There are artists who leave behind a legacy that transcends time. A body of work so rich and full of range that it needs to be commemorated. Frank Zappa’s prolific career spanned over 30 years, and now, 30 years after his death, his son is honouring him in the best possible way: singing his songs, playing his guitars, and having a few laughs along the way.
I’ve been waiting five years for Dweezil Zappa to come to Montreal. I had tickets for the March 2020 tour, which was sadly cancelled. So I was really looking forward to seeing him perform at Place des Arts.
There was no opener, and the show began a little after eight and ran till almost 11. It was one of the most action-packed, high-energy shows that I’ve seen in quite a while. The band was comprised of ridiculously talented multi-instrumentalists who played intricate, complex music like they were simply jamming with friends.
Which made me wonder what the audition process was like. I imagined an SNL skit where some really wild characters have to prove their ability not just to sing or play an instrument, but actually to tell outrageous stories. If you’re not familiar with Frank Zappa lyrics, just look at the setlist. They weren’t simply talented musicians but quirky and unique personalities who each added their own special flavour to the mix. Zach Tabori on guitar and drums, Bobby Victor on keyboard, Ryan Brown on drums, Kurt Morgan on bass, and Scheila Gonzales on saxophone, flute, keyboards, harmonica, and vuvuzela. They all did vocals and were good enough to front their own bands.
Dweezil didn’t sing as much as I expected, but he didn’t have to. He allowed each bandmate to shine, stepping back and watching them with a big grin on his face. I loved his chill vibe—he was in complete control of that beautiful chaos. He let his fingers do most of the talking. With his father‘s rare guitars proudly displayed behind him, Dweezil took his time to relate their histories and put so much care into playing them. Dweezil is no nepo baby trying to cash in on his father’s name. He’s a skilled and dedicated musician with pure love and respect for the art.
I could tell it was gonna be a fun night because before Dweezil got to the stage, the band played the theme from Knight Rider. And they kept that fun, loving energy going throughout the night.
In addition to covering a lot of his dad’s songs, they did some silly renditions of Bon Jovi’s Livin’ on a Prayer and Lionel Richie’s “Hello,” on a blue plastic vuvuzela that sounded like a duck. Dweezil even covered a Van Halen track (Push Comes to Shove), which I really enjoyed. “Cosmik Debris” also sounded great with Scheila’s vocals, and then we were pleasantly surprised by very special guest Ariel Posen. I got the feeling that Dweezil loves playing guitar as much as he loves watching other musicians play.
His genuine enthusiasm was infectious, warming the hearts of the mostly male, older fans. We were treated to a new song (“Lost Zappa Song”), which he was excited to play.
He closed with “I’m the Slime” and articulated each word with that cocky sneer that would have made Frank smile. The words still ring true 50 years later. Preach, son.
I am gross and perverted, I’m obsessed ’n deranged. I have existed for years, but very little has changed. I’m the tool of the Government, and industry too, for I am destined to rule and regulate you.
Setlist
- “Filthy Habits” (Frank Zappa)
- “Don’t Eat the Yellow Snow” (Frank Zappa)
- “Nanook Rubs It” (Frank Zappa)
- “St. Alphonso’s Pancake Breakfast” (Frank Zappa)
- “Approximate” (Frank Zappa)
- “Inca Road” (Frank Zappa)
- “Montana” (Frank Zappa)
- “Cosmik Debris” (Frank Zappa) – with special guest Ariel Posen
- “Oh No / Son of Orange County / The Orange County Lumber Truck / More Trouble Every Day” (Frank Zappa)
- “Lost Zappa Song”
- “Echidna’s Arf / Don’t You Ever Wash That Thing” (Frank Zappa)
- “Hello” (Lionel Richie)
- “Livin’ on a Prayer” (Bon Jovi)
- “Push Comes to Shove” (Van Halen)
- “Punky’s Whips” (Frank Zappa)
- “A Pound for a Brown on a Bus” (The Mothers of Invention)
- “Cheepnis” (Frank Zappa)
- “Zomby Woof” (Frank Zappa)
- “Uncle Remus” (Frank Zappa)
- “I’m the Slime” (Frank Zappa)
Review & photos – Annette Aghazarian
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