Happy Birthday Frank Zappa: Live In Paris 1980

While the world lost Frank Zappa just over 24 years ago, JamBase still wants to take the opportunity to celebrate what would’ve been the legendary composer/guitarist’s 77th birthday. Frank’s influence continues to be heard in many bands’ music and his son, Dweezil, continues to carry his father’s flag.

One of the few pro-shot Frank Zappa concerts found on YouTube features FZ’s June 11, 1980 performance at Palais des Sports in Paris, France. The show was broadcast on French TV later that year and re-broadcast in 2007. The band for this show featured Zappa along with guitarists Ike Willis and Ray White, keyboardist Tommy Mars, bassist Arthur Barrow and David Logeman – one of the smallest units in Frank’s history.

Played just a year after the release of Joe’s Garage, the evening’s setlist only included a handful of tracks from the Rock Opera including the title track, “Why Does It Hurt When I Pee?” and “Keep It Greasey.” The 26-song performance is delightfully guitar-heavy and contains a number of impressive solos. An interesting moment occurs in the middle of “Pound For A Brown,” when Frank advises the crowd the band is going to perform something for a mystery guest. Turns out that guest was Pierre Boulez, one of the most distinguished composers and conductors in the world. Watch:

[Originally Published: December 21, 2015]