Mike Keneally Inca Roads Cardiff 16 March 2003

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  • Опубліковано 6 лют 2025
  • The bravest performance of Frank Zappa's Inca Roads I have ever witnessed - completely solo. Not even a broken string prevents Mike from finishing the song with gusto!
    The applause at the end is very well deserved indeed.
    This is from the Toucan Club, Cardiff 16th March 2003

КОМЕНТАРІ • 476

  • @Alun49
    @Alun49 5 років тому +123

    Of all the Zappa guitarists I often think that Mike Keneally, coming right at the end of Zappa's touring band years, gets a little overlooked! He is a superb player and deserves far greater recognition! This is an incredible feet, to play Inca Roads on acoustic? Solo???? Jeezzz!

    • @tomz808
      @tomz808 4 роки тому +5

      I've been a Zappa fan since Weasels but I never heard of him. Thanks UA-cam for knowing that I should know about him!

    • @ManicMovesDrowsyDreams
      @ManicMovesDrowsyDreams 3 роки тому +7

      He's the most like Zappa all around as an artist.

    • @timcardona9962
      @timcardona9962 3 роки тому +10

      @@tomz808 Have you seen the Zappa's Universe video from 93 ? Zappa produced and arranged the whole show and Keneally is the 'frontman" and does jazz disharge party hats, vocals *and* guitar. Keneally is a legend in the zappa world

    • @tomz808
      @tomz808 3 роки тому

      @@timcardona9962 Hi Tim. Thanks for the recommendation. I haven't seen it so I'll check it out.

    • @andyg5655
      @andyg5655 3 роки тому +4

      @@timcardona9962 Yep, it was a shame Vai won a Grammy for "Sofa" when Mike was on point for so many more complicated tunes, especially "brown shoes". Mike made that night special to the Zappa's, he was otherworldly in how well he captured the "eyebrows".

  • @franciscojavierruiz7219
    @franciscojavierruiz7219 5 років тому +87

    No idea that a single acoustic person can make such incredibly complicated song so fully respectful to the original!!!

    • @espaciodelangel5760
      @espaciodelangel5760 3 роки тому

      I can't even understand all of this weirds musical ideas... totally amazing

    • @seabertotter4325
      @seabertotter4325 Рік тому

      It's true that married couples are are the ones that usually make a such incredibly complicated song so fully respectful to the original! Reports are coming in from the lab that this phenomenon is usually accomplished immediately after coitus.

  • @grouchozappa
    @grouchozappa 9 років тому +145

    Most awesome thing you're gonna find on the internet

    • @marshalljoe338
      @marshalljoe338 6 років тому +6

      Groucho Zappa I once saw someone fit their entire head in a cows vagina. This still just beats

    • @franciscojavierruiz7219
      @franciscojavierruiz7219 5 років тому

      Yes indeed!!

    • @mu99ins
      @mu99ins 4 роки тому +1

      A normal person can't do that. This guy must have some kind of genetic mutation. Or else, he's from a different planet...check his papers.

    • @scottjist
      @scottjist 4 роки тому

      @@mu99ins oooooo

    • @scottjist
      @scottjist 4 роки тому

      @@franciscojavierruiz7219 and the

  • @jibicusmaximus4827
    @jibicusmaximus4827 4 роки тому +35

    As a guitarist of 35 years I can confirm, that is impossible lol, he has a great feel too, that is hard to get across with other such complex musical forms I find.

  • @CalebDeCoteau
    @CalebDeCoteau 3 роки тому +17

    Even the guitar couldn't handle it... The power of Mike is unchallenged.

  • @gelbot
    @gelbot 6 років тому +26

    The fact that the Universe saw fit to allow Mike Keneally to play in Zappa's band encourages me to think that sometimes things work out the way they are supposed to :)

  • @chriswinter8255
    @chriswinter8255 3 роки тому +4

    "Well, why don't you sharpen it, then?" - Unbelievable musicianship....Fucking WOW!!!

  • @hackupboulders
    @hackupboulders 2 роки тому +5

    I didn't see the wheelbarrow on stage that he wheeled his BALLS in to even TRY this song solo! Fantastic Mike, Bravo!!!

  • @juliehankinson4891
    @juliehankinson4891 2 роки тому +11

    Amazing performance. Frank must have been looking down at him and beaming with pride.

  • @TimSchmidt_art
    @TimSchmidt_art 5 років тому +20

    Anyone who even attempts this song, on any instrument....guitar, piano, kazoo...is a legend in my book.

  • @Vanderdude404
    @Vanderdude404 8 років тому +83

    somebody give this man a grammy and then end them because this is the best thing ever.

    • @ManicMovesDrowsyDreams
      @ManicMovesDrowsyDreams 3 роки тому

      It is. I'm not even a fan of performances of this song from the 70s either

  • @donovanhattingh8976
    @donovanhattingh8976 3 роки тому +16

    Every couple of years I end up back here after a few drinks and it still completely blows my mind. For me one of the best things about this video is that most people watching it would be completely nonplussed. That chasm between perceptions of this video is part of what makes it truly extraordinary for me. A non-musician and non-Zappa fan will see a guy who seems to know what he's doing playing what appears to be random notes with a puzzling melody and apparently random lyrics. A musician and non-Zappa fan would see a very talented individual doing something that's clearly interesting and special, but would also be none the wiser with no more context. A Zappa fan who's a non-musician would understand what's going on and appreciate the massive amount of skill required, but maybe not appreciate all the nuances. But a musician and Zappa fan? Well, that's why I keep coming back here. Mike Keneally is one of the most tragically underappreciated musicians of his generation. The guy is a fucking machine! Just the knowledge that this video exists makes me happy.

    • @cpkuhnen
      @cpkuhnen 3 роки тому +1

      Well said!

    • @jamiesmart8704
      @jamiesmart8704 Рік тому

      💯

    • @atomshalom
      @atomshalom Рік тому +1

      You said it right. He's magnificent

    • @emanuelediiorio-gp7wl
      @emanuelediiorio-gp7wl Рік тому

      A beautifully articulated comment. I couldn't agree more. And i think i'm going to get back to this video myself in similar conditions as yours. I just it right now for the very first time.

  • @tommyquirk2084
    @tommyquirk2084 10 років тому +30

    In any other era, this type of genius would be locked up.
    Absolutely brilliant.

  •  8 років тому +10

    Holy Holy Cr** Sh** Fu**.... I clapped out loud in my office when this ended!!!!!
    Insanely good and respectful of Zappa and George Duke and that whole AMAZING band Zappa had. Mike played the HELL out of this!!!! NICE-NICE-NICE

  • @bustedfender
    @bustedfender 2 роки тому +3

    A solo acoustic version. Was not expecting that. Suitably bonkers.

  • @Toddobvious
    @Toddobvious Рік тому +2

    Love the inclusion of Jazz Discharge Party Hats as the incidental dialogue

  • @cravinbob
    @cravinbob 8 років тому +164

    ""Inca Roads"? I thought, how in the hell in the hell is he gonna pull that off? I guess I know now. I will be out back burning my guitars if anyone is looking for me...

    • @TimSchmidt_art
      @TimSchmidt_art 8 років тому +7

      HAHA. I hear ya man.

    • @cravinbob
      @cravinbob 8 років тому +8

      Yeah, does he perform his own stunts or is that a stand-in?!

    • @philadams5580
      @philadams5580 6 років тому +1

      Hahahahahaha, we've all said that at one point or another but, this was very well applied.....

    • @almsthvn
      @almsthvn 6 років тому +5

      Because he's Mike Keneally.

    • @michaeltraffanstedt7674
      @michaeltraffanstedt7674 6 років тому

      You said it.

  • @emanuelediiorio-gp7wl
    @emanuelediiorio-gp7wl Рік тому +1

    What the hell did i just see?!?! Video was suggested to me by youtube. When i saw the thumbnail i thought "no way, he can't play inca roads all by himself using only voice and guitar!"
    And here i sit now, absolutely flabbergasted. Probably the closest thing to the definition of "unbelievable" i have ever experienced! Stunning performance!!!

  • @bveracka
    @bveracka 9 років тому +62

    That was an AWESOME PERFORMANCE! It takes a certain talent to entertain a crowd with a song as tough, weird, and long as this one. Then he pulls an ace from his sleeve when he breaks a string and jumps on the Rhodes piano; how cool! This has got to be one of the coolest "open-mic night" -style videos I've ever seen. *Hats off to Mike Keneally!*

  • @duncansmith69
    @duncansmith69 2 місяці тому +1

    every time ive seen mike keneally ive been blown away.

  • @SonicWizKid_Kates
    @SonicWizKid_Kates 3 роки тому +5

    OMG... And I hereby challenge anybody who gave this a "thumbs down" to try this themselves.

  • @timmungenast
    @timmungenast 8 років тому +46

    Clearly one of the very best guitarists alive.

    • @sgtpepper91
      @sgtpepper91 6 років тому

      lmfao, sure

    • @diegocorredor9298
      @diegocorredor9298 2 роки тому +3

      @@sgtpepper91 -"sgt pepper"

    • @mellivebrown28
      @mellivebrown28 2 роки тому

      Absolutely awesome man! You really did a good job! Nice sharing! Subscribe here!

  • @agentmorgan_ny
    @agentmorgan_ny Рік тому +5

    This man's gift is innate and uncanny while coupled with a strong work ethic. If you are familiar with this song then you know how absolutely mind blowing this is.!!

  • @PrankZabba
    @PrankZabba 9 років тому +45

    GREAT GOOGLY MOOGLY!!!

  • @billmcauley8281
    @billmcauley8281 10 років тому +22

    Fecking genius , and to finish off on the keyboard with that scatting part just showed Mikes true class . Amazing musician

  • @crydee1
    @crydee1 11 років тому +24

    That was THE BEST version I have ever seen, apart from the big man,
    The show must go on.
    Friggin awesome

  • @drkmriggs
    @drkmriggs 4 роки тому +6

    I knew he was gonna break a string! Absolutely insane rendition.

  • @pallhe
    @pallhe 9 років тому +15

    Impressive. You've got to admire the man's guts for even trying this!

  • @Tenkvandool
    @Tenkvandool Місяць тому +1

    ok. MIND BLOWN

  • @swordstoke
    @swordstoke Рік тому +3

    Nothing short of astounding! Having seen Zappa play it live this comes a close second! Bravo!

  • @deathlesshorsie
    @deathlesshorsie 10 років тому +18

    Jaw dropping - absolutely stunning ... i'm lost for works at his greatness....

  • @curiousnomad
    @curiousnomad 6 років тому +4

    Frank’s question “What can you do that’s FANTASTIC?” This.

  • @chreg1
    @chreg1 5 років тому +6

    Genius, best Zappa cover I have ever seen.

  • @clearspot1267
    @clearspot1267 4 роки тому +7

    Incredible to have the nerve to do that live, just amazing. Hats off to you Mike! Frank would have loved it, what an amazing performance

  • @rezleraz
    @rezleraz 3 роки тому +4

    I remember an interview (or did I read it?) where Frank said: "...of all the guitarists in the band, Mike (Keneally) had the keenest ear."

    • @cscroger6742
      @cscroger6742 2 роки тому +1

      FZ also called MK " the best new guy in the band, ever".

  • @BLzBob.7268
    @BLzBob.7268 2 дні тому

    Life long Zappa admirer here, back for another fix in 2025. Mike Keneally really took Franks tunes to heart. It is obvious in this gig. He fucking beasted this incredibly complex tune, solo. Wish I was there. I would have been the guy hugging him. X

  • @esaker
    @esaker Рік тому +1

    This has made me indescribably happy!

  • @donfurcio4080
    @donfurcio4080 2 роки тому +1

    Inca roads (Impossible version)... amazing

  • @NickHolum
    @NickHolum Рік тому +1

    He should be awarded with a medal for this

  • @a_missippian
    @a_missippian 9 років тому +14

    keep coming back for this mindblower .. gotta see him live

  • @deanallen927
    @deanallen927 4 роки тому +3

    Holy shit! He's a great singer too! What a total badass.

  • @COTG666
    @COTG666 2 роки тому +3

    This is the most amazing performance of a Zappa song I've ever seen. When he breaks a string near the end, it becomes even more amazing.

  • @stevenluxenberg379
    @stevenluxenberg379 2 роки тому +4

    That performance is simply incredible, inspiring and beyond comprehension. You can feel the passion and love coming from the heart and spirit from Mr. Keneally. God bless you.

  • @fzappa1325
    @fzappa1325 5 років тому +4

    After seeing Zappa´s original version and Mike Keneally´s, I´m shure I could live 1000 years and I wouldn´t be able to play that wonderful number !

  • @dcodfert
    @dcodfert 2 роки тому +1

    incredible kenneally !!!!! AMAZING Inca roads alone ....... genius !!!!

  • @johnskelley6710
    @johnskelley6710 4 роки тому +1

    I heard that he was from San Diego so I thought it was Cardiff in North County. Boy was I off. By about a million miles. It's very cool that Zappa found mr. Mike.

  • @flowerpunkchip
    @flowerpunkchip 9 років тому +12

    Absolutely love it when a genius plays music of another genius (not a statement, just my point of view)

  • @johnharpdalton7766
    @johnharpdalton7766 8 років тому +6

    Fabulous guitar playing and singing... Zappa lives! What a technique, and what a great tune even without the band. How did Frank ever come up with such stuff!!! Mike, you're one of the best guitarists ever... not to mention the keys, too... You's the tops!

  • @housseineelhamidi1586
    @housseineelhamidi1586 Рік тому

    Whaaaaaaaat a really Great Cover of Frank Zappa beautiful wonderful performance insane I love it woooow congratulations 🎉 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
    🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

  • @blzbob7936
    @blzbob7936 11 місяців тому

    Stunning skills! To do this complicated tune, on an acoustic, and keyboard, live, is incredible. Thanks for posting this. x

  • @angelosartore2179
    @angelosartore2179 7 років тому +7

    Truly EXCELLENT. Hats off to you sir. This is one of my all-time favourite Zappa tunes.

  • @gedwalls7660
    @gedwalls7660 4 роки тому +3

    A severely underrated artist.

  • @kipponi
    @kipponi 9 років тому +34

    I have no fucking idea how these people can play Zappa's stuff.
    Orchestra song with multiple parts? It takes four brains to do that :).
    Of course I know Keneally and I love Zappa's music.

    • @TylerVanner
      @TylerVanner 9 років тому

      +kipponi He played with Frank Zappa. He wouldn't of played with Zappa if he didn't know how to play

    • @kipponi
      @kipponi 9 років тому +1

      Tyler Vanner I have been listening Zappa for ages of course I know that.
      I am just amazed Keneally's multiple skills.
      I know he can play many instruments.

    • @TylerVanner
      @TylerVanner 9 років тому

      Yeah true say.

  • @peterlawson777
    @peterlawson777 6 років тому +3

    Makes me want to throw my guitar away......exceptional.....then he goes and plays it on the keyboard too.....bloody hell.

  • @goodun6081
    @goodun6081 6 років тому +10

    "You can't do that [be this brave] on stage any more". Frank would have been impressed ---- then would've demanded a royalty check!

  • @NerveEnd
    @NerveEnd 4 роки тому +1

    this is as close as you can get to perfection

  • @christophersleight1943
    @christophersleight1943 4 роки тому +1

    Sometimes there aren't words to accurately describe witnessing, ah, something.
    I'm speechless.

  • @brucepieroni9102
    @brucepieroni9102 Рік тому +1

    Holy cow, Mike. Outstanding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • @franciscojavierruiz7219
    @franciscojavierruiz7219 5 років тому +3

    Man you are completely crazy out of this world!!

  • @jonnybabylon
    @jonnybabylon 9 років тому +13

    Yikes! That man is so cool. I got to meet him on the last FZ tour and he was just as nice kind and inspiring as he seems. It's great to catch up with him again and see that as original as he is he still keeps the true Zappa spirit in tact. Thanks.

  • @stephenyates5299
    @stephenyates5299 2 роки тому +1

    I saw Mike do this at PMT music in Birmingham. I could not believe my eyes and ears. As a musician and arranger, this guy is on another level. Love his work!

  • @flowerpunkchip
    @flowerpunkchip 3 роки тому

    Something beautiful and positive in 2021.... God i miss the old normal.

  • @neilzappa2480
    @neilzappa2480 4 роки тому +3

    Holy shit You are awesome I will pass this on to people who need to know Big love to you From a guy that understands Zappa And how how it’s put together 👌 Manchester England. You are excellent 👌 Brilliant.

  • @bendavies4072
    @bendavies4072 5 років тому +2

    No WAY did he just do that!! What an absolute legend. Hats off sir!

  • @PaulMurray_writer
    @PaulMurray_writer 4 роки тому +3

    Fucking incredible - bravo, Mike Keneally

  • @chuckanziulewicz9926
    @chuckanziulewicz9926 4 роки тому

    Big Zappa fan here. I bow to you, sir.

  • @enricocavasino3642
    @enricocavasino3642 4 роки тому +1

    WOW MIKE!!!! WHAT'S STOONED PERFORMANCE of this incredible piéce of Zappa's MUSIC ......IS THE BEST!!!!

  • @ronfrey6639
    @ronfrey6639 4 роки тому +4

    This version is unstoppable and it makes me very happy..
    I met Mike once before G3 I was early to show to see Ej and had tickets anyway but just like soundcheck early and Mike was walking around playing the green strat and just all around the room just jamming but no sound I was looking at him and he said hello and I said you mind me asking your walking around doing a sound check but no sound he said oh im marking my territory I said what he said its a mind thing to get over stage freight blew me the fuck away I said tell me more he said he just went around all during sound check in every area of the room so he already played there ive done this every since cause Ive got it myself and it works to an extent but practice is the rest it has to be automatic and Mike came out with Vai and blew everybodies shit away never missed a note and walked around sarchastically as if that shit was so easy and ho hum boring.. fucking wrecked the place.. I love this man because he made me strive to become better and ive worked at reading music more and will continue to do so this month...

  • @MakoNext
    @MakoNext 5 років тому +4

    best acoustic performance ever made in history! congratulations

  • @circulation69
    @circulation69 7 років тому +87

    I was lucky enough to be at this gig, what an awesome night it was. The most amazing thing is it wasn't a planned show as part of a tour. Mike was visiting friends in Wales and was asked to do it as a one-off. What an amazing down to earth human being he was as well.
    A big thank you for posting this, it's just brought back some amazing memories :)

    • @charliehollis1486
      @charliehollis1486 5 років тому +6

      Thank you for the background about this performance. What a transcendent moment to have been present for. In a just world, everyone would know about, and adore, Master Michael Keneally!

    • @deepindercheema4917
      @deepindercheema4917 5 років тому +2

      I was at the tour in Birmingham, it was part of a Taylor guitars sponsorship. Where was it in Cardiff?

    • @smegger68
      @smegger68 5 років тому +2

      @@deepindercheema4917 The Toucan club.

    • @gedwalls7660
      @gedwalls7660 4 роки тому +3

      I met him in Manchester UK.
      He was kind enough to share some of his wisdom with me about playing Guitar and improvising. A true gentleman.

    • @tomz808
      @tomz808 4 роки тому +1

      He is amazing.

  • @mikegallagher4388
    @mikegallagher4388 7 років тому +1

    This is possibly the greatest video in the history of video.

  • @martynphillips5310
    @martynphillips5310 4 роки тому +2

    That is unbelievably amazing!!!! How the hell????????? So good!

  • @smoovegittar
    @smoovegittar 8 років тому +6

    Saw him and Bellar play this at East Coast Music in Danbury, CT. many years ago. Mike is just astounding.

  • @kevincassidy1789
    @kevincassidy1789 4 роки тому +1

    Insane. Unbelievable achievement, playing that tune solo.

  • @kennylyon1934
    @kennylyon1934 3 роки тому +1

    A beyond brilliant musician playing the music of a beyond brilliant composer... remarkable)

  • @charlesarizona
    @charlesarizona Рік тому

    Was privileged to see him in "The Zappa Band" last year playing at Whiskey a Go Go. Not well attended, so I had no trouble standing ten feet away and watching him play, alternating between guitar and keyboard with casual dexterity, sometimes playing both at once. I can't imagine having that kind of musical fluency. And he has said in an interview when when he first auditioned for Zappa, he had memorized all the music so he didn't read any of it, just pretended to, as he knew Zappa wanted musicians who could read.

  • @davexxx5175
    @davexxx5175 3 роки тому +1

    I saw Mike for the first time with Zappa .. it was one of the last concerts of his .
    It was in the end of May 1988 ... another great musician from Zappa's band!
    Amazing performance!

  • @_fesh
    @_fesh 5 років тому +2

    I've never seen such raw talent in a performance before holy shit

  • @jameswalker4704
    @jameswalker4704 Рік тому +2

    Now on my daily playlist.....help open up my ears....he's also cute and joyful...and the way he saves it at the end....

    • @jameswalker4704
      @jameswalker4704 Рік тому

      This, Spanish Fly, and Eugene's Trick Bag.....

  • @Njal55
    @Njal55 11 років тому +2

    Fantastic all round musician!

  • @leomilani_gtr
    @leomilani_gtr 8 років тому +4

    this man is unbelieveble...

  • @2wayplebney
    @2wayplebney 3 роки тому +1

    Totally nuts and very wonderful.

  • @KRITHMAN
    @KRITHMAN 5 років тому +2

    unbelevable! you are so great man!

  • @anthonyfesta1224
    @anthonyfesta1224 6 років тому +2

    I never seen or heard this done before... what a challenge!!! 😎 BRAVO!!!!

  • @chreg1
    @chreg1 4 роки тому +1

    Unbelievable nail biting journey, the guy is a genius!

  • @KhalDrogo76
    @KhalDrogo76 6 років тому +2

    Wow this is incredible

  • @erikmaronde2244
    @erikmaronde2244 3 місяці тому

    Mike is a top class act on guitar, keyboards, vocals and as a human!🎉🎶🖖

  • @monomaiden
    @monomaiden 9 років тому +10

    Amazing!! you have to be out of your mind to attempt this

  • @DrCoyoteBanjo
    @DrCoyoteBanjo 7 років тому +5

    Mike--this is AWESOME! Absolutely convinced that FZ would approve! Well done sir!

  • @aidanmca4177
    @aidanmca4177 4 роки тому +2

    Wow, pure talent. This performance is amazing

  • @imaseeker100
    @imaseeker100 10 років тому +13

    holy shit. I would have not thought that was even possible. on acoustic guitar? guess I have a lifetime project ahead of me. well, maybe by the next lifetime.

  • @jimbrown195
    @jimbrown195 3 роки тому +1

    Just wonderful. Thanks.

  • @rockfilm
    @rockfilm 4 роки тому +1

    OMG...what a brilliant version. Thx all.

  • @alexroth5553
    @alexroth5553 2 роки тому +1

    This is still probably the most fucked up thing I've ever seen. Mike is such a g

  • @vadimhoekstra9382
    @vadimhoekstra9382 3 роки тому +1

    what a talented man, wonderful.

  • @090nj2
    @090nj2 3 роки тому +1

    *He kept on goingg after the string snapped, legend*

  • @stevearle
    @stevearle 10 років тому

    Holy Fucking FUCK!!! Pretty well note for note on acoustic! with Vocals! and the probable ability to do it all on keys as well!!!!!!
    I knew he was good but whoa!

  • @erickaeuffling
    @erickaeuffling 4 роки тому +1

    magnifique ! merci

  • @asb3pe
    @asb3pe 9 років тому

    Where youtube shines the brightest is with these otherwise-unseen gems of videos... Keneally's musicianship is on full display, but the best part for me is when not one, but two members of the audience are so joyously drunk with admiration and adulation that they are compelled to come on stage and give Mike a great handshake and hug. LOL Isn't that what music is all about?!

  • @jarrahdrum
    @jarrahdrum 9 років тому +3

    I was there, I was there ; it was a very intimate gig; 100 people maybe less. Dave Gregory also played.

    • @alanollier9683
      @alanollier9683 8 років тому +3

      And Dave Gregory is certainly no slouch, some of His XTC stuff puts Him near the top in My favourite guitarist list.