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OK so this is my first post on this board, be kind.
I have seen ZPZ on all three tours now, and this was by far, the best show I have seen them play. DZ has really settled into the role of band leader and has a vibe onstage that I can only describe as confident. He is taking on more of his dad's vocal parts, and moving into the solo areas with added freedom.
For example; he performed the solo in Black Napkins with additional feel and energy that I think lacked on the DVD/CD version from the first tour. As a long time Zappa fan, I can only say that what he has taken on is huge and he is absolutely doing the music justice.
Overall, the band has really jelled as a unit, and feels like a true band, rather than guys who were hired to play the parts (not to diss them from earlier tours). They all did a huge job last night, and I for one cannot wait to see the DVD.
The guy who won the guitar, was actually a guitar player, and he played really well! DZ was smiling the whole time they were jamming. Also - Steve Vai was in attendance, but he did not join them on stage... Oh well.
On a personal note, this show was a birthday gift for me. I never got to see FZ but, the gentleman who took me last night has also attended the previous two tours with me, and is one of my closest friends since 1984. He had seen many FZ shows in England, NY and Los Angeles, and is convinced that "this band is performing FZ'z music the only way there is... THE RIGHT WAY!"
Billy The Mountain was performed perfectly, word-for-word note-for-note jaw dropping perfect. The Sarah Palin reference was very funny and totally broke Ray White up. I voted for Roxy/Elsewhere tunes so seeing Pygmy Twylyte, Village of the Sun, Echidna Arf Of You and Don't You Ever Wash That Thing? played in that order made my whole night!
Further, seeing them do Flakes and BHAFA from Sheik Yerboti was uber-cool!!!! And Schelia singing lead on Dirty Love was a real treat for me, I have been crushing on her since the first tour and sitting a few feet from her (4th row, dead center) was awesome!!!
One last thing... Schelia as Mary in Fembot In A Wet T-Shirt was so over the top and hilarious, I thought I was gonna pop! DZ even said mid-song, that she sounded so much like Dale Bozzio, it was freaking him out!
I can only guess what kind of amazing coolness will descend tonight...
We who attended are the lucky few. Thank you to the band - it was your best yet.
~Gregory Peccary
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