Dweezil Zappa Adds New Member, New Frank Zappa Covers & ’80s Medley For Summer Tour

This past Friday guitarist Dweezil Zappa finally kicked off a summer tour with the outfit formerly known as “Zappa Plays Zappa.” After a few name changes and tons of drama, the focus was put on the music starting on July 1 in Taos, New Mexico. Dweezil’s band has a new addition and added many tunes the group hadn’t played before to the setlist for opening night for a tour focusing on Frank Zappa’s early days.

In a trailer for the tour Zappa shares rehearsal footage for the “Dweezil Zappa Plays Whatever The F@%k He Wants: Cease & Desist Tour 2016.” He announces vocalist Mikki Hommel has been added to the group. Footage of “Doreen,” “You’re Probably Wondering Why I’m Here,” “Harry You’re A Beast,” “What Will This Evening Bring Me This Morning,” “You Didn’t Try To Call Me,” “Holiday In Berlin,” “five-five-FIVE” and “The Illinois Enema Bandit” are among the songs included within the clip:

As per Setlist.FM, opening night included Dweezil Zappa/Zappa Plays Zappa debuts of “Walk On,” “Transylvania Boogie,” “It Can’t Happen Here,” “You’re Probably Wondering Why I’m Here,” “Lemme Take You To The Beach,” “Shove It Right In” and “Eat That Question.” The show in New Mexico also featured the return of “Help, I’m A Rock” for the first time since 2006, “The Orange County Lumber Truck,” “The Illinois Enema Bandit” and “You Didn’t Try To Call Me” for the first time since 2012, “Catholic Girls” and “Keep It Greasey” for the first time since 2010 and “Doreen” for the first time since 2007.

Dweezil and his band also unveiled the 100+ song, 25+ minute medley of ’80s covers that were part of his solo shows from late last year and earlier this year. Watch video of Dweezil and some members of his Frank Zappa tribute act pull off the ’80s medley back on May 4 at the Ardmore Music Hall in Ardmore, Pennsylvania as captured by Robert Reppert:

Here’s the ’80s medley performed at Red Rocks on July 2 thanks to Jon Weber: