Zappa.com

Did you attend this show at the House of Blues in San Diego?

Dweezil and the band would love to read your reviews.

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

Mikey
Zappa.com Webmeister

Setlist:

DOG/MEAT
City of Tiny Lights
Advance Romance
Dumb All Over (w/FZ Video)
What's New in Baltimore
Carolina Hardcore Ecstacy
Peaches En Regalia
Son of Suzy Creamcheese
Brown Shoes Don't Make It
America Drinks & Goes Home
Andy
Pygmy Twilight
Dupree's Paradise (All I want for Chistmas -is a- Cheesy Ferret)
Uncle Remus
Willie the Pimp
Joe's Garage
Wind up Workin' at a Gas Station
San Ber'dino
Illinois Enema Bandit
Wild Love
Yo Mama

encore

Cosmic Debris (w/ FZ video)
G-Spot Tornado
Muffin Man (w/ FZ)

Saw Jaime when I got there at the bar and asked him to please play Dog/Meat because I knew they broke it out in Berkeley. After saying it's still a little rough around the edges, he said they were going to give it another try tonight. Well, if I was not excited enough, that put me over the top.

Had a great seat for the show. Small venue and the seats upstairs are a great spot to be in.

Dweezil stopped Dog/Meat after about 30 seconds and explained that they only broke it out recently and wanted to try hard to get it right. Someone in the crowd mentioned Exercise #4 and Dweezil replied that we'd be getting the "Yellow Shark/KCET Version." On they went with Dog/Meat and somehow Dizzy Gillespe went through my head. You know, and I think to myself, what a wonderful world....

The show was, predictably, great. Highlights for me personally were Dog/Meat (duh), Carolina, Pygmy Twylyte (best lead by Dweezil imo), Willie the Pimp (great sound for Dweez here) and all the FZ video material. The lead FZ does during Muffin Man (where is that from again?) is ferocious.

Saw Dweezil after the show and joined the chorus of those thanking him for ZPZ. I told him I hoped he never tires of it and it looks like he won't.

I will say, however, that they could have done a little more with some of the material. Dweezil didn't do much of a lead in either Baltimore (and I expected the full lead there) or Andy. More importantly, Scheila was never given an opportunity to let loose at all. When I saw them last year, she nearly tore the house down during Eat That Question and there was no such moment last night, which had me scratching my head.

In addition, while the band has clearly matured/jelled, those who are saying this tour was better than last year make me wonder if they actually saw the show last year. I loved seeing Ray because I had never seen him before, but Napoleon brought a lot more to the table IMO. Steve and Terry added a ton as well. But beyond the Alumni Quotient (please save it, you know who) I just thought the song selection and pace of the show last year was superior. Take it for what its worth.

For anyone who thinks I'm being "critical" about the show, you should know that it's not preventing me from going to LA tomorrow for the tour closer.

In short, God Bless the fact we have ZPZ. FZ's music does not have a close second for me and the chance to actually look forward to tours, consider songs selections, debate guests and discuss the details of the shows is priceless to me. Couple that with continuing to look forward to new releases for an artist who we lost years ago makes it a great fucking time to be a fan of FZ music.

Music (remains) The Best!!

Well, last night sure kicked some ass. After missing them twice last year, I finally got to see the mighty ZPZ. And mighty it was. You could really tell that the band members have gelled into a whole, and they all seem to be having great fun while performing.

I was in the downstairs level, the sound was good, but I had a tough time hearing Dweezil when he was talking, and I wish his guitar was a bit more prominent. The sound I heard was probably due to the upsatirs part of HOB was extending over where I was standing. When I was in the upstairs area (getting a drink), it did sound a bit better up there.

My favorite songs ZPZ played alone were Dupree's Paradise (I believe I heard some Keep It Greasey and Drowning Witch motifs in there), and Yo Mama. The tracks w/FZ were awesome, of course. I couldn't believe the guitar tone when FZ 'played' as it blasted through. It made me remember how much I still love/miss Frank.

Special props to Joe Travers for playing his ass off all night. I had no idea he would be singing so much too! Being that he didn't feel 100%, I thought he really brought 'the rock'.

Thank you, Dweezil, for keeping Frank's music alive!

Having not seen ZPZ on the last tour, I have no basis for comparison; however, that being said, I must admit to being blown away at last night's show in San Diego.

I thought the set list was great. I was most certainly not expecting to hear "G-Spot Tornado," nor was I expecting to hear it played so brilliantly. And, the opportunity to hear Ray White belt out "The Illinois Enema Bandit" live was literally a dream come true.

I think what impressed me the most about the show was the attitude that ever member of ZPZ seemed to portray. While expertly navigating through some of the most difficult "rock" music ever created, it seemed like everybody in the band was having a good time. That fun attitude was definitely felt and returned by the crowd.

All in all, I thought it was an amazing show. I can't wait to catch you guys on the next tour. Thanks to Dweezil and the crew for finally affording an FZ fan of 15 years the opportunity to experience what it might have been like to see Frank in all his glory.

Cheers,
Ray

I was lucky enough to catch the band again last night, for the third time. I've seen one show from each tour and I really do think this is the best ZPZ has sounded thus far. The energy was amazing - and being front row (right in front of Ray), I could see up close and personal just how much fun the band really has doing this gig.

Dweezil's vocal mic was a bit lacking, but that has been a recurring theme each tour. Your voice is great man, crank it up! Of course the guitar work was unbelievable, the solos to Yo Mama and Carolina were highlights for me. Watching G Spot being played... wow. And thanks for taking the time to sign stuff for us fans Dweezil, it's appreciated!

Ray White, you are the man! Your voice is as solid and powerful as ever. Thanks for being a part of this and especially thank you for keeping me laughing throughout the show.

I can't say enough about the rest of the group and the combination of humor and technical precision that makes this band such a beautiful and worthwhile act to see. Thanks for the memories.

Looking forward to next year!

Arf!
Wagz

I saw ZPZ in Denver last year (flew all the way out there for it from San Diego). The San Diego show was great-especially with FZ playing in the background. That was a great touch!

DZ, you're amazing on guitar!

I never thought I'd get to hear FZ's music live again, what a treat !

This is my first ZPZ show but will not be my last.

Excellent music played by excellent musicians is the simplest description I can give.

Impressive how well these fine musicians not only played the technically demanding works but managed to infuse them with groove and the playful spirit of The Composer hisownself. What a challenge even to pick out a setlist from FZ's almost boundless catalogue.

There were a few small glitches but these are to be expected in fact even anticipated in a live performance of any kind though they did nothing to detract from a superior evening of quality music.

I'm not sure how financially rewarding this endeavor is for these folks so let me express my deep, deep gratitude for bringing life to these classic compositions. Please continue, your work is greatly appreciated!!!

One other thing - the "play along" songs with video & guitar track from FZ were fantastic! Having seen FZ several times, it was quite touching and very effective. The band had this sucker hipnotized ... I couldn't even make a sound

Great job all involved!