ZappaCast

Scott Parker, Phil Surkis and Joe ”Vaultmeister” Travers are joined by Frank Zappa’s longest tenured drummer, the legendary Chad Wackerman. Wackerman shares about FZ projects that almost came to be, and recounts the evening that’s now preserved on the new release: Zappa ‘88: The Last U.S. Show. Plus, a sneak peek into Chad Wackerman’s “Drum Room”. Warning/Guarantee: This podcast is not just for drummers!

For all things Frank Zappa, including the new release, Zappa ‘88: The Last U.S. Show, visit The Official Frank Zappa website.

Keep the conversation going on Twitter and Instagram.

ZappaCast is:

Created & Hosted by Scott Parker

Produced by Phil Surkis

Made in cooperation with The Zappa Trust

Contact ZappaCast: [email protected]

DON'T FORGET TO REGISTER TO VOTE!

Host Scott Parker and producer Phil Surkis are joined by multi-instrumentalist and vocal monster, Robert Martin. Martin was in every Zappa band from 1981 through 1988, and is still very involved in Frank's music as part of the "The Zappa Band".  Martin discusses his early career playing on classic Philly soul tracks, how he auditioned for Frank, and his thoughts on the often discussed '88 tour.

For all things FZ visit The Official Frank Zappa website.  www.zappa.com

Keep the conversation going on Twitter and Instagram.

ZappaCast is:

Created & Hosted by Scott Parker

Produced by Phil Surkis

Made in cooperation with The Zappa Trust

Contact ZappaCast: [email protected]

New year, new ZappaCast! What's in store for 2021? Host Scott Parker and producer Phil Surkis  are joined by Ahmet Zappa and Joe "Vaultmeister" Travers , as they answer all manner of FZ related questions from near and far.  Are some of their answers serious and loaded with secret underground candy-rock psychedelic profundities? Maybe.

For all things FZ visit The Official Frank Zappa website.  www.zappa.com

Keep the conversation going on Twitter and Instagram.

ZappaCast is:

Created & Hosted by Scott Parker

Produced by Phil Surkis

Made in cooperation with The Zappa Trust

Contact ZappaCast: [email protected]

"Franksgiving" is almost here! To celebrate this momentous occasion, host Scott Parker and producer Phil Surkis welcome Alex Winter, Ahmet Zappa and Joe Travers to the ZappaCast. The conversation takes a deep dive into the making of Winter's extraordinary new documentary, ZAPPA.  

ZAPPA will be released by Magnolia Films in the U.S. on November 27th, 2020, in select theaters and On Demand.

For all things FZ visit The Official Frank Zappa website.  www.zappa.com

Keep the conversation going on Twitter and Instagram.

ZappaCast is:

Created & Hosted by Scott Parker

Produced by Phil Surkis

Made in cooperation with The Zappa Trust

Contact ZappaCast: [email protected]

Scott Parker welcomes back Joe ”Vaultmeister” Travers, and Zappacast producer Phil Surkis. Joe shares the real deal behind the recent Mothers 1970 box, and the imminent Halloween 1981 box. Deep cut: Joe shares about his ultimate FZ fanboy life as the drummer for The Zappa Band. 

For all things FZ, including the Halloween ‘81 box, visit The Official Frank Zappa website.

Keep the conversation going on Twitter and Instagram.

ZappaCast is:

Created & Hosted by Scott Parker

Produced by Phil Surkis

Made in cooperation with The Zappa Trust

Contact ZappaCast: [email protected]

DON'T FORGET TO REGISTER TO VOTE!

As the US enters the most high stakes political season of modern times, ZappaCast takes a deep dive into Frank Zappa's political songs, as well as a listen to a few eerily prescient interviews. Host Scott Parker welcomes Ed Komara, and new ZappaCast producer, Phil Surkis, to the panel. So remember, register to vote, run for office, and listen to this podcast.

For all things FZ, visit The Official Frank Zappa website.
Keep the conversation going on Twitter and Instagram.

ZappaCast is:
Created & Hosted by Scott Parker
Produced by Phil Surkis
Made in cooperation with The Zappa Trust
Contact ZappaCast: [email protected]

DON'T FORGET TO REGISTER TO VOTE!

Well hiya! Here we have more fun and merriment -- more with our very own Mick Ekers, who chats with Scott and Ian about his must-have book ZAPPA GEAR! Splodgeness Abounds? Maybe, if we knew what that meant! In any case, get thee to a bookstore (if they're open!) or to your favorite online retailer and get your copy of ZAPPA GEAR right NOW!!!

The official Frank Zappa website

Host: Scott Parker
Produced by Scott Parker in cooperation with The Zappa Family Trust
Contact ZappaCast: [email protected]

Happy 2020, ZappaCasters! In this episode, we are proud to make our very own MICK EKERS the star of the show as he talks about his long-awaited new book, ZAPPA GEAR! This authorized look at the guitars, amps, effects and other musical equipment is NOT TO BE MISSED! Grab yourself a copy NOW!!! Yet more hoopla abounds!!!

Mick Ekers on Twitter
The Zappa Gear book website

The official Frank Zappa website

Host: Scott Parker
Produced by Scott Parker in cooperation with The Zappa Family Trust
Contact ZappaCast: [email protected]

We're a little podcast with our hair gassed back! Yes folks, the ZappaCast returns with that grooviest of groovies, Vaultmeister Joe Travers, as he and Scott discuss THE HOT RATS SESSIONS, a massive 6-CD box set that has just been released! Get yours now! Over two hours of your questions answered and more! The is a big one folks, so come in and enjoy!

The official Frank Zappa website

Host: Scott Parker
Produced by Scott Parker in cooperation with The Zappa Family Trust
Contact ZappaCast: [email protected]

Well well well, look what's back! Yes, yes, it's the ZAPPACAST! After a lengthy break, we are back with a VERY SPECIAL Halloween episode just for you! And once again, we are glad to feature as our guest the Vaultmeister JOE TRAVERS, in the first of a two-part discussion as he and Scott chat about the new album HALLOWEEN '73!! This features five discs of glorious 1973 goodness, brought to you by FZ and the beloved "Roxy lineup" of the Mothers. Go to Zappa.com now and try 'er out!!

The official Frank Zappa website

Host: Scott Parker
Produced by Scott Parker in cooperation with The Zappa Family Trust
Contact ZappaCast: [email protected]

Howdy once again, folks! This time around, the ZappaCast is serving up another SPECIAL TREAT -- Vaultmeister Joe Travers joins us to talk about the Hologram Tour (coming soon to a city near you!), the Deluxe reissue of Zappa In New York (SUDDENLY AVAILABLE!) and much, much more! Whatcha waitin' for? Dive in to the ZappaCast, kids!

The official Frank Zappa website

Host: Scott Parker
Produced by Scott Parker in cooperation with The Zappa Family Trust
Contact ZappaCast: [email protected]

The official Frank Zappa website

Host: Scott Parker
Produced by Scott Parker in cooperation with The Zappa Family Trust
Contact ZappaCast: [email protected]

The official Frank Zappa website

Host: Scott Parker
Produced by Scott Parker in cooperation with The Zappa Family Trust
Contact ZappaCast: [email protected]

The official Frank Zappa website

Host: Scott Parker
Produced by Scott Parker in cooperation with The Zappa Family Trust
Contact ZappaCast: [email protected]

Look who’s talking again! It’s none other than the Vaultmeister, Joe Travers! Joe took some time off from his job pounding them pagan skins for Joe Satriani to chat about the fantastic new box set, THE ROXY PERFORMANCES! The box features all of the shows Frank Zappa and his Mothers performed for film cameras and some lucky fans at the Roxt in scenic downtown Hollywood in December of 1973 PLUS lots of bonus material – soundchecks, rehearsals and the Bolic Sound Studios session! A truly fabulous optional entertainment experience awaits you – pick it up at Zappa.com, Amazon and lots of other places besides!
 
 The musical selections heard in this episode are (all from THE ROXY PERFORMANCES):
 
 “I’m The Slime” (December 9th Show 2)
 “Montana” (December 10th Show 1)
 “Don’t You Ever Wash That Thing?” (December 10th Show 2)
 “Inca Roads” (December 9th Show 2)
 “Village Of The Sun” (December 10th Show 2)
 “Dupree’s Paradise” (December 10th Show 1)
 “That Arrogant Dick Nixon” (December 10th Rehearsal)
 “RDNZL” (December 10th Show 2)
 “Kung Fu” (Bolic Sound Studios December 12th)
 “Dickie’s Such An Asshole” (December 10th Show 1)
 
The official Frank Zappa website

Host: Scott Parker
Produced by Scott Parker in cooperation with The Zappa Family Trust
Contact ZappaCast: [email protected]

 It's been a long time coming but we've done it! Ahmet Zappa, head of the Zappa Family Trust and a Very Wonderful Guy, joins us for a chat about the State Of The Zappa Union, the legacy of his mother Gail and much more! Plus listener questions answered! Come on down and get on down with the ZappaCast!
 
 The musical selections heard in this episode:
 
 “Rat Tomago” (Sheik Yerbouti)
 “Cheepnis” (Roxy By Proxy)
 “Chalk Pie” (Guitar)
 “Catholic Girls” (Have I Offended Someone?)
 “Sleep Dirt” (Sleep Dirt)
 “Night School” (Jazz From Hell)
 “Frogs With Dirty Little Lips” (Them Or Us)
 “Justine” (Road Tapes Venue #3)
 “Little Girl Of Mine” (You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore Vol. 4)
 “Once Upon A Time” (You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore Vol. 1)
 “Sofa” (You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore Vol. 1)
 Find Her Finer (Zoot Allures)
 Medley: King Kong/Chunga’s Revenge/Mr. Green Genes (Roxy By Proxy)
 
The official Frank Zappa website

Host: Scott Parker
Produced by Scott Parker in cooperation with The Zappa Family Trust
Contact ZappaCast: [email protected]

Salutations, ZappaCast hobgoblins!!! Yes indeedy folks, the ZappaCast celebrates ZAPPAWEEN (it's a holiday now!) with a most special show, featuring the treat that is an interview with Zappa road crew personage extraordinaire, THOMAS NORDEGG!! Thomas sits down with Scott and the Vaultmeister (Mr. Joe Travers) for a wide-ranging interview covering his time with FZ.
 
 Also, you will be treated to a sneak preview of tracks from the latest official Frank Zappa release, Halloween '77!!! This box set includes ALL SIX SHOWS from the very famous Halloween 1977 run at the Palladium in New York City, from which came the movie and album BABY SNAKES! Go to Zappa.com and get this groovy Halloween treat today!!!

The official Frank Zappa website

Host: Scott Parker
Produced by Scott Parker in cooperation with The Zappa Family Trust
Contact ZappaCast: [email protected]

Greetings once again, loyal ZappaCasters! In this episode we look back on the ABSOLUTELY FREE album, which celebrates its 50th birthday in 2017! Lots of groovy tunage and other audio wonderment on offer here PLUS a sneak preview of the new vinyl reissue of ABSOLUTELY FREE in stores October 6th! Come on over to the ZappaCast -- it's Absolutely Free! 

The official Frank Zappa website

Host: Scott Parker
Produced by Scott Parker in cooperation with The Zappa Family Trust
Contact ZappaCast: [email protected]

Happy New Year, ZappaCasters! OK, it's only six months late but better late than never! In this special episode, we salute the 51st Anniversary of the Freak Out! album, with live performances of nearly the entire album from 1966 through 1988! FZ talks about the album and its impact between the selections. It's great to be back -- now get ready to FREAK OUT! with the ZappaCast! 

The official Frank Zappa website

Host: Scott Parker
Produced by Scott Parker in cooperation with The Zappa Family Trust
Contact ZappaCast: [email protected]

Yes, folks, Christmas time is here again, and Zappadan is upon us as well! And boy do we have a treat for you -- none other than the mighty and majestic Mike Keneally!!! Mike chats with us about Frank (of course), his intimidatingly wonderful solo career, Nigey Lennon, the time he kicked in a window at Tower Records and more! Plus the Vaultmeister Joe Travers makes a guest appearance! Much to ponder here folks. Dig in!!! And happy holidays from the ZappaCast team!!! 

The official Frank Zappa website

Host: Scott Parker
Produced by Scott Parker in cooperation with The Zappa Family Trust
Contact ZappaCast: [email protected]

Guess who's back? Back again?... OK, enough of all this break nonsense...the ZappaCast RETURNETH! After a summer spent deep in research and book writing, we are back (baby) with THE LOST EPISODE...taped several months ago, and chock full of OLD NEWS! Well, maybe just a little... This episode we meet the one and only MATTHEW GALAHER, Zappa fan extraordinaire, high-class musician, wit, racounteur and bon vivant. Matthew tells us his stories of years of alumni interaction and more... NOTE: one of the reasons why this is THE LOST EPISODE is that the quality of the interview is less than wonderful, due to some issues with Skype. We've thrown everything we've had at the problem, but this is the best we've got. Enjoy it anyway! And STAY SHARP for the BONUS TRACKS at the end...featuring three versions a tribute to Captain Beefheart's compositional method (2 played on vibraphone, one on piano) by the wonderful and irrepressible MALCOLM TENT!! We shall return VERY SOON with something VERY SPECIAL!!! Until then...DIG IT!! 

Fancy a Zappa chat? Well ZappaCasters, do we ever have a chat for you! We were very fortunate to have the great Alex Winter -- director of the very exciting fan-funded soon-to-be-greatest Frank Zappa documentary ever -- pop 'round for a chat about Zappa, movies and even the obligatory Bill & Ted reference! A very good time was had by all! If you're looking for a good time, go to http://whoisfrankzappa.com and contribute to this most exciting project TODAY! Wonderment awaits! In addition, ROXY: THE MOVIE will be on a theatrical tour for the first time ever to benefit the campaign -- theaters from LA to London and many places in between have stepped up to host screenings in the next three weeks. Go to www.zappamovie.com/roxyscreenings for more details! 

A dense ecumenical bandana at the right hand of God's big rhumba? Nah...it's the ZappaCast! In this episode, we bid farewell to the legendary Mrs. Gail Zappa with the full ZappaCast panel of Scott Parker, Andrew Greenaway, Scott Fischer and --returning after a fairly lengthy absence -- The Professor, Mick Ekers! Join us as we give GZ a (hopefully) suitable sendoff, right here on the ZappaCast. 

Greetings, ZappaCasters! In this episode we are talking ZaFTIG! What is ZaFTIG? Why, it's the Zappa Family Trust Issues Guide -- the new book covering the music of Frank Zappa on compact disc. Talking ZaFTIG will be author Ed Komara and co-author Scott Parker. Plus music, thrills, spills, traffic noises and other oddments! A plump and succulent ZappaCast for sure! 

Hiya, ZappaCasters!! It's Episode 25, the second half of our two-part chat with Bob Zappa, brother of Frank and author of FRANKIE AND BOBBY: GROWING UP ZAPPA!!! Go to www.bobzappa.com and get yours! Don't delay! 

Greetings and salutations, loyal ZappaCasters! In this episode we are serving up for you (hot and fresh) a fascinating conversation with that amazing bass playing Fowler, Tom Fowler! Tom talks about his days working with FZ, and working with other FZ alumni. Throw in Tom's thoughts about the almighty Zappa goddess-type person Grace Quinn and you've got yourself one splendid show! Be sure to listen until the very end for some bonus, Grace-oriented merriment! 

HAPPY ZAPPADAN FROM THE ZAPPACAST TEAM! In this episode, we turn the fab ZappaCast microphone over to FZ himself, who will share some of his fave rave records with you, the Zappacast faithful. And he may answer a few questions from the ZappaCast team as well. It's our gift to you! From us to you, happy Zappadan, happy holidays and we wish you a healthy and prosperous 2015! See you then! 

Suddenly available! ZappaCast episode 20! Featuring a spotlight on the one and only Ray Collins, the Reverend Andrew Greenaway with all the news that's fit to listen to, and Tim Op Het Broek talks to Don Preston, Bunk Gardner and David Parlato! Come on in the ZappaCast kitchen! Yowza! 

From the heart of the black country, it's time to swing with the ZappaCast! This episode features part two of our chat with the highly wonderful Pauline Butcher Bird, as we chat about her time with Maestro Zappa and more besides! And lots of great music from the 1960s and beyond. Come on in, the water's fine! 

Howdy once again folks! April 2014 rolls on with another bright and vibrant ZappaCast episode! This time we are catching up with the lovely PAULINE BUTCHER BIRD, FZ's secretary from 1967 through 1971. Pauline will be talking Frank with Andrew and Scott, and points the way toward the broadcast of her radio play FRANK ZAPPA AND ME, which will be aired by BBC Radio 4 on Tuesday, May 6th at 14:15 GMT. Freak out with Pauline and the ZappaCasters! 

ZappaCast listeners repent and rejoice! Scott Carter Thunes reveals the true meaning of life in part two of our conversation! Plus lots of groovy Thunes tuneage. Two hours of untamed bliss! 

Howdy folks! It's the first ZappaCast of the new year, and what better way to start than with a discussion of the BIG EVENT of 2013...the performance of FZ's 200 MOTELS suites in Los Angeles and London! And who better to discuss these events with than bass player, wit and bon vivant extraordinaire Scott Thunes! We have lots of roundtable discussion and music on tap for you, and another installment of Mick's always-essential ZAPPA'S GEAR series! The ZappaCast...a real nice podcast to raise your kids up! 

 Happy Zappadan everyone! The ZappaCast team presents out Zappadan 2013 special, celebrating the 73rd birthday of Frank Zappa, and paying tribute to the Composer on the 20th anniversary of his departure for his final tour. In this four-hour marathon blockbuster, many musical delights await you...and your fave rave ZappaCasters link the music together via some VERY SPECIAL spoken material. Trudge across the tundra to the sweet sounds of Frank Zappa and the ZappaCast! 

Another VERY SPECIAL ZappaCast...we salute the late, great George Duke!! The crux of the biscuit here is Professor Ekers' 2012 conversation with George (conducted for Mick's forthcoming book ZAPPA'S GEAR) in which George goes all over fond for his days with Mr. Zappa. Throw in a tribute from Reverend Greenaway, lotsa great music and even some words from the lovely Ruth Underwood and you have yourself a VERY SPECIAL show indeed! Thanks for everything, George... 

ZappaCast becomes NigeyCast! In this episode, Reverend Greenaway and the one they call Parker chat with the redoubtable Nigey Lennon and her co-conspirator John Tabacco about the reissue of Nigey's 2001 opus REINVENTING THE WHEEL. Music and various shenanigans are the order of the day! For more Wheel Reinvention, check out the following links: https://www.facebook.com/MuffinRecordsProductionsUSA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wspUC5BF4ms 

It's the peoples' ZappaCast! In this episode, we play your requests...and there's some good ones! Also, the ZappaCast brain trust wraps up our roundtable chat by answering your questions. It's ZappaCast to the twelfth power! Also, it's worth mentioning that the author of ZAPPA THE HARD WAY does in fact know that "Bolero" is on THE BEST BAND YOU'VE NEVER HEARD IN YOUR LIFE album :-) Thank you ZappaCast listeners; this one's for you! 

It's Bongo-tastic, I tell ya! In this double-hour serving of the ZappaCast, Professor Ekers, Reverend Idiot Bastard Greenaway and Young Master Fischer, along with the good ol' Parker guy, talk Bongo Fury. We illustrate the greatness of the album with a huge slab of live performances, and Andrew graces us with the latest and greatest in Zappa news. Learn the Pachuco Hop and let the ZappaCast twirl ya! 

This ZappaCast is ONE SIZE FITS ALL! In part two of our roundtable discussion of the 1974-1975 era, the Reverend Greenaway, Professor Ekers, Young Master Fischer and The One They Call Parker chat about the One Size Fits All album. Professor Ekers gives is a great ZAPPA'S GEAR segment dealing with THE ROXY SG, SP shamelessly plugs his new book THE RETURN OF RONDO HATTON - THE RECORDINGS OF FRANK ZAPPA VOL. 5 1974-1975 and, of course, we get to hear loads of amazing Zappa music from 1974, 1977 and 1979. Take a seat on the big red sofa and enjoy the ride! 

 It's time for another MASSIVE ZappaCast episode...nearly three hours celebrating the Roxy & Elsewhere album...roundtable discussion, tonnage of live FZ from 1973, 1974 and 1978 PLUS Reverend Greenaway interviews Napoleon Murphy Brock...Ya Hozna! 

SNAT! The ZappaCast takes you all the way back, boys and girls...back to the 1960s with the peaceful and loving Mothers Of Invention. You'll hear two concerts from 1967 (Lund and Copenhagen) in their (as far as we know) entirety. Professor Ekers gives you some serious info on FZ's Gibson Switchmaster guitar in his Zappa's Gear spot, while the good Reverend Greenaway has a brisk selection of rare '60s allsorts for ya. Didja Get Any Onya? 

DweezilCast continues! In this episode, our two-part blockbuster interview with Dweezil Zappa concludes. We hear a pair of tracks from Dweezil's new album FOH. Professor Ekers takes an in-depth look at FZ's famous Hendrix Strat, and Reverend Greenaway blesses us with some news! 

ZappaCast becomes DweezilCast! Just in time for the new Dweezil Zappa Plays Zappa tour (the first of 2012) we proudly present part one of an EXCLUSIVE interview with Dweezil himself. We cover all (or a good many of) the bases! And if that weren't enough, the Lengendary and and Brilliant (at the same time even) Mr. Scott Thunes talks with Andrew about his involvement in the new DZPZ tour. Get it while it's hot!!! 

ZappaCast...the holiday episode! In the new episode, your humble correspondent types each tackle a different subject. SP plays selections from the unreleased History And Collected Improvisations Of The Mothers Of Invention set and (somewhat lamely) attempts to promote his newly reissued books, Professor Ekers has the lowdown on FZ and the Vocoder and Jam Master Greenaway gives us the lowdown on the 2011 Zappanale and the news. Happy Holidays from the ZappaCast crew to you and yours and see you in 2012!! 

And now the thrilling conclusion! In this final part of our three-part look at the 1971 Vaudeville band, we hear some great music from the Fall 1971 European "disaster tour". We also get a golden opportunity to chat with Pauline Butcher about her new book FREAK OUT! MY LIFE WITH FRANK ZAPPA and the legendary Nigey Lennon reads a chapter from her book BEING FRANK - MY TIME WITH FRANK ZAPPA. Add to that some exciting Zappa news and you've got yourself an exciting ZappaCast! Order Pauline's book here: http://www.amazon.com/Freak-Out-Life-Frank-Zappa/dp/0859654796/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320848654&sr=1-1 Order Nigey's ebook here: http://www.amazon.com/Being-Frank-ebook/dp/B0057ZQLXS 

The Vaudeville mayhem continues! We have more for ya...more music, more roundtable discussion, more more more! The ZappaCast...just for you, Mr./Ms. Snazzy Listener Person! 

Here comes our bullet! The ZappaCast is back, and this time we're serving up a heaping helping of Vaudeville Band (or the Flo & Eddie era of The Mothers) for you over the course of three episodes. In this episode we chronicle the formation of the Flo & Eddie-era band with lots of rare music and the introduction of our new Roundtable Discussion Panel in which Andrew, Scott and Mick discuss all things Vaudeville (you will be hearing more from this discussion panel in the next two parts). Vaudeville Ho! 

Go all the way (back) with the ZappaCast! In this episode, we take a look at the earliest (musical) workings of FZ with the help of Zappa scholar extraordinaire Greg Russo. Lots of rare music abounds in this one, folks. And we get the first installment of Mick Ekers' new segment ZAPPA'S GEAR--looking at the equipment used by FZ through the years. And Denny Walley—our first FZ alumnus—drops by to say hi to us mere mortals! And but also more surprises abound (like an exclusive interview with The Tornadoes…however we digress). A bright, snappy ZappaCast. Hotcha! Check out Greg Russo's PAUL BUFF PRESENTS: THE PAL AND ORIGINAL SOUND STUDIO ARCHIVES: THE COLLECTION, now available at www.crossfirepublications.com 

More hard stuff! There is so much 1988 Zappa goodness here that it's impossible to know where to begin. Tons of rare audio goodness abounds as we complete what wound up being a four-hour look at the 1988 FZ Broadway The Hard Way tour. We also hear guest spots from Mats & Morgan and the ever-wonderful Dweezil, and FZ gives us his thoughts on the end of the tour. Toss in hot FZ news from Dr. Greenaway and how could you go wrong? Fly the friendly ZappaCast...it's free! 

It's ZappaCast The Hard Way!!! In the second episode of ZappaCast, we take a look a the 1988 Broadway The Hard Way tour, the final concert tour Frank Zappa would undertake. This episode is designed to call your attention to a book written by our very own Andrew Greenaway, ZAPPA THE HARD WAY, which is the definitive look inside that ill-fated tour. Musical selections include rare rehearsal and live material, a tribute to the tour by the Vegetarians and an exclusive airing of Andrew's interview with Ike Willis. This is the first part of a monster three hour-plus episode. Part two will follow shortly! To purchase Andrew's book ZAPPA THE HARD WAY, go here: http://www.wymeruk.co.uk/Store/index.php?_a=viewCat&catId=108 "Music is the best!"--FZ, 1979 

In the premiere edition of ZappaCast--a Frank Zappa podcast--Scott Parker (author of several books about the work of FZ) examines the new "Alternate Freak Out!" bootleg, featuring an unreleased mix of the Freak Out! album. In addition, Andrew Greenaway provides the news and FZ gives a history lesson. Scott Parker's Frank Zappa books are available at www.spbpublishing.webs.com or at Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, www.gandsmusic.com and other fine retailers.