“The Bizarre World Of Frank Zappa” tour will feature never-before-seen performances by Zappa.
It’s no secret that legendary musician Frank Zappa was one of the most talented performers to ever grace the stage. Alongside his music, Zappa also gained notoriety for his work as a composer, activist, and filmmaker. However, what many people don’t know about the infamous rockstar was his passion towards technology.
A self-proclaimed futurist, Zappa was heavily intrigued by holographic imagery. The concept was so enticing that the musical icon actually took it upon himself to record a 1974 private performance at his Los Angeles rehearsal space and deliberately hide the footage so that it could be released in holographic format once technology had caught up.
Thanks to Eyellusion, the same company that crafted the Ronnie James Dio hologram, Zappa’s dream will finally become a reality when his never-before-seen 70’s footage comes to life on-stage during the “Bizarre World of Frank Zappa” World Tour early next year.
“As a futurist, and hologram enthusiast, Frank fearlessly broke through boundary after boundary as an artist and in honoring his indomitable spirit we’re about to do it again, 25 years after his passing,” states Zappa’s son and co-trustee of the Zappa Family Trust Ahmet in a statement.
“My father and I actively discussed 3D and ‘holography’ and it was a concept he actively engaged in. He actually devoted half a chapter of his The Real Frank Zappa Book to this subject. This is a love letter and a journey celebrating the genius artistry of Frank Zappa. On a personal note, I feel like I am finishing something my father started years ago,” Ahmet Zappa added. “And let’s not forget, Frank himself will be rocking his fans, alongside his bandmates like nobody’s business.”
Zappa’s hologram will be joined onstage by guitarists Ray White and Mike Keneally, bassist Scott Thunes, multi-instrumentalist Robert Martin and drummer and Zappa archivist Joe “Vaultmeister” Travers alongside special appearances from The Mothers alumni and longtime collaborators Steve Vai, Napoleon Murphy Brock, Ian Underwood, and Joe’s Garage vets Warren Cuccurullo, Vinnie Colaiuta, Arthur Barrow, and Ed Mann.
“People’s minds, eyes and ears will be stunned by the crazy amounts of awesomeness they’ll be exposed to every night on this tour,” continues Zappa. “For the first time in a long time Zappa fans will get to see and hear brand spanking new music performed by Frank with his live band and enjoy never before heard versions of their favorite songs, all while brain-melting visuals make them laugh, smile, and perhaps even cry.”
“I truly can’t wait to share this epic experience with everyone and I’m thrilled that we’ll be doing 100 + dates around the world. So please fasten your concert-going seatbelts because things in the Zappa universe are about to get even more bizarre!!!”
Official dates and locations for the upcoming tour will be made available in the coming months.
Image Credit: Zappa Family Trust
