Dweezil Zappa

When are you touring?

It's funny how as I get older, fewer and fewer albums seem to make it into the realm of "favorites" to achieve that special place. I'm a huge fan of exploring NEW music, and the world is filled with amazing "first listens," but my cadre of rotating favorites seems to grow very slowly. That said, "Via Zammata" elevated itself into that magical inner circle, and not just based on the emotions of my admiration and friendship with many of the people who performed on the album. Now, having the audio documentary to go with it deepens my appreciation and I wanted to say THANK YOU!

PS: I am also adding the note that V.Z. was the album that came instantly to mind when my wife asked me what she should play for her classroom of 7th/8th graders to "entertain, interest, and inform." 

Will Automatic and Shampoohorn ever come to Spotify?

Thank you,

Oscrow

Given that you are very successful at the business end of music, how would a non touring composer reach a decent sized audience? Thanks.

Great audio doc on Via Zammata, really enjoyed it!  Thanks for the shout too amigo.  Can't wait to dive into the others.  There is a song on Live in the Moment II (I think - or was it #I?).  I believe it's called "They're attracted to the light" - that song has a grandeur vibe I dig,  especially for epic soloing that you do on it! - Buddy

Also got three a ship arriving too late posters signed and played my first Wimbledon…not a bad week…dd

 You are correct…I can’t believe it has been forty years…I got backstage because I ran across Ed Mann in front of the hammersmith on the Friday and he asked me if I had tickets for Saturday…I had the first show but not the second…so he got me tickets and a backstage pass for the second show…he is the guy who took me to franks room between shows and took my favorite concert photo…I waited outside at the end of the show by the exit and got franks autograph again and handed you the piece of paper and you asked Frank what do I do…and Frank said sign your name…but he used a few words between your and name…great night…great memories…glad I’ve gotten to know you over these many years…your dad would be so proud….dd

Hi DZ, I really love your song "Truth" on Via Zammata.  It's got emotional heft to it musically to me.  

I also love the irony that it starts out with (I think) a BbMaj7 chord and you are not fond of that old romantic major 7th chord generally you've said!  

So, can you maybe talk a little about when the song was written, what inspired the particular chord changes throughout it and how long it took you to write it in form ready to record, and of course the end with the Beatle-esque approach to solo and rhythm?  

I may submit a few more Qs on some others things like Live in the Moment II later... all my best to you and your bride, AustinBuddy  

1. What is the song you like to play most ?

2. What is your conceptual continuity ?

Two questions relating to earlier episodes, if I may:

1. Any chance you'll add Crunchy Water to your Music page here?
2. Wasn't there an outtake from Havin' A Bad Day called The Rain Keeps Up that Z used to play live? Do you plan to post the whole album with bonus tracks here at some point?

TIA!

ZPZ.

What is your favorite tune to play live?

What is the very first tune of Frank’s that you remember from childhood?

What is your favorite solo of your dad’s?

Do you enjoy the engineering portion of creating music and postproduction (mixing)?

And the big one: when will you resume touring?

I've always wanted to hear the story of "Malkovich"

What was it like working with him? 

Which came first, the arrangement to work together or the idea for the song?

Will there be a 'Go with what you know' episode

Just a fun question… who was the first person to get an autograph from you when you were twelve  after your first on stage appearance at the hammersmith Odeon…in 1982?…hope you are doing well…tour soon please…dd

Question:  Any chance can a poor man get your "Flim-Flam" sound?
Question:  As a budding teenage guitar hero, did you (or your brother) ever sneak into the UMRK?
Question:  Any stories of you brow-beating your dad to get your "demo tape" into somebody's hands?
Question:  What plans will there be to releasing the A Zappa Affair video?  Anything usable?  Is the audio any better than the radio broadcast?  Please no more 7 box sets!
Question:  Any plans on playing any synclavier pieces (besides G-Spot Tornado or Nightschool) with the band?  There's got to be a printout laying around somewhere.
Question:  Any chance of the band pulling off a non-LP version of Torture Never Stops?  Never heard you guys go off script with that one.
Question:  You've not been touring for the past 2-3 years.  You did it non-stop for years.  How would a new tour be different?
Question:  Any chance of you doing just a soloing tour?  To be honest, I love the songs - but wait for the solos.

Cool! I do have some questions ( they all don't have to be answered. They're just subjects I see being brought up in other guitar live chats recently ):

1.) For the live albums: How much the AXE FX systems help in shipping/handling/cost of gear for tours ( as opposed to carrying a series of amps, for example )? 

2.) For Via Zammata: Experiences/reflections on recording with Geoff Emerick?

3.) I notice you do switch up guitars for various tours. Which guitar is the " easier " one to play Frank's parts on? 

4.) After you've played most of Frank's music, do you have a deeper appreciation of his sense of phrasing/arrangements?

Love this series. Keep up the great work! 

Cheers! 

Cuando vuelvan a sudamerica?

During the 2015 tour, you included Dragon Master in the set. I thought that was a great idea. Whenever you get to touring again, would you consider playing at least one of your compositions, old or new, every night?

When are you hitting the road before the politicians LOCK US DOWN AGAIN? You have until the Mid-terms to play live before they rig another few elections.