and he fits nicely into what Dweezil is trying to accomplish here overall with the youth movement, or as he puts it, his “rockin’ teenage combo,” but Mike Portnoy brings that little extra something-somethin that screams Frank. My buddy and I asked DZ after the Burlington show if, Mike would be singing Bobby Brow again in Toronto, and he said he wasn’t sure since the Beacon thing was rather impromptu, but it was a possibility. When Mike did come out again in Toronto, my buddy and I just looked at each other with huge shit eating grins and said yeah!-sweet!! It would be cool for DZ to bring Mike Portnoy into the fold on occasion as perhaps a special guest at a special show, like Halloween or something. Speaking of which, even though Dweezil said the band will have some down time for a bit, I’m hoping a 2009 Halloween show is in the works!
I have to share this little tidbit as well. I noticed this at the Beacon to a degree, but I saw this happen in Toronto in droves and waves. Now I must admit, I didn’t see any of the opening bands on the Prog tour, since seeing ZPZ was the whole mission. We only stayed for Dream Theater because, well, we already paid the money, we were there and WTF, why not expand the ol horizons a bit and see what all the fuss is about. As I said before, based on the two shows I saw, I would go see DT again. Anyway, when ZPZ began their set, the hardcore DT fans were like; “yeah whatever.” Then they were like; “What the fuck IS this?!” Then; “hey this ain’t so bad.” Then, “ya know, this shit is pretty good.” Then; “This shit is really fuckin good.” To finally, on their feet, fists in the air; screaming their fool heads off; “This is fuckin AWESOME!!!” It was really funny to watch the transformation. It’s like the tide rolled in and washed the crowd over in Zappa bliss and they began to understand. Newly acquired fans? You betcha! I love it when a plan comes together!
I know I’m definitely on the bus…..for life….thanks to Dweezils’ efforts.
I went on and on in previous posts from past shows about my former ignorance of Frank and some misconceptions based on the nature of the music business and how it’s presented and promoted.
I still consider myself a Frank novice, but my record collection is slowly growing. My goal is to eventually get it all, but I want to savor and appreciate each new acquisition as I go. I may be late to the party, but better late than never.
I’m not sure if DZ and the band reads these posts, but I’ll throw in a shameless plug and sincere offer to the family trust, so the rest of you can bail out here, lest I bore you to death or make you hurt yourself by rolling your eyes too far into the back of your head.
I’m a 45 year old male, unemployed just a day or two over one year, from an engineering position with an Automotive Electronics manufacturing company I held for 19 years, until they decided to move all operations overseas. They gave me a decent severance package and between that and a few other tidbits of unemployment and savings, I’m doin’ ok financially. Not swimming in luxury, but holding on well enough. I have no kids or mortgage to hold me down, so I thankfully don’t have the same concerns as most folks have. To be honest, I haven’t even looked very diligently for new work in my old field.
Dweezil has stated in the past, that due to his busy touring schedule, family responsibilities and not having a staff of folks to get things done, things like the YCFOSA downloads, etc., are taking a significant effort to move along expediently.
I’d be happy to forward a resume, if anyone in the DZ/ZPZ camp thinks an extra set of helping hands would help facilitate any behind the scenes activities requiring more attention. There must be linkage to my email address somewhere in the bowels of this forum, accessible by the administrator. I’m not seeking an engineering wage, and frankly don’t have a desire to return to industry in the same capacity as I once was for 2 years in an aerospace company and another 19 in the automotive industry. Time for something new and fresh.
Now you could ask; “How does a test engineer / department manager in the auto industry relate to the music industry?” or, “What knowledge or skills do you possess in the music industry?” or, “What qualifies you to think you can be of any use to the Zappa organization?”
The answers to the first two questions are; “It doesn’t,” and “None,” respectively. The answer to the last question is; “I’m not sure, but after 21 years in engineering and the last few in department management, I must have a couple of brain cells left to rub together with the ability to be redirected into something useful to someone, and I think I’m trainable.”
I’d be happy to fly out to wherever, and discuss any potential help I could be to further the cause.
Is this a foolhardy, blind shot in the dark that would elicit little more than a “yeah right, buddy – keep dreamin.”? Absolutely. But as my dearly departed mother used to say; “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”
Regards,
Jeff
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