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Did you attend the third ZPZ show at the Blender Theatre in New York, NY?

Dweezil and the band love reading your reviews.

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

Happy Halloween!

Mikey
Zappa.com Webmeister

JUST GOT BACK FROM THE SHOW,4TH TIME SEEING ZDZ IN THE LAST 15 MONTHS.SIMPLY UNBELIVEABLE.DWEEZEL JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER EACH TIME.THE WHOLE BAND KEEPS GETTING BETTER TOO.CLOSED MY EYES FOR A FEW MINUTES,AND I THOUGHT I WAS BACK AT THE PALLAIDUM,HALLOWEEN,1976,77,78,ETC.THEY OPENED UP WITH BLACK NAPKINS,RIGHT INTO ,TORTURE NEVER STOPS.NEED I SAY MORE.BILLY THE MOUNTAIN,TO THE TEE.THIS BAND IS SIMPLY AMAZING.SOME OTHERS INCLUDED,TITTIES & BEER,IM THE SLIM,MUFFIN MAN,TROUBLE EVER DAY,OH AND THE WINNER OF THE GUITAR,WAS PRETTY GOOD TO.CANT WAIT TIL NEXT YEAR SHOWS,THANKS DWEEZEL AND THE BAND FOR A UNFORGETTABLE NIGHT.HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE.

I will get to gushing about the show shortly enough, but I seriously feel the need to say something that I know many other users in this forum feel the same way about, and that is addressed to ggerber23, to whom I wish to say "DO NOT speak for me!!!" I for one, was thrilled to hear Billy the Mountain tonight, as were many, many other people.
Secondly ggerber23, regarding your comment, and I quote:

"I would appreciate (and I think this feeling is echoed by all users of this board) if the BAND could post an actual setlist either before or afterr the show. Sometimes it takes days, and we do not even always have the best info, whereas the band actually knows the names of all the songs.
This should be done quickly and I think it is your responsibilty to keep us informed."

There are SOOOO VERY MANY things wrong with that statement, beginning with the fact that NO, IT IS NOT the band's "responsibility" to post a set list for you...quickly... The band's responsibility is to show up on stage and play music for you. Anything else (which is a great deal with ZPZ) you should be grateful for, including the fact that you even have a forum such as this to post such a trivial, whiny, crybaby remark...you sound like a spoiled princess. How do you think the rest of us got to know the songs?...and NO, you don't speak for me, because I don't need the band to post a list of songs, as I know many (although I do see the appeal in such a request for those not so knowledgeable about Frank's music). And with those that I don't know, I take it upon myself to learn from fellow Zappaphiles, the internet, and unbelieveably, the occassional music store! THE LAST THING I EXPECT (or would be audacious enough to ask for), would be for the band to post this....quickly.
IF YOU DON'T KNOW THE SONGS AND AREN'T WILLING TO EXPEND THE SLIGHTEST BIT OF ENERGY TO TAKE IT UPON YOURSELF TO EDUCATE YOURSELF, HOW BIG OF A FAN CAN YOU REALLY BE?!?!?! NEXT YEAR, LET SOMEONE WHO TRULY APRECIATES THE MUSIC, THE BAND & EVERYTHING THEY DO HAVE THE TICKET YOU MIGHT OTHERWISE WASTE!!! SOME OF US EVEN KNOW LYRICS IN ADDITION TO THE NAMES!!!
(TY, DZ FOR YOUR AT-LEAST-TACIT APPROVAL OF THAT SMACKDOWN HERE....someone had to say it and I know you're too kind to do so publicly.)

Enough of that...On with the show! As usual, another phenomenal one. I don't know if it's possible, but it seems to me like you all were even tighter than you were just a few short weeks ago. Although only a couple of our choices made the setlist (I take that back - after further review, 1/2 DID! I apoligize), I wouldn't change a thing. I just don't know how I'm going to manage to make it through the next 8 days waiting for the download...well, tomorrow won't be a problem....another ZPZ show will carry me into Sunday!
I'm not going to mention specific songs, for what I think is a pretty obvious reason after the diatribe above (HAHAHA!), with the singular exception of a shout out to Scheila just to let you know you can have my Dirty Love anytime you want sexy (I mean SAXY!)! I might even clean it up for ya'...or do I mean dirty it down? not sure...but either way, it's yours for the takin'
I'm not going to go person by person, for fear of not giving everyone their due, so suffice it to say, you were all stellar as usual, and gracious as always. It truly is a pleasure to see (you especially DZ) you all so gracious with the audience long after most artists disappear offstage. I only hope that tomorrow I can get Ray, Aaron & Pete to complete the band's signatures on my t-shirt. (hint, hint! lol)
It's past 4:30 A.M. and I need to rest for tonight, so I will bid you adieu for now.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
THANK YOU!
MUSIC IS THE BEST!
SEE YOU IN A FEW HOURS!!!

The Cultiv8r

PS - SORRY TO FORGET ABOUT YOU GARY! YOU ROCKED! CONGRATS!

Well, this was the last of the 3 NYC shows -- 3 nights in a row -- every show different. But this one stood out for several reasons. First, I am GARY and I cannot believe that I won the privilege of standing on stage with Dweezil and Sheila, Ray, Aaron, Joe, Billy, Jaime and Pete! And I got to play with them -- I was in such a state of shock -- I wish I played better. I've gotten a chance to play with some great musicians but what truly transformed the event for me was that I came to the show with my 15 year old son (he has seen ZPZ every time Dweezil and Co has come through since the start). I am always so proud of him and last night, he was so proud of his dad -- there was a lovely and poignant symmetry. How many of us wish that Frank could see what Dweezil has done and what a guitarist he has become -- and everyone knows that Dweezil is compelled by the pride he has in his father's genius. So, it was a rich "filial" moment. If anyone was able to get a good picture of me playing with Dweezil, I would love to give it to my son (and I won't mind putting it in my office). I would be indebted if you could email it to me. PLUS, I won a guitar!

This was also special because of the energy. Halloween has always been a Zappa Holiday -- I have seen all the Halloween shows going back to 72. It was clear during sound check that everyone was pumped. I don't think that I ever saw Dweezil smile as much during his guitar solos and every member of the band looked like they were excited all evening (Aaron's Italian loaf was a good metaphor). We sat in front of Sheila and Ray and even when they weren't playing, they were moved by the power coming from the stage. Enchidna's Arf at hyper-speed was breath-taking. G spot was as clean as I have heard it. I loved hearing Camarillo Brillo, Carolina..., every choice was a winner in my mind. The three nights taken together show how much this band has learned -- what a huge and challenging catalogue! I bought the three nights of tickets as a gift for myself - something I rarely get to do. What a gift!

Can't wait for the next tour through NY. This was truly a celebration of Frank's genius led by a brilliant group of musicians who show that genius off every show. How lucky I was last night to get to share it with my son. How lucky we have all been to share this music for so long. Music is the best!

First off, Gary You Rocked!! And we all applaude you for the win and the riffs!

This was my first ZPZ show and I could not have seen a better show. My first FZ show was Oct 31 1980 at the Palladium in NYC and this show was right in line with a FZ Halloween vibe, only thing that was missing were the Jack-o-lanterns lining the stage and maybe seeing Bald Headed John Standing over the crowd. I would have like to have some "Audience Participation" but over all I couldn't have askd for anything more, well just one more, Goblin Girl would have been the Pooft Rosetta!!!!

Anyway here's the Setlist

Black Napkins
The Torture Never Stops
Purple Lagoon
Magic Fingers
Carolina Hardcore Ecstasy
G-Spot Tornado
Enchindna's Arf of You
Fembot In A Wet T-Shirt
Pound For a Brown - Band Solo's
Inca Roads
Dirty Love
Billy The Mountain - This was incredible!!
Titties & Beer
Zomby Woof
More Trouble Everyday

ENCORE
Im The Slime
Camarillo Brillo
Muffin Man

I think they may have done another song after Muffin Man it may have been Willie The Pimp as I was walking out

See ya next time!

Wow! What a show! I've been to every ZPZ tour that came through NYC, but unlike Gary ( You rocked dude! congrats on winning the guitar!), I could only afford this one night at the Blender. I was second row right in front of DZ and I could really see the joy the band had playing together. Hearing Carolina Hardcore Ecstasy again brought me back to my first Halloween show at the Felt Forum in 1975. Billy The Mountain was excellent! I never thought I would see it performed and was not disappointed. Titties and Beer was a nice treat as well.

The only problems I had was I couldn't see Aaron or hear Sheila's vocals and sax except when soloing. I'm sure looking forward to the download however!

Can't wait until next year!

Been to all three years of halloween shows and the band just kepts getting better and better. Nice surpise doing titties and beer. Ray whites voice sounded great. Frank would be proud.

Dweezil, just a thought but maybe in the future you can add Mike Kenelly and add in some Broadway the hard way. I remember Mike doing a great Elvis has left the building at Zappa's Universe. Once again just a thought.

Can't add anything to the already excellent feedback on 10/31/08, but, I'll try.

TWO THUMBS WAY UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


P.S. Great job Gary!!!

Yes, the final encore was Willie the Pimp.

Absolutely killer show, the best ZPZ so far! Brought my girlfriend, who is a Zappa newbie and was so happy everytime I looked over and saw her smiling (or laughing). What a wonderful experience.

I also have to note that we were in the last row upstairs and the sound was AMAZING!! WAY better than the Beacon. Intimate and wonderful venue.

Can't wait till next time (and the download)!!

ZPZ at the Blender, Hallowe'en, NYC.

(Disclaimer - I'm a stagehand here in NYC, it takes a LOT to drag me into a theater without a paycheck looming at the end of gig. ZPZ is one band that will get me to take a night off AND shell out for a premium ticket.)

This was the third time I've seen ZPZ, 1st show at the Beacon, then in that barn under MSG 2 Hallowe'ens ago, missed it last year, and back for more Zappatastic fun this year.

And Zappatastic it was!

First things first - Nice little venue. We were in the second to last row, and the sound was clean and clear. Complimented the FOH mixer afterward. Good bass, clean high end, no mud in the middle - a well reproduced stinky guitar growl when Dweezil was growling, could hear every lyric. My only complaint with any part of the audio was Dweezil's mic was a little low when he talked - missed a few words here and there but the MUSIC was excellent!

The lighting was a pleasant surprise - not intrusive, not trying to do too much. I always believe in the theory of "serve the script" or, in this case, serve the music. The whole point of a live show (imho) is to provide the best experience for the audience to appreciate the music/play/whatever. As one who works on one of B'ways solid "Craptaculars", I appreciate a nice low-key visual show. The LD was having some minor equipment problems (one of his MLs kept losing its arc) but I suspect my buddy and I (both lighting techs) were among the few who noticed, and certainly sympathized.
It was nice to NOT see an evening's worth of flash and trash - the lighting served the show very well. We could see the band and were never distracted from the high level of musicianship. I could quibble a bit with some of the shutter cuts on the FOH lekos, but, who besides me really cares?

To the tunes!

Dweezil - you've been working hard and it shows! Not just your guitar playing, which advances by leaps and bounds every time I've seen/heard you, but the choice of songs shows a great maturity and dedication to Frank's music. I was blown away by the setlist, especially the 2nd half.

After a nice Black Napkins, Dweezil's solos in Torture really got us into a rippin' good space. That counter-rhythmic stuff he played leading into the meat of main solo was pure Frank - playing off the time of the song then running into that nice stinky guitar growl was really beautiful, tasteful, fit the song perfectly. Ray sounded great as he cut loose on the last verse - That man's got a great instrument in his throat - so nice to hear it again.

The G-spot Torando and Echidna's Arf were definitely show stoppers - showcasing the band's musical abilities, especially at those tempi. Wow, you guys and gal kick ass!

But for me, the highlights were Fembot, Billy The Mountain, & Tittties & Beer. As I said earlier, Dweezil is growing in his choices of tunes, and these are perfect examples. To me, one of the greatest joys of seeing Frank live was the out and out playfulness of the band, and spontaneous interaction with the audience du jour. A FZ show was always like the best party you ever went to - where everyone is included, nobody gets too wasted, and you all participate in something together. Frank always had such a great way of relating to the audience, improvising lyrics to include something immediately topical, and encouraging audience participation.
Dweezil, by choosing to do such songs as Billy the Mountain and Titties & Beer is (I feel) moving into this direction. Although Billy was almost exactly note for note the same as the Just Another Band From LA version (complete with the LA in 1972-centric references) doing this type of long, multi-part song will (hopefully) lead Dweezil to start "evolving" the lyrics and continuing to "agitate, educate and synthesize." Once Dweezil is comfortable enough with the various objects in Frank's vocabulary, I can see the further evolution of the larger project.

Dweezil - please don't make these long pieces "museum pieces". I love your dad's music, and it's wonderful to listen to the recordings over and over, digging every little nugget out of the sounds - but like your guitar playing, the music can evolve and adapt lyrically. Your dad did it all the time, and so can you! I think you're going there, at least I hope so, and I believe that almost of of us Zappatistas will back you 100%

This got a lot longer than I had planned - hope most people skipped the drivel.

I can't add anything to whats already been said except how much better this gets every time...I travelled from Boston with my 14 year old daughter (her 4th ZPZ and my 6th) and she is now a COMPLETE Zappa fan - Dweezil AND Frank...no kiss108 in my house...Every bandmember was into every note...they jelled, they jammed, they rocked and they rolled and put forth every ounce of energy possible. That plus the magic of FOH engineer Glynn, makes a beautiful noise. This, my friends, is what music is all about for me. Thank you all again !! Good night and God bless...Mark and Liz
PS to Gary - you rocked - will send what pics we got...

I traveled from Lynchburg, Virginia to see this show (my first visit to New York).

The Halloween-NY-Zappa fusion was everything I wanted it to be.

Upon entering the theater, I went down to the merchandise area where I happened to see Gail and Diva! What a treat! I introduced myself and Gail agreed to having her picture taken; Diva snapped it. Too cool! Thank you, ladies!

I went upstairs and took my seat and it broke. Message to the folks at the Blender theater: you need to fix your seats. I sat in row FF seat 6 and it collapsed (I weigh ~160 pounds). I managed to get it fixed pretty well, but only by cannibalizing adjacent seat 8 (seat 8, by the way, is marked as being seat 3, which may be a related issue--like they were intentionally switched out for some reason).

Serendipitously, I got offered another seat from a guy who wanted to sit next to his friend, and we switched (I made a full disclosure that my previous seat had broken). That put me closer to the stage and just a few rows behind the aforementioned Zappagens. I got a cool photo of Diva taking a picture of Dweezil and the band.

On to the show itself:

The show opened with Black Napkins. I felt it started a little abruptly but I attribute that to the power of the situation--one of FZ's signature pieces--and all the meaning in the moment. Nothing was lost.

Black Napkins was one of my 5 song votes--the only one to get played, but that's how it goes. I think it was an awesome idea giving the audience that opportunity. I didn't vote for Billy The Mountain (I don't have a strong taste for much of the Flow and Eddie stuff--except for the Chunga's Revenge album); but I gotta give it up to the ZPZ crew for [1] having it as an option (since I think it's a love-it-or-hate-it kind of song and it's so long), and [2] performing it so well. There's a lot of stuff that the ardent fans are always clamoring for; as such a fan, I share in the gratitude for this kind of deference whether my songs got played or not.

The show highlights for me were Magic Fingers, G-Spot Tornado, and Echidna's Arf. I can't get enough of that up-tempo freneticism--such organic and celebratory notes--all ruled by Frank's order of thought and inspiration! Factor in the skill required to play it and it's simply mind-blowing. Hearing that stuff, I just want to move and get worked into a frenzy. I'm so glad the band went there and took that route with Echidna's Arf! (I love the Roxy stuff.)

I also have to put Zombie Woof, Dirty Love, Carolina, and all the encores high up there among my favorites of the night, along with Titties 'N' Beer.

This was my third ZPZ show (after Norfolk, and Richmond), but the first one where everyone was sitting down... I wouldn't mind being the sole dancin' fool but for the thought that I might be blocking the view of others. Once I get my download, though, I'll be unstoppable!

Dweezil, thanks for signing my laminated ticket doodad. You've always been so cool about that stuff every time I've gone to your shows. I hope you'll come down to Virginia again soon (I think the Norva's got that ideal small theater vibe, and I can dance there)! (Maybe Roanoke someday...) I definitely need to get to New York more.

My four that didn't make it: Treacherous Cretins, Village Of The Sun, Dog Breath, Outside Now.

Gary (guy who won the guitar), you did extremely well. I wish I could do that.

Best Band To See Over and Over and Over.

In these difficult economic times it was heartwarming to not only witness a strong audience turnout
but the concert downloads and guitar give away made for some added value.
While I expect the recordings to be engineered with the finest of zircon encrusted enlightenment
one never knows what to expect when a winner straps on a guitar and plays along with ZPZ.
While congratulations are in order whatever the pre-setup of amps and effects the winner gets to perform on, regardless of whatever
technical level and knowledge of Zappa music is that a hopeful talented winner may bring to the stage,
the winners guitar tone is in question where it just does not seem setup for a chopping heads scenario.

I want to make note that while I am sure as witnessed it was a fun and a in good spirit event, where a little solo time for the winner is
what the general tone of the 5 minutes are about as opposed to some meeting at the crossroads where one note out of DZs guitar
minimally from a observation of tone overshadows hundreds if not the thousands of notes from that winner guitar setup,
if the winner could have be asked to do something as rudimentary
as a perform a backing vamp for a Shut Up and Play Yer Guitar track such as Treacherous Cretins I would have been even more overjoyed.
But as is, not lacking balls of spirit but only in tone, this still charmingly puts audience participation at present day Zappa shows into a new perspective.

So if it is that these guitars are not plugged in hot, if and when a talented individual comes along, such as had been on Halloween
I personally would have preferred to have seen the well tuned band perform another song where
I think the winner could have provided one of the basic orchestral elements of that song.
You see I just don't think we''ll get another Clowns On Velvet AL DiMeola plug into FZs amp as is masterpiece but
if and when a talented winner shows up, if they are going to use an amp that is not all that balls a setup as DZs I think a
winner if and when capable of doing a basic vamp with DZ doing the solo would be more fitting.

And so my review is a follow up to the tour name
You Can't Fit Onstage Anymore
where instead of ZPZ being
The Best Band You Never Heard In Your Life
they have evolved into
The Best Band To See Over and Over And Over.

ZPZ, all NYC fans and the lucky winner,
Thanks for making it a Happy Halloween.
After the show we went to "Curry Row" which is just a few blocks away and had some good Indian Food.
Passing the Armory FZ was still radiating in many ways.

Vindaloo!!!!!!!

DZ, Ray and Band,

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! Not only for reviving the NYC Halloween tradition Frank maintained for many years, but for what I thought was the best-executed ZPZ show I have seen thus far.

I was thrilled that you opened the show with one of my 5 choices; "Black Napkins" will be forever hold a special place in my heart. I was also blown away by the "Billy The Mountain" performance (2 of 5). It was really a great "treat" to be able to see that piece performed live. KUDOS to all of the vocalists, particularly Billy. Fantastic!

Particular standouts for me were "Fembot" (DZ's best solo of the night), "G-Spot", "Dirty Love" (Scheila killed this, just as she did with "Wind Up Workin' At A Gas Station" at Westbury this summer; she got a friend I dragged along, who is not a big FZ fan, to show you his thumb!)

Joe's kit was extremely well-mic'd. It sounded awesome. I want to give him a shout-out for his delayed cymbal crashes during the Studebaker Hoch "wing preparation" section. For some bizarre reason, I found that extremely funny!!

Hell, the overall sound was A+.

Understanding that I attended only two shows (Westbury in August and Halloween) with the world-famous Ray White, I couldn't help but feel disappointed that at neither show was "Illinois Enema Bandit" (3 of 5) performed. That is comparable to having Steve Vai come out and not play "Stevie's Spanking", since for me, "Enema" is a signature tune of Ray as any other.

I realize "Uncle Remus" and "Dirty Habits" (4 & 5) were longshots. I am confident Ray would have killed "Remus". Understanding the set list was democratically selected this go-around, I wanted to let you know that I really appreciate when you do a deep dive into Frank's catalog and unearth the more obscure/underperformed nuggets of his vast repertoire. (Packard Goose springs to mind).

Like a previous poster, it would be really great if you could insert more topical and/or local references in the tunes that lend themselves to this type of improv (i.e. Billy). I did pick up on a couple of references throughout the evening, so I am encouraged that you are thinking along the same lines. There is certainly alot to cull from these days.

Thanks again for a wonderful evening. I look forward to seeing you and the band next year!

THE GUY THAT WON THE GUITAR AS YOU KNOW WAS NAMED GARY.I APPROACHED IN GOOD FUN AND ASKED FOR HIS AUTOGRAPH WHICH HE BLUSHINGLY GAVE ME!I THOUGHT HE PLAYED TREMENDOUSLY UNDER SUCH SUDDEN PRESSURE.AND BY THE WAY HE TOLD ME HE WAS A RABBI!! BEST RABBI GUITAR PLAYER EVER??!!YOU BLEW THE ROOF OFF GARY!!
THE PICTURE I TOOK OF YOU DIDNT COME OUT THOUGH BUMMER!!KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK !IT WAS OUR LUCK FOR YOU TO WIN AND PLAY FOR US!! ZAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL...