We bought our tickets and paid for our hotel in November! Fabgrandpa was counting down the days until the 18th of April. Finally, the big day was here. We had the VIP tickets that allowed us to enter the venue at about 5:30 so we could be there for the sound check. What a treat. This year we did not have to leave after the sound check. We just moved over a bit to the side where we would be able to see better during the concert.
Funny thing: We were standing in line outside the theater, talking to the people behind us. It turns out, they are from Tallapoosa, about 8 miles from us. Talk about a small world!
At 5:30, we went in and found a seat up close to the stage. The sound check was not as much playing songs like they did last year.
Dweezil said they played an outdoor venue the day before, and their equipment got wet.
They were having some problems with Ben Thomas’s guitar. They got it going to their satisfaction before the concert started.When it did start, all that empty space in front of the stage filled up with people.
When the concert was over, we were treated to a meet and greet. We stood in a really long line, for a really long time. It was ok though, because everyone there was just like us. They wanted to meet the band, meet Dweezil, shake his hand, get an autograph.
When we finally got up there, though, it was worth the wait for at least one of us. Fabgrandpa had his picture taken with Dweezil. The only thing that would have made this man any happier would have been if Frank himself had been in that photo with them.
Just look at that huge smile. We also got some photos of the rest of the band:
And my stupid line of the night, when I was talking to Ben Thomas, the vocalist: “I am so impressed with your singing.” I walked away and smacked my own head. Sigh.
And, just in case you are a Zappa fan, here is the playlist for the concert:
- Inca Roads (Frank Zappa cover)
- Can’t Afford No Shoes (Frank Zappa cover)
- Sofa (Frank Zappa cover)
- Po-Jama People (Frank Zappa cover)
- Florentine Pogen (Frank Zappa cover)
- Evelyn, a Modified Dog (Frank Zappa cover)
- San Ber’dino (Frank Zappa cover)
- Andy (Frank Zappa cover)
- Sofa No. 2 (Frank Zappa cover)
- Extra songs:
- Status Back Baby (The Mothers of Invention cover)
- Big Leg Emma (The Mothers of Invention cover)
- The Grand Wazoo (Frank Zappa cover)
- Vamp (equipment repairs)
- Baby Snakes (Frank Zappa cover)
- I’m So Cute (Frank Zappa cover)
- Society Pages (Frank Zappa cover)
- Magic Fingers (Frank Zappa cover)
- Sinister Footwear (Frank Zappa cover)
- Encore:
- Cosmik Debris (Frank Zappa cover)
- Dancin’ Fool (Frank Zappa cover)
- Montana (Frank Zappa cover)
- Muffin Man (Frank Zappa cover)
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
I have heard of the Zappa’s, but I never realized they were musical. I guess I never really knew who they were other than Frank, who was a hippie, right? Glad you had fun at the show 🙂
Karen says
Frank Zappa was a musician during the hippie years, but I wouldn’t say he was a hippie. He was a musician and a composer. His music, while my husband and I like it, is not for everyone.
lisasamples says
Awesome Karen, I think it is great that you guys still go to concerts! I have always wanted to go to a Frank Zappa concert so this is interesting. I never knew about Zappa Plays Zappa. I’ll have to check it out. Glad you had fun!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
This sounds great! Frank Zappa was such an innovator in music. I’ve never heard of Zappa Plays Zappa before. Thanks!
Melissa Pezza says
This looks like a really rocking show. Frank Zappa was such a creative musician.
Marvelous Mommy says
Oh how fun! Looks like y’all had a blast!
Liz Mays says
That must have been so fun! It seems like they really wanted to interact with fans here!
Jeanine says
How fun this would be! I’ve heard the last name Zappa before but had no idea about the musical talent!
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert says
My in-laws love Frank Zappa, I’m sure they would have loved this show too! With two young kids at home, getting out to a concert seems like such a magical getaway!
Penelope says
I can’t even tell you how cool it is to me that you met him…he is pretty darned hot!
Theresa says
Super cool event and even cooler you were able to get in for the sound check! Looks like you had great seats!
geogypsy2u says
What an exciting time, and excellent music. Plus the extras. Haven’t been to a concert in decades as I just can’t handle the crowd.
DonnaChaffins (@DonnaChaffins) says
I really never got into Zappa when I was younger, but I love how interactive they were with their fans. Glad you guys got to have the experience!
Kristi says
I am not a huge concert goer myself, however slowly but surely I cross off a few on my concert bucket list. Bob Dylan was the most recent. Looks like you had a fun time, and thanks for sharing all the photos of your adventure as well.
Marcie W. says
I grew up listening to Frank Zappa and will never turn down a live music experience. I am sure the meet and greet just made the show that much more exciting.
Stacey- Travel Blogger says
I’m glad they worked out the guitar issues! Zappa sounds great!
yumeating says
What an amazing show. When I was a little younger I had a huge crush on Dweezil Zappa.
Angela says
Wow, this show looks amazing! I’m so glad you had a wonderful time!
Rosey says
My husband is a huge Frank Zappa fan. He saw his son play too and really enjoyed it. I’m glad you had a good time!
Jocelyn McGaffic says
How fun! I had a huge crush on Dweezil when I was young! Cool you got pics with him!
Kecia says
Getting to sit in on the sound check must have been fun! I love listening to live music, it’s so much better than anything you hear on the radio or internet.
Tamra Phelps says
I was born in ’65, so I definitely remember Frank Zappa. I remember Dweezil, too from early MTV & his guitar playing on various artist’s records during the 80s/90s. It’s good to see him still playing, & doing his Dad’s songs, too. He still looks amazingly young!
DJ says
I love Variety Playhouse! It’s such a great venue. I have seen so many fun bands there. Looks like you guys had a great time!