He was always intimidating but only because he said precisely what he meant. He wasn't mean. He wasn't a bully. He was just charmingly, inspiringly and occasionally, terrifyingly clear.
@@witnessingobscura952 I would actually argue he has more empathy than most, he cares enough to speak out about issues that effect us all even at the risk of his own life
@@muskratwiser4700 Agreed. People who are clear, direct, or if you'll excuse me, frank, are that way because of empathy. They have seen the pain caused by not being clear, direct and honest.
I have infinite respect for Zappa’s comments at 13:41 in this video. He acknowledges that the decision to press only 6,000 copies and to come out deliberately at financial loss in record sales is the sign of a true artist. He pressed the “London Symphony Orchestra” albums to make pure music and not for commercial profit. Gosh, I miss Frank.
@@LMB222 Still, it's definitely a loss, because the profit that he got from 6000 CDs sold definitely could not cover what he had to pay to LSO. Maybe even a major loss. Well, it's a "loss" financially, but not necessarily artistically or whatever.
Yea, Dave seemed completely unable to conceive! So you will use your funds-no funds Dave; it's a loss. Ok well, hope it does well and good luck... zappa smiles... it's going to sell 6,000 copies! I bought a copy on vinyl by the way. Even though in retrospect now that I know what I know I would have gotten the CD... I was a big fan of the l p format and it was more difficult to find at that time on l p... Tho later on the l p versions actually we're available long after the c d sold out. I am a huge fan of zappa's... But I didn't really care for the record. Even his other orchestra work seemed to have a much more cohesive arrangement with variations on a theme and things that just weren't so starkly avante gard, random, atonal, or arrhythmic... I'm sure you could say it was possibly due to the inability of the musicians to get a rehearsal but i'm not sure that a rehearsal of this kind of music would have really helped all that much. Most music has a definite discernible rhythm and melody but that stuff was just off the charts with not existent themes and other things that more or less clashed and became an example of "free time" or "free tone"... I thought it was just the fact that I was unfamiliar or maybe that it just wasn't something that the musicians could think their teeth into so I listened to it many times over I even did some things like added effect to it to dumb down the overall sound and theme of the orchestra and nothing really made it ever more endearing.
You're right that it is very admirable when someone has the artistic vision and drive to push through with something they feel needs to be made, even if they make no profit. HOWEVER to say that "only a true artist" would do that is an insult to all artists who make or are struggling to make a living with their music. No amount of admiration or "true artistry" pays the bills if you're not making money from it. In my mind saying a true artist works without financial profit or at a financial loss is the exact same thing as saying "it's not a real job", with the minor difference that you're putting Zappa on a pedestal because he maybe had the opportunity and resources (and the mindset too) to make something that was interesting to him but that he knew wasn't going to be popular or profitable. Many artists don't have that luxury, and some find it more meaningful to create something that appeals to a wider audience.
@@ekisoderqvist: I’m not certain who your criticism is directed at. From what I can see, no one commenting in this thread made use of the phrase “only a true artist…” or anything close to it. Are you certain you’re commenting on the right thread? It would appear the criticisms you make aren’t directed to any of us.
the sad thing is I'm pretty certain there won't be another FZ or somebody of his caliber in my lifetime. so either I look at the glass full and be grateful he existed in my time or half empty and bitch about it like I just did above :).
I'm proud to say that my uncle was Franks manager & i was lucky enough to spend time with him. I don't know if most people realized how brilliant he was.We used to have disussions on deep subjects other then music that really made you think about important subjects. He was a very gracious man & a man of great integrity, I was truly blessed having known him. RIP Frank.
I know this is 9 months old but I think doing a book or something about some of those conversations would be an excellent endeavor. Ppl would be interested......
Thank you for posting this. Frank was and is one of the most inspirational musicians who's ever lived. He never compromised, he always did everything his way and we are all so much richer for it.
“The illusion of freedom will continue as long as it’s profitable to continue the illusion. At the point where the illusion becomes too expensive to maintain, they will just take down the scenery, they will pull back the curtains, they will move the tables and chairs out of the way and you will see the brick wall at the back of the theater.” Frank Zappa
Love his music or hate it, Zappa was and is one of the most honest, original, down to earth musicians that makes music for the pure art of it. Very very few like him in history, and even fewer left in the world. Legend.
"Some scientists claim that hydrogen, because it is so plentiful, is the basic building block of the universe. I dispute that. I say there is more stupidity than hydrogen, and that is the basic building block of the universe." Frank Zappa What a genius.
"How do you get the London Symphony Orchestra to do your stuff?" "You pay them." "But, isn't this a really prestigious organization?" "Of course... so you pay them a lot of money."
@@kellykeefe3610 I’m a little bit jealous 😁. He was a genius. His music never get bored. Gives me energy. Thanks for charing the story. Stay cool greetings from Holland
I've never seen him listen and answer questions so coherently. I would normally just see glimpses of him fooling around in a world of his own bizarre construction. This is such a refreshing and revealing interview with a real, practical person. Its insight into his business acumen. It was all just an act. He was a performer by trade. And his career was built upon his notoriety.
There is a little post-it note over my desk with a quote from Frank, I don't know when he said it, likely more than once: "Politics is the entertainment division of the military industrial complex." Sure do miss him.
@Paper St. I agree , Frank had a message to give , and he didn't care who he offended to spread that message . Watch all of Frank's old interviews , he basically predicted exactly how the world would change , if people didn't stand up for themselves . His mind was literally living in the future , and we are just catching up right now .
Frank was in a league of his own. And light years ahead of anyone. In fact, since his untimely death, there’s been no one to even come close. Still ahead of his... and our time.
I don’t know much about this guy, but I’ve heard his name mentioned in all corners of our culture and I remember a quote from him I heard back when I was in my 20s (now 48). I had to look it up to be sure I didn’t f@#% it up. “Politics is the entertainment branch of industry.” I get the message that this quote sends. The difference between Zappa and almost everyone else, including me, is that if almost everyone else tried to make the same exact point as this quote makes, 7 words wouldn’t be anywhere near enough. He doesn’t mince words. That’s a doctoral thesis in 7 words! What a smart guy!
The fact that he knew that album wasn't going to reap huge rewards but he still went ahead and made it anyway says a lot about Zappa's character and his love for what he was doing. Great guy! ❤️
Yes..he was an amazing man. Too bad his idiot doctor/doctors didn't follow-up on his urinary problems he'd had for a number of years, which is an early sign of prostate cancer. So by the time they found the cancer, it was already too late and inoperable and that folks, is a damn shame......
It hit me hard when Sam Kinison left us, but the story his brother tells is both comforting and eerie. There was something about Sam though we seemingly had zero in common, always felt like we would click. His delivery, his thought pattern, his moral compass, all so familiar. Losing Carlin felt like a body-blow. It may be just as well. His last book "Last Words". - don't EVER tempt Fate - revealed that he had lost faith in us as fellow citizens, as countrymen. At least that was my takeaway. I think he was right. But losing FZ made me feel like when they told me about my Dad. A rush of random memories washes your brain. Then there's quiet for a few seconds. And then the sound sadness makes for each of us when a trusted adviser and truth-teller moves to a different plane. Gone, but still here. Now experienced as "loss". But music, and calling on your muse, can ease the pain. In all three cases above, I had, again, "taken for granted" an ideal, or near-ideal situation, and still get crushed every time change hit. But I had looked forward to growing old with these wise men, these truth-tellers who helped guide our thoughts and better deeds with humor, music, wit, and wisdom, each enriched us. And I miss each of them terribly.
No David Letterman's a good guy. I think he was really just picking at Frank's brain because I don't think Letterman has ever had a guest as articulate as Zappa was. I think Letterman was the type of person to understand Zappa.
Yeah I don't know about that... he was an asshole to plenty of female celebrities. Frank talks because Frank wants to talk. He was promoting a new album.
My god frank you have been gone almost 25 years from the public domain but in all honesty your music will be eternally ror its raw power and effective authenticity. May God bless your spirit and thank you for your sublime talents. A composer of immense talent and extraordinary beauty. VALE frank
That's our Frank, he took his music very seriously and makes anyone else in the music industry look stupid. Yes, we'll never see another musician like him. Integrity is the word I was seeking.
Frank always gives an interesting interview. Thanks for posting this gem! Got to see Frank on Halloween Night two years in a row in Detroit early 80's.
Zappa will always be with us...in our memories and with these great videos I'm grateful for him and all the recorded music and interviews etc. TY Frank!
I liked Zappa and his music. He always gave the impression he preferred Jazz to Rock and hence created a fusion of both genres.In so doing Frank Zappa and The Mothers Of Invention recorded classic albums of memorable tunes.
the world would be a little bit better but still would not reslove the issue they shoot him down like the great people , JFK and jfk brother, Martin luther king , Malcome X. the goverment does not care they are run by the company leaders that own stocks of proison... people like frank keep me Real! knowing that every country fucked and ran by selfish money hungry human being that gain power..
I never knew how genuine Frank was, especially after listening to Don't Eat Yellow Snow and Dancing Fool about 15 million times. An amazing musician and a solid gentlemen.
Regarding the actual world of commercial music.... It would be so important that Zappa would still be with us. I miss him but what he has done, who he was, those things will never vanish. He put so much into this world and is still there.
after i watched this clip, i had to wonder why there would be 'any' negative views. why can't viewers simply say....i really enjoyed that, instead of talking about how many times he smoked a cigarette! who cares. frank we miss you.
One of the best! Too be he is gone! One of the best musicians of the 20th century. Some say he was a genius. They maybe right. One of FRANK ZAPPA'S favorite quote was: " The modern day composer refuses to die"
+johnbonaccorsi He didn't make as much money as you think. He wasn't as popular or mainstream(commercial) and didn't really care either. He was a genius, and he would have told you to fuck off, so there.
I am watching this almost 40 years later 15 June 2022 I miss you Frank Zappa wasn't even 1 when you died but man discovering your work as been a JOY !!!
This is how music should be, where are these bands today? are they all gone? it is always such a source of inspiration to listen and watch something like Zappa or Miles Davis or whatever instead of whats going on today(well..with some exceptions)tx for sharing so people can remember what music was and not is. cheers
i too like Bill Maher, yet when he tells it like 'he' sees it, he seems often enough to be of the opinion, only the way he sees it and his fabolous idears would be the only way to go. So yeah, in a sense he is pompous. Yet what is really great about the show is that you have regularly people from republicans, democrats, liberals and those who would not want to be seen as any of those . That over time shows you in my opinion, that the two party system is just not enough anymore, too big parties, too generealized, too unflexible. Party systems like that, seem always to resolve more in a struggle for power by nearly any means possible and by that loosing the topics out of their eyes. More like a show for us sheep, then politicians really having our interests at heart. When i look at people like Reagon, Bush W. and Trump, then i have to admit, we are sheep more often then not.
so poised and and sophisticated, smart cynical I love him. Frank Zappa and his whole family are awesome. He was so talented and funny also super charismatic. He’s so honest and super sexy in his own way
59mar Frank was a Rock and Roller but also many other things like Jazz and Classical. He had his own interpretation as many great artists do. Example would you call the Moody Blues or Van Morrison or Santana etc - Rock and Rollers. All have their unique interpretation that takes what they've leaned from other genres. I would not consider Madonna or Michael Jackson or any of those pop acts as rockers but as pop or dance music. I have no problem with you not thinking Zappa was not a Rock & Roller. My guess he would not want to be classified in any category.
John Hammersmith Yeah - some acts really cannot be (or shouldn't be) categorized. I mean, you could say possibly 'avant-garde' music - but why even try?
Anonymous Nobody Your comment was censored and marked as spam. I unmarked it as spam as I detest censorship and it is true about cigarettes. Pity that millions die from smoking tobacco yet it is legal while people languish in prison for the least harmful of all recreational drugs. Frank was very smart while you are very petty. Keep in mind the great Albert Einstein smoke a pipe and I believe George Washington smoked marijuana to relieve the pain of his teeth.
Hmm, cool, 4 people who come together to make a perfect example of sleep-walkers..... 2:10, apparently random citizens who paid for the 'privilege', in their eyes, to be there are also brave enough to smoke wherever they please. You all not only failed to observe this and make a connection but also have displayed your commitment to the things/people you like despite getting evidence that sheds doubt on your reasoning for doing so. Perhaps he is likable without imagining personality traits that don't exist, idk? FTR, we have gained just a tiny bit of info on smoking since 1983. This was the norm back then, not the exception.
His obvious intelligence is very evident. What a loss...Barely into his 50's, 4 children, he missed being a grandpa, mentoring their lives..so hard to understand why the good ones always die at the half way mark..An interesting note...I watched his last interview where the interviewer asked him how he was doing, bla bla bla, and come to find out he *should* have been diagnosed with prostate cancer much earlier but his doctor/doctors failed to follow up on his urinary tract/urinary problems. HAD they followed up, they would have caught the dreaded cancer early, and he'd be with us right now, for his family, for his fans and a spokesman for early testing on the prostate. When he was diagnosed, it was already too late, inoperable. Anyhow, a fine man any way you slice it...I miss his amazing energy and music......
Yes, there will never be another Frank Zappa, especially in today's musical climates, although there are still musicians out there who consider Frank Zappa to be a major musical influence, but do you see eclectic music like that ever showing up on the Grammys or even the Golden Globes?...not that one needs an award to make him or her legit. Just picked up the recent reissue of MEAT LIFE--THE UNCLE MEAT PROJECT, and it is still so amazing to hear this kind of musical sculpture. I highly recommend it!
Dave back in the good old days when he was still cool, relatively new at the game and not so bitter - and Frank really just being a real guy; not so sarcastic, caustic, political or defensive. Very laid back interview and so refreshing to see! I sure do miss Frank - but you know I miss the old Dave too...
I am sure Letterman got it you would have to be a moron not to. Letterman I am sure wore it a lot back then. He changed the topic immediately because he did get it.
They really were. Really LIKED him; we watched him nearly every night for YEARS. Too bad he’s turned out to be a detached, disturbed, rude, obsessed, ignorant jerk. Its like add him to the damn list; the ever lengthening list -It’s soooo off putting for alllll of these damn celebs thinking we need THEIR damn input. I have my own damn ideas. I do not need nor care what they think about politics. It’s become pathetic and even sad. Like-remember when Jimmy Fallon used to FUNNY!?! It’s all totally ruined and obvious and beyond annoying. He’s a total sell-out. They’ve become a freaking extension of the Mainstream Media! Hell, maybe they always were; they were just restrained and much more subtle... somebody high up flipped that switch and they alllll jumped to it - they do “their job” and the elite’s bidding; always spreading and sharing. Sick and sad.
How awesome!! I was a young teen in 1977 when me and my buddy saw him at the War Memorial in Buffalo.we were terrified at the screaming during Torture never Stops.what a night.RIP FZ
Not many of us had a VCR or Betamax back then. Wow, Paul Shaffer had hair! I totally forgot how limited the LSO Lp was. What a turn on! Thanks for the upload; I forgot this interview even existed.
Wow an honest answer! The first one ever in TV history. Thanks Frank! Man, he's missed! My son's now a bigger fan of Zappa than I was, so I've parented something right.
Back in the 70's I bought a book called the Frank Zappa Songbook Volume 1. It had sheet music for tunes like King Kong,Brown Shoes Don't Make It, plus maybe a dozen or so others. Pretty well done considering how rock music books usually were back then. ACTUAL sheet music!
6 років тому
Frank is such a down-to-earth, bright guy. Well spoken, thoughtful, and honest. You just have to love the guy. I am not a huge fan of his music, but I have a lot of respect for him, and he his absolutely talented beyond my imagination.
A grandad of mine used to tell me that it’s important to work hard and to help people who do. Conversely, he mentioned that people who use influence and purchase little plastic tubes of foul smelling lipstick should be avoided at all cost. I am still poor and lonely but at least my conscience is clear.
He was always intimidating but only because he said precisely what he meant. He wasn't mean. He wasn't a bully. He was just charmingly, inspiringly and occasionally, terrifyingly clear.
@@witnessingobscura952 I would actually argue he has more empathy than most, he cares enough to speak out about issues that effect us all even at the risk of his own life
@@muskratwiser4700 Agreed. People who are clear, direct, or if you'll excuse me, frank, are that way because of empathy. They have seen the pain caused by not being clear, direct and honest.
Indeed.
WTHFX he reminds me of my grandma ❤️
@@kaylaemerick8943 I think I like your grandma and I've never met her. :)
i imagine if frank was still around,he would probably have a podcast, i really enjoy listening to him talk
That would be so fucking amazing, I never thought of that.
He would be president homie
Literally still crying everyday that hes gone such a brave artist
Or his own radio channel like a dj for classic rock or something
AWESOME.YOU KNOW FRANK PROBABLY WATCHED JOHNNY CARSON GROWING UP.
I have infinite respect for Zappa’s comments at 13:41 in this video. He acknowledges that the decision to press only 6,000 copies and to come out deliberately at financial loss in record sales is the sign of a true artist. He pressed the “London Symphony Orchestra” albums to make pure music and not for commercial profit.
Gosh, I miss Frank.
Did he say "loss"? Because I've caught "there would be no profit from this".
There's a difference.
@@LMB222 Still, it's definitely a loss, because the profit that he got from 6000 CDs sold definitely could not cover what he had to pay to LSO. Maybe even a major loss. Well, it's a "loss" financially, but not necessarily artistically or whatever.
Yea, Dave seemed completely unable to conceive! So you will use your funds-no funds Dave; it's a loss. Ok well, hope it does well and good luck... zappa smiles... it's going to sell 6,000 copies!
I bought a copy on vinyl by the way. Even though in retrospect now that I know what I know I would have gotten the CD... I was a big fan of the l p format and it was more difficult to find at that time on l p... Tho later on the l p versions actually we're available long after the c d sold out. I am a huge fan of zappa's... But I didn't really care for the record. Even his other orchestra work seemed to have a much more cohesive arrangement with variations on a theme and things that just weren't so starkly avante gard, random, atonal, or arrhythmic... I'm sure you could say it was possibly due to the inability of the musicians to get a rehearsal but i'm not sure that a rehearsal of this kind of music would have really helped all that much. Most music has a definite discernible rhythm and melody but that stuff was just off the charts with not existent themes and other things that more or less clashed and became an example of "free time" or "free tone"... I thought it was just the fact that I was unfamiliar or maybe that it just wasn't something that the musicians could think their teeth into so I listened to it many times over I even did some things like added effect to it to dumb down the overall sound and theme of the orchestra and nothing really made it ever more endearing.
You're right that it is very admirable when someone has the artistic vision and drive to push through with something they feel needs to be made, even if they make no profit. HOWEVER to say that "only a true artist" would do that is an insult to all artists who make or are struggling to make a living with their music. No amount of admiration or "true artistry" pays the bills if you're not making money from it. In my mind saying a true artist works without financial profit or at a financial loss is the exact same thing as saying "it's not a real job", with the minor difference that you're putting Zappa on a pedestal because he maybe had the opportunity and resources (and the mindset too) to make something that was interesting to him but that he knew wasn't going to be popular or profitable. Many artists don't have that luxury, and some find it more meaningful to create something that appeals to a wider audience.
@@ekisoderqvist: I’m not certain who your criticism is directed at. From what I can see, no one commenting in this thread made use of the phrase “only a true artist…” or anything close to it.
Are you certain you’re commenting on the right thread? It would appear the criticisms you make aren’t directed to any of us.
"i have a personal relationship with my fans, and i try not to let them down"... you never did, frankie.
this is way too good man..i miss to listen to good music like this
He let me down when he died :(
sure looked like it...@@keithjohnston6861
@@cyclingmerlin heart broken
the sad thing is I'm pretty certain there won't be another FZ or somebody of his caliber in my lifetime. so either I look at the glass full and be grateful he existed in my time or half empty and bitch about it like I just did above :).
I'm proud to say that my uncle was Franks manager & i was lucky enough to spend time with him. I don't know if most people realized how brilliant he was.We used to have disussions on deep subjects other then music that really made you think about important subjects. He was a very gracious man & a man of great integrity, I was truly blessed having known him. RIP Frank.
Would love to hear stories!
A written piece on this would be delightful
Herb Cohen?
@@Craig-dv3ji Hi Craig, Herb owned the agency & my uncle Art handled Frank
I know this is 9 months old but I think doing a book or something about some of those conversations would be an excellent endeavor. Ppl would be interested......
Not only one of his generation's most brilliant musicians but one of the greatest minds to visit the earthly plane. RIP Zappa.
And I believe he knew our earthly plane is Flat and Stationery
Zappa was garbage
Thank you for posting this. Frank was and is one of the most inspirational musicians who's ever lived. He never compromised, he always did everything his way and we are all so much richer for it.
“The illusion of freedom will continue as long as it’s profitable to continue the
illusion. At the point where the illusion becomes too expensive to maintain, they will just take down the scenery, they will pull back the curtains, they will move the tables and chairs out of the way and you will see the brick wall at the back of the theater.”
Frank Zappa
I have never read this before and it's a great statement. Thanks for posting.
@@therebex23 Nope. Corruption of a potentially good system. Go back to your successful socialist country, jerk.
PROFETIC ! Just see what happens after Berlin wall fell down.
Thank you for have been born Frank : all world have lost a great mind (and Italy lost one of his sons born so far away).
Respect
And look what's happened in America.
Dave was very polite and considerate to Frank. He knew he was in the presence of greatness.
Love his music or hate it, Zappa was and is one of the most honest, original, down to earth musicians that makes music for the pure art of it. Very very few like him in history, and even fewer left in the world. Legend.
Truly an artist
Zappa was garbage
@@marlon-jl4ge Sounds like your diaper is leaking, troll.
@@youmayberight shit ugly zappa changed the music World of boring assholes
Could shit zappa play guitar with his ugly nose? 🤣
"Some scientists claim that hydrogen, because it is so plentiful, is the basic building block of the universe. I dispute that. I say there is more stupidity than hydrogen, and that is the basic building block of the universe."
Frank Zappa
What a genius.
That was probably the dumbest thing he ever said.
@@volgawolfhounds741 Non è possibile piacere a tutti e FZ non si è mai sforzato di farlo : tuo malgrado gli hai dato ragione...
Frank for president !
The universe is made of electrons, protons, neutrons and morons
@@volgawolfhounds741 you obviously don't quite realise the profundity of your density.
Observation from 2019: this guy kept it real.
Zappa predicted podcasts 30 years before they were a thing
Such an intelligent articulate man. Sadly missed
You can always tell when David has/had a deep respect and admiration for his guests.
"How do you get the London Symphony Orchestra to do your stuff?"
"You pay them."
"But, isn't this a really prestigious organization?"
"Of course... so you pay them a lot of money."
Tate Gibbs Rite, lol
some did not want the money, the ones eccentric as himself
Tate Gibbs iii
Frank Zappa was an accomplished conductor, along with writing many symphonic leads. Ya just don't see them very ofter.
Sleep
I always respected Zappa even though I was not a huge fan of his music.
The most entertaining show I ever saw - it was billed as a total music theater and that was exactly what it was - from start to finish.
When I was a kid (1974) Only the real COOL people listened to Frank Zappa, I was one of them!
Only the cool people listen to him now as well (I am a kid and I do!).
I still do. Stay cool greetings from Holland
@@dirklammertse4174 My Girlfriend (in 1974) got backstage with Frank and got his autograph-she gave it to me, and I still have it!
@@kellykeefe3610 I’m a little bit jealous 😁. He was a genius. His music never get bored. Gives me energy. Thanks for charing the story. Stay cool greetings from Holland
@@kellykeefe3610 what does his autograph look like?
I've never seen him listen and answer questions so coherently. I would normally just see glimpses of him fooling around in a world of his own bizarre construction. This is such a refreshing and revealing interview with a real, practical person. Its insight into his business acumen. It was all just an act. He was a performer by trade. And his career was built upon his notoriety.
Hard to believe he's been gone almost 20 years. RIP.
...if a god exist, every suaturday nite goes out with Frank for a pizza!
@@sciardeo Almost 30 now.
Frank was absolutely, without any doubt, a genius! And his sense of humor was without parallel. Our world is a much less wondrous place without him.
There is a little post-it note over my desk with a quote from Frank, I don't know when he said it, likely more than once:
"Politics is the entertainment division of the military industrial complex."
Sure do miss him.
I stole this quote too.
Thanks.
Mr. Hit, meet Nail Head
@Paper St. - lol, I think the word you're looking for is irrelevant.
Bill Maher stole his idea and called his show Politically Incorrect
@Paper St. I agree , Frank had a message to give , and he didn't care who he offended to spread that message .
Watch all of Frank's old interviews , he basically predicted exactly how the world would change , if people didn't stand up for themselves .
His mind was literally living in the future , and we are just catching up right now .
Frank was in a league of his own. And light years ahead of anyone. In fact, since his untimely death, there’s been no one to even come close. Still ahead of his... and our time.
I don’t know much about this guy, but I’ve heard his name mentioned in all corners of our culture and I remember a quote from him I heard back when I was in my 20s (now 48). I had to look it up to be sure I didn’t f@#% it up.
“Politics is the entertainment branch of industry.”
I get the message that this quote sends. The difference between Zappa and almost everyone else, including me, is that if almost everyone else tried to make the same exact point as this quote makes, 7 words wouldn’t be anywhere near enough. He doesn’t mince words. That’s a doctoral thesis in 7 words! What a smart guy!
The fact that he knew that album wasn't going to reap huge rewards but he still went ahead and made it anyway says a lot about Zappa's character and his love for what he was doing. Great guy! ❤️
What a truly great man in every respect. We need more Franks in the world.
this man,was a fantastic musician,a genious and a wonderfull composer.R.i.P
"Brown lipstick in the corporate suite" sounds like the perfect title of a Zappa song
Brown Shoes Dont Make It 1980s edition
Is he referring to puckering up and kissing Corporate ass? Therefore the Brown Lips?
Sounds like Letterman
@@modmary1 AYYYYY that’s fire
I think it WAS-!!
Very honest guy. Great upload, thanks for sharing, good interview
The world is poorer place without Frank.
Yes..he was an amazing man. Too bad his idiot doctor/doctors didn't follow-up on his urinary problems he'd had for a number of years, which is an early sign of prostate cancer. So by the time they found the cancer, it was already too late and inoperable and that folks, is a damn shame......
Stari Night junior highway look forward for Hezbollah
It hit me hard when Sam Kinison left us, but the story his brother tells is both comforting and eerie. There was something about Sam though we seemingly had zero in common, always felt like we would click. His delivery, his thought pattern, his moral compass, all so familiar.
Losing Carlin felt like a body-blow. It may be just as well. His last book "Last Words". - don't EVER tempt Fate - revealed that he had lost faith in us as fellow citizens, as countrymen. At least that was my takeaway. I think he was right.
But losing FZ made me feel like when they told me about my Dad. A rush of random memories washes your brain. Then there's quiet for a few seconds. And then the sound sadness makes for each of us when a trusted adviser and truth-teller moves to a different plane. Gone, but still here. Now experienced as "loss".
But music, and calling on your muse, can ease the pain.
In all three cases above, I had, again, "taken for granted" an ideal, or near-ideal situation, and still get crushed every time change hit. But I had looked forward to growing old with these wise men, these truth-tellers who helped guide our thoughts and better deeds with humor, music, wit, and wisdom, each enriched us.
And I miss each of them terribly.
Is it ever. Franky come back.
amen
I like Frank's honesty, and Dave wasn't his usual flippant self either.
No David Letterman's a good guy. I think he was really just picking at Frank's brain because I don't think Letterman has ever had a guest as articulate as Zappa was. I think Letterman was the type of person to understand Zappa.
I like Frank's music....but he is as smug as a 21 year old cool kid
It's called respect he respects musicians and one of Frank's integrity true respect
@@bradmodd7856 He's a calm human being with more combined wisdom than any of us who will live two life times. Don't hate. Accept and surrender.
David's a good guy. Never had a bad interview. You know you're a good host if you can get Zappa to give you multiple-worded answers.
Yeah I don't know about that... he was an asshole to plenty of female celebrities.
Frank talks because Frank wants to talk. He was promoting a new album.
Zappa was garbage
I'm almost 60 years old... I can't believe how young David Letterman looks! Fantastic interview.
Ziggy Zappada. Yea, I was 23yo when I watched this interview.
Time doesn't heal all wounds. The longer Frank is gone, the more I miss him.
Walt Likker have ever seen his 1963 appearance on the Steve Allen Show.....he plays the bicycle....short hair, no beard, same confidence.
I just watched it, and I laughed my butt off! R.I.P, Frank.
christopher hitchens...
My god frank you have been gone almost 25 years from the public domain but in all honesty your music will be eternally ror its raw power and effective authenticity. May God bless your spirit and thank you for your sublime talents. A composer of immense talent and extraordinary beauty. VALE frank
? You never knew this guy! Come on man!
No BS. Straight-forward. Forthcoming. A major artist with humility and standards. Rare breed these days.
The Greatest, avante-garde, composer of all our time.
So well spoken, so smart, what a loss, even this long after!
Would love to see his thoughts on the modern political and social environment.
That's our Frank, he took his music very seriously and makes anyone else in the music industry look stupid. Yes, we'll never see another musician like him. Integrity is the word I was seeking.
Zappa was a spook. McGowan exposed him in the Laurel Canyon writings.
Lucky for us he had an extremely hard work ethic and left a vast catalogue for the rest of us to explore.
Klasse Act yeh guy was borderline genius from what i can tell...
this man is such an unbelievable legend, i got so much love for frank and beefheart. such crazy icons. ♥
Frank always gives an interesting interview. Thanks for posting this gem! Got to see Frank on Halloween Night two years in a row in Detroit early 80's.
+Tom Hartmann Thanks for link. ahhh...maybe I saw Zappa '82, '83? or day before or after Halloween? Shit, I can't remember.
Frank Zappa. Last bastion of sanity in this insane world. Miss you.
Zappa will always be with us...in our memories and with these great videos I'm grateful for him and all the recorded music and interviews etc. TY Frank!
Honestly , Zappa was gifted and he looks great here!
Truly one of the best performers, Intellectual & ground breaking true humans ever.....
I liked Zappa and his music. He always gave the impression he preferred Jazz to Rock and hence created a fusion of both genres.In so doing Frank Zappa and The Mothers Of Invention recorded classic albums of memorable tunes.
The irony of talking about digital in the terms he did, today hipsters give everyone shit for it.
I trust Frank.
Trusting Frank is generally a good idea.
I love that the first thing we see of Zappa is him walking past a "NO SMOKING" sign with a cigarette...
+Marco Loved that as well, Zappa didn't like authority.
+Roger He died of prostate cancer, not lung cancer. Just saying.
@@drumstick74 Google prostate cancer and smoking, you'll be enlightened.
what an honest and humble and down to the earth guy!!! do you agree ???
Absolutely, wasn't a music fan but always liked him
Imagine if the congress and senate had half the integrity that Frank Zappa had.
the wold would be a better place to live in
AbbieHoffmansGhost that will never happen
hippiecheezburger No kidding! Those folks are enjoying themselves too much to work for their electors...
the world would be a little bit better but still would not reslove the issue they shoot him down like the great people , JFK and jfk brother, Martin luther king , Malcome X. the goverment does not care they are run by the company leaders that own stocks of proison... people like frank keep me Real! knowing that every country fucked and ran by selfish money hungry human being that gain power..
If Zappa was still alive, he'd probably be a Republican by now.
I never knew how genuine Frank was, especially after listening to Don't Eat Yellow Snow and Dancing Fool about 15 million times. An amazing musician and a solid gentlemen.
Regarding the actual world of commercial music.... It would be so important that Zappa would still be with us. I miss him but what he has done, who he was, those things will never vanish. He put so much into this world and is still there.
such a genius. Can't stop listening to his music
4:41 - skip the bullshit.
+Danny James right about that time people
On the 8th day, God created embedded timecodes!
Thanks, Denny. May you never lose your hearing.
thank you
you should comment on more videos!
lmfao
Appreciation for Frank just leveled up. So glad I came across this old clip
Frank I miss you so much!! so much great music.
“There won’t be any profit from this” That statement is the proof that he cared more about music than money. You don’t find much of that today!
At all
Never get tired of hearing his voice.
I'm thankful for honesty, and Frank Zappa.
I was at this taping.It was so packed with Zappa freaks I had to sit on the floor in the studio audience.30 Rock summer'83!
Well, you were one very lucky soul. It must have been amazing..
Happy father's day Frank .. I saw Dweezil up in Boston at the Berklee Performance Center he did a great job you should be proud
after i watched this clip, i had to wonder why there would be 'any' negative views.
why can't viewers simply say....i really enjoyed that, instead of talking about how
many times he smoked a cigarette! who cares. frank we miss you.
Great guy, he made life a bit more interesting, even for someone like me who struggled with his music. I miss him.
One of the best! Too be he is gone! One of the best musicians of the 20th century. Some say he was a genius. They maybe right. One of FRANK ZAPPA'S favorite quote was: " The modern day composer refuses to die"
Frank was brilliant.......he would have been an excellent talk show host......he was smart, articulate, charming, and funny......gone way to soon....
He also composes quite fine music.
No--he was ingracious, uncharitable, and, now that I think about it, self-important.
+johnbonaccorsi He didn't make as much money as you think. He wasn't as popular or mainstream(commercial) and didn't really care either. He was a genius, and he would have told you to fuck off, so there.
johnbonaccorsi nothing wrong with that honestly
Frank Zappa net worth est = 40 million.
I am watching this almost 40 years later 15 June 2022 I miss you Frank Zappa wasn't even 1 when you died but man discovering your work as been a JOY !!!
This is how music should be, where are these bands today? are they all gone? it is always such a source of inspiration to listen and watch something like Zappa or Miles Davis or whatever instead of whats going on today(well..with some exceptions)tx for sharing so people can remember what music was and not is. cheers
Zappa was so real and straight to the point, a real Genius...
Pretty awesome, two legends in their fields having a really nice chat!
Frank was GREAT he was a brilliant mind...
God bless this man and protect his soul forever. He was so far ahead of his time its scary! I was 13 days old on the day this aired...
After a while, letterman knew not to mess with this guy. I like letterman, but he KNEW not to joke with Zappa coz he is very intelligent
Holy shit I just realized that Bill Maher stole Frank Zappa's talk show idea.
+RebelThoughts82 bill maher is a pompous piece of shit. he isn't a hair on zappa's ass
+dominic parenti I like Maher he tells it like it is.
+dominic parenti I agree with you
i too like Bill Maher, yet when he tells it like 'he' sees it, he seems often enough to be of the opinion, only the way he sees it and his fabolous idears would be the only way to go. So yeah, in a sense he is pompous. Yet what is really great about the show is that you have regularly people from republicans, democrats, liberals and those who would not want to be seen as any of those . That over time shows you in my opinion, that the two party system is just not enough anymore, too big parties, too generealized, too unflexible. Party systems like that, seem always to resolve more in a struggle for power by nearly any means possible and by that loosing the topics out of their eyes. More like a show for us sheep, then politicians really having our interests at heart. When i look at people like Reagon, Bush W. and Trump, then i have to admit, we are sheep more often then not.
lol...totally agree
RIP Frank.. from Lancaster California
so poised and and sophisticated, smart cynical I love him. Frank Zappa and his whole family are awesome. He was so talented and funny also super charismatic. He’s so honest and super sexy in his own way
Love your tremendous list of Zappa videos !!! Awesome 🙏
Delightful! Mucho Gracias from Vermont
Frank Zappa one of the smartest of all rockers.
Watch Frank Zappa debates.
he was no rocker.
59mar Frank was a Rock and Roller but also many other things like Jazz and Classical.
He had his own interpretation as many great artists do.
Example would you call the Moody Blues or Van Morrison or Santana etc - Rock and Rollers.
All have their unique interpretation that takes what they've leaned from other genres.
I would not consider Madonna or Michael Jackson or any of those pop acts as rockers but as pop or dance music.
I have no problem with you not thinking Zappa was not a Rock & Roller.
My guess he would not want to be classified in any category.
John Hammersmith
Yeah - some acts really cannot be (or shouldn't be) categorized. I mean, you could say possibly 'avant-garde' music - but why even try?
As smart as Zappa liked to think he was...smoking all that weed..and cigarettes was not really very smart upon reflection.
Anonymous Nobody Your comment was censored and marked as spam.
I unmarked it as spam as I detest censorship and it is true about cigarettes.
Pity that millions die from smoking tobacco yet it is legal while people languish in prison for the least harmful of all recreational drugs.
Frank was very smart while you are very petty.
Keep in mind the great Albert Einstein smoke a pipe and I believe George Washington smoked marijuana to relieve the pain of his teeth.
At 4:42 - Only Zappa could carry an ashtray on stage like that..and right pass a No Smoking sign *lol*
- Great interview, thanks for uploading it!
you beat me to it
drumstick74 Frank took way too long putting that puppy out.
Yeah, that's a dick move.
Hmm, cool, 4 people who come together to make a perfect example of sleep-walkers..... 2:10, apparently random citizens who paid for the 'privilege', in their eyes, to be there are also brave enough to smoke wherever they please. You all not only failed to observe this and make a connection but also have displayed your commitment to the things/people you like despite getting evidence that sheds doubt on your reasoning for doing so. Perhaps he is likable without imagining personality traits that don't exist, idk?
FTR, we have gained just a tiny bit of info on smoking since 1983. This was the norm back then, not the exception.
Now that's telling of a real artist. Investing his own money to fund his artistic endeavors.
I used to work with Gary (the shorts guy) during the late 80's, early 90's. Fun guy. Introduced me to Dweezil's music.
Mr Zappa was a subject of study in my music class ... ! When Rock first courted Classical ... ! 🎼🎙🎶💯
His obvious intelligence is very evident. What a loss...Barely into his 50's, 4 children, he missed being a grandpa, mentoring their lives..so hard to understand why the good ones always die at the half way mark..An interesting note...I watched his last interview where the interviewer asked him how he was doing, bla bla bla, and come to find out he *should* have been diagnosed with prostate cancer much earlier but his doctor/doctors failed to follow up on his urinary tract/urinary problems. HAD they followed up, they would have caught the dreaded cancer early, and he'd be with us right now, for his family, for his fans and a spokesman for early testing on the prostate. When he was diagnosed, it was already too late, inoperable. Anyhow, a fine man any way you slice it...I miss his amazing energy and music......
Yes, there will never be another Frank Zappa, especially in today's musical climates, although there are still musicians out there who consider Frank Zappa to be a major musical influence, but do you see eclectic music like that ever showing up on the Grammys or even the Golden Globes?...not that one needs an award to make him or her legit. Just picked up the recent reissue of MEAT LIFE--THE UNCLE MEAT PROJECT, and it is still so amazing to hear this kind of musical sculpture. I highly recommend it!
The last honest man. Or at least musician. I miss you Frank
he made his own music for him and his fans and refused to make pop music for the money. he didn't sell out, that's part of the/his appeal
Dave back in the good old days when he was still cool, relatively new at the game and not so bitter - and Frank really just being a real guy; not so sarcastic, caustic, political or defensive. Very laid back interview and so refreshing to see! I sure do miss Frank - but you know I miss the old Dave too...
Frank ZAPPA- TV EXTRAORDINAIRE!!
To put it short - having people like Frank Zappa on the show made David Letterman's talkshow the legend it is.
5:46 Frank's mini death-stare after talking about "brown lipstick" sticks out to me for some reason.
He might have been disappointed that it went right over Letterman's head.
I am sure Letterman got it you would have to be a moron not to. Letterman I am sure wore it a lot back then. He changed the topic immediately because he did get it.
I guess he didn’t get the contract.
Lettermens early days were stellar.
They really were.
Really LIKED him; we watched him nearly every night for YEARS. Too bad he’s turned out to be a detached, disturbed, rude, obsessed, ignorant jerk. Its like add him to the damn list; the ever lengthening list -It’s soooo off putting for alllll of these damn celebs thinking we need THEIR damn input. I have my own damn ideas. I do not need nor care what they think about politics. It’s become pathetic and even sad. Like-remember when Jimmy Fallon used to FUNNY!?! It’s all totally ruined and obvious and beyond annoying. He’s a total sell-out.
They’ve become a freaking extension of the Mainstream Media! Hell, maybe they always were; they were just restrained and much more subtle... somebody high up flipped that switch and they alllll jumped to it - they do “their job” and the elite’s bidding; always spreading and sharing. Sick and sad.
I was just thinking the same thing, I liked the young Letterman of the 80s compared to the asshole he became from the late 90s and up....
04:11
Up this so as to save people some precious moments of their lives
thanks
No one's lives are so important that they can't sit through a few extra minutes...but people are ADHD AF...
but we'll miss Gary Titone.
Brendan Black no one should choose to waste time
some of the best time I've spent was wasted
How awesome!! I was a young teen in 1977 when me and my buddy saw him at the War Memorial in Buffalo.we were terrified at the screaming during Torture never Stops.what a night.RIP FZ
Not many of us had a VCR or Betamax back then. Wow, Paul Shaffer had hair! I totally forgot how limited the LSO Lp was. What a turn on! Thanks for the upload; I forgot this interview even existed.
Wow an honest answer! The first one ever in TV history. Thanks Frank! Man, he's missed! My son's now a bigger fan of Zappa than I was, so I've parented something right.
LOL! He got right up to the line for the censors with the "brown lipstick" riff.
Back in the 70's I bought a book called the Frank Zappa Songbook Volume 1. It had sheet music for tunes like King Kong,Brown Shoes Don't Make It, plus maybe a dozen or so others. Pretty well done considering how rock music books usually were back then. ACTUAL sheet music!
Frank is such a down-to-earth, bright guy. Well spoken, thoughtful, and honest. You just have to love the guy. I am not a huge fan of his music, but I have a lot of respect for him, and he his absolutely talented beyond my imagination.
I watched this when it first aired, and never since. Wow!
i'd forgotten how cool
my hero, the Zappa! you can have a flashback just thinking about "weasels ripped my flesh!" 🍄
He was his own label. So much a genius!
*no smoking* Comes out with a cigarette and ashtray. Oh Frank
I saw Frank in concert around this time and it was incredible.
A grandad of mine used to tell me that it’s important to work hard and to help people who do. Conversely, he mentioned that people who use influence and purchase little plastic tubes of foul smelling lipstick should be avoided at all cost. I am still poor and lonely but at least my conscience is clear.