Frank Zappa Late Night with David Letterman June 16, 1983 

@@witnessingobscura952 I would actually argue he has more empathy than most, he cares enough to speak out about issues that effect us all even at the risk of his own life

@@muskratwiser4700 Agreed. People who are clear, direct, or if you'll excuse me, frank, are that way because of empathy. They have seen the pain caused by not being clear, direct and honest.

Indeed.

WTHFX he reminds me of my grandma ❤️

@@kaylaemerick8943 I think I like your grandma and I've never met her. :)

That would be so fucking amazing, I never thought of that.

He would be president homie

Literally still crying everyday that hes gone such a brave artist

Or his own radio channel like a dj for classic rock or something

AWESOME.YOU KNOW FRANK PROBABLY WATCHED JOHNNY CARSON GROWING UP.

And I believe he knew our earthly plane is Flat and Stationery

Zappa was garbage

this is way too good man..i miss to listen to good music like this

He let me down when he died :(

sure looked like it...@@keithjohnston6861

@@cyclingmerlin heart broken

the sad thing is I'm pretty certain there won't be another FZ or somebody of his caliber in my lifetime. so either I look at the glass full and be grateful he existed in my time or half empty and bitch about it like I just did above :).

Did he say "loss"? Because I've caught "there would be no profit from this". There's a difference.

​@@LMB222 Still, it's definitely a loss, because the profit that he got from 6000 CDs sold definitely could not cover what he had to pay to LSO. Maybe even a major loss. Well, it's a "loss" financially, but not necessarily artistically or whatever.

Yea, Dave seemed completely unable to conceive! So you will use your funds-no funds Dave; it's a loss. Ok well, hope it does well and good luck... zappa smiles... it's going to sell 6,000 copies! I bought a copy on vinyl by the way. Even though in retrospect now that I know what I know I would have gotten the CD... I was a big fan of the l p format and it was more difficult to find at that time on l p... Tho later on the l p versions actually we're available long after the c d sold out. I am a huge fan of zappa's... But I didn't really care for the record. Even his other orchestra work seemed to have a much more cohesive arrangement with variations on a theme and things that just weren't so starkly avante gard, random, atonal, or arrhythmic... I'm sure you could say it was possibly due to the inability of the musicians to get a rehearsal but i'm not sure that a rehearsal of this kind of music would have really helped all that much. Most music has a definite discernible rhythm and melody but that stuff was just off the charts with not existent themes and other things that more or less clashed and became an example of "free time" or "free tone"... I thought it was just the fact that I was unfamiliar or maybe that it just wasn't something that the musicians could think their teeth into so I listened to it many times over I even did some things like added effect to it to dumb down the overall sound and theme of the orchestra and nothing really made it ever more endearing.

You're right that it is very admirable when someone has the artistic vision and drive to push through with something they feel needs to be made, even if they make no profit. HOWEVER to say that "only a true artist" would do that is an insult to all artists who make or are struggling to make a living with their music. No amount of admiration or "true artistry" pays the bills if you're not making money from it. In my mind saying a true artist works without financial profit or at a financial loss is the exact same thing as saying "it's not a real job", with the minor difference that you're putting Zappa on a pedestal because he maybe had the opportunity and resources (and the mindset too) to make something that was interesting to him but that he knew wasn't going to be popular or profitable. Many artists don't have that luxury, and some find it more meaningful to create something that appeals to a wider audience.

@@ekisoderqvist: I’m not certain who your criticism is directed at. From what I can see, no one commenting in this thread made use of the phrase “only a true artist…” or anything close to it. Are you certain you’re commenting on the right thread? It would appear the criticisms you make aren’t directed to any of us.

I have never read this before and it's a great statement. Thanks for posting.

@@therebex23 Nope. Corruption of a potentially good system. Go back to your successful socialist country, jerk.

PROFETIC ! Just see what happens after Berlin wall fell down.

Thank you for have been born Frank : all world have lost a great mind (and Italy lost one of his sons born so far away). Respect

And look what's happened in America.

Would love to hear stories!

A written piece on this would be delightful

Herb Cohen?

@@Craig-dv3ji Hi Craig, Herb owned the agency & my uncle Art handled Frank

I know this is 9 months old but I think doing a book or something about some of those conversations would be an excellent endeavor. Ppl would be interested......

That was probably the dumbest thing he ever said.

@@volgawolfhounds741 Non è possibile piacere a tutti e FZ non si è mai sforzato di farlo : tuo malgrado gli hai dato ragione... Frank for president !

The universe is made of electrons, protons, neutrons and morons

@@volgawolfhounds741 you obviously don't quite realise the profundity of your density.

Brown Shoes Dont Make It 1980s edition

Is he referring to puckering up and kissing Corporate ass? Therefore the Brown Lips?

Sounds like Letterman

@@modmary1 AYYYYY that’s fire

I think it WAS-!!

Truly an artist

Zappa was garbage

@@marlon-jl4ge Sounds like your diaper is leaking, troll.

@@youmayberight shit ugly zappa changed the music World of boring assholes

Could shit zappa play guitar with his ugly nose? 🤣

Yes..he was an amazing man. Too bad his idiot doctor/doctors didn't follow-up on his urinary problems he'd had for a number of years, which is an early sign of prostate cancer. So by the time they found the cancer, it was already too late and inoperable and that folks, is a damn shame......

Stari Night junior highway look forward for Hezbollah

It hit me hard when Sam Kinison left us, but the story his brother tells is both comforting and eerie. There was something about Sam though we seemingly had zero in common, always felt like we would click. His delivery, his thought pattern, his moral compass, all so familiar. Losing Carlin felt like a body-blow. It may be just as well. His last book "Last Words". - don't EVER tempt Fate - revealed that he had lost faith in us as fellow citizens, as countrymen. At least that was my takeaway. I think he was right. But losing FZ made me feel like when they told me about my Dad. A rush of random memories washes your brain. Then there's quiet for a few seconds. And then the sound sadness makes for each of us when a trusted adviser and truth-teller moves to a different plane. Gone, but still here. Now experienced as "loss". But music, and calling on your muse, can ease the pain. In all three cases above, I had, again, "taken for granted" an ideal, or near-ideal situation, and still get crushed every time change hit. But I had looked forward to growing old with these wise men, these truth-tellers who helped guide our thoughts and better deeds with humor, music, wit, and wisdom, each enriched us. And I miss each of them terribly.

Is it ever. Franky come back.

amen

Only the cool people listen to him now as well (I am a kid and I do!).

I still do. Stay cool greetings from Holland

@@dirklammertse4174 My Girlfriend (in 1974) got backstage with Frank and got his autograph-she gave it to me, and I still have it!

@@kellykeefe3610 I’m a little bit jealous 😁. He was a genius. His music never get bored. Gives me energy. Thanks for charing the story. Stay cool greetings from Holland

@@kellykeefe3610 what does his autograph look like?

I stole this quote too. Thanks.

Mr. Hit, meet Nail Head

@Paper St. - lol, I think the word you're looking for is irrelevant.

Bill Maher stole his idea and called his show Politically Incorrect

@Paper St. I agree , Frank had a message to give , and he didn't care who he offended to spread that message . Watch all of Frank's old interviews , he basically predicted exactly how the world would change , if people didn't stand up for themselves . His mind was literally living in the future , and we are just catching up right now .

Walt Likker have ever seen his 1963 appearance on the Steve Allen Show.....he plays the bicycle....short hair, no beard, same confidence.

I just watched it, and I laughed my butt off! R.I.P, Frank.

christopher hitchens...

My god frank you have been gone almost 25 years from the public domain but in all honesty your music will be eternally ror its raw power and effective authenticity. May God bless your spirit and thank you for your sublime talents. A composer of immense talent and extraordinary beauty. VALE frank

? You never knew this guy! Come on man!

Would love to see his thoughts on the modern political and social environment.

That's our Frank, he took his music very seriously and makes anyone else in the music industry look stupid. Yes, we'll never see another musician like him. Integrity is the word I was seeking.

Zappa was a spook. McGowan exposed him in the Laurel Canyon writings.

Lucky for us he had an extremely hard work ethic and left a vast catalogue for the rest of us to explore.

Klasse Act yeh guy was borderline genius from what i can tell...

No David Letterman's a good guy. I think he was really just picking at Frank's brain because I don't think Letterman has ever had a guest as articulate as Zappa was. I think Letterman was the type of person to understand Zappa.

I like Frank's music....but he is as smug as a 21 year old cool kid

It's called respect he respects musicians and one of Frank's integrity true respect

@@bradmodd7856 He's a calm human being with more combined wisdom than any of us who will live two life times. Don't hate. Accept and surrender.

the wold would be a better place to live in

AbbieHoffmansGhost that will never happen

hippiecheezburger No kidding! Those folks are enjoying themselves too much to work for their electors...

the world would be a little bit better but still would not reslove the issue they shoot him down like the great people , JFK and jfk brother, Martin luther king , Malcome X. the goverment does not care they are run by the company leaders that own stocks of proison... people like frank keep me Real! knowing that every country fucked and ran by selfish money hungry human being that gain power..

If Zappa was still alive, he'd probably be a Republican by now.

+Marco Loved that as well, Zappa didn't like authority. +Roger He died of prostate cancer, not lung cancer. Just saying.

@@drumstick74 Google prostate cancer and smoking, you'll be enlightened.

...if a god exist, every suaturday nite goes out with Frank for a pizza!

@@sciardeo Almost 30 now.

Yeah I don't know about that... he was an asshole to plenty of female celebrities. Frank talks because Frank wants to talk. He was promoting a new album.

Zappa was garbage

At all

He also composes quite fine music.

No--he was ingracious, uncharitable, and, now that I think about it, self-important.

+johnbonaccorsi He didn't make as much money as you think. He wasn't as popular or mainstream(commercial) and didn't really care either. He was a genius, and he would have told you to fuck off, so there.

johnbonaccorsi nothing wrong with that honestly

Frank Zappa net worth est = 40 million.

Ziggy Zappada. Yea, I was 23yo when I watched this interview.

Tate Gibbs Rite, lol

some did not want the money, the ones eccentric as himself

Tate Gibbs iii

Frank Zappa was an accomplished conductor, along with writing many symphonic leads. Ya just don't see them very ofter.

Sleep

The most entertaining show I ever saw - it was billed as a total music theater and that was exactly what it was - from start to finish.

Thanks man.

+Danny James right about that time people

On the 8th day, God created embedded timecodes! Thanks, Denny. May you never lose your hearing.

thank you

you should comment on more videos!

you beat me to it

drumstick74 Frank took way too long putting that puppy out.

Yeah, that's a dick move.

Hmm, cool, 4 people who come together to make a perfect example of sleep-walkers..... 2:10, apparently random citizens who paid for the 'privilege', in their eyes, to be there are also brave enough to smoke wherever they please. You all not only failed to observe this and make a connection but also have displayed your commitment to the things/people you like despite getting evidence that sheds doubt on your reasoning for doing so. Perhaps he is likable without imagining personality traits that don't exist, idk? FTR, we have gained just a tiny bit of info on smoking since 1983. This was the norm back then, not the exception.

Trusting Frank is generally a good idea.

he was no rocker.

59mar Frank was a Rock and Roller but also many other things like Jazz and Classical. He had his own interpretation as many great artists do. Example would you call the Moody Blues or Van Morrison or Santana etc - Rock and Rollers. All have their unique interpretation that takes what they've leaned from other genres. I would not consider Madonna or Michael Jackson or any of those pop acts as rockers but as pop or dance music. I have no problem with you not thinking Zappa was not a Rock & Roller. My guess he would not want to be classified in any category.

John Hammersmith Yeah - some acts really cannot be (or shouldn't be) categorized. I mean, you could say possibly 'avant-garde' music - but why even try?

As smart as Zappa liked to think he was...smoking all that weed..and cigarettes was not really very smart upon reflection.

Anonymous Nobody Your comment was censored and marked as spam. I unmarked it as spam as I detest censorship and it is true about cigarettes. Pity that millions die from smoking tobacco yet it is legal while people languish in prison for the least harmful of all recreational drugs. Frank was very smart while you are very petty. Keep in mind the great Albert Einstein smoke a pipe and I believe George Washington smoked marijuana to relieve the pain of his teeth.

Absolutely, wasn't a music fan but always liked him

+Tom Hartmann Thanks for link. ahhh...maybe I saw Zappa '82, '83? or day before or after Halloween? Shit, I can't remember.

He might have been disappointed that it went right over Letterman's head.

I am sure Letterman got it you would have to be a moron not to. Letterman I am sure wore it a lot back then. He changed the topic immediately because he did get it.

I guess he didn’t get the contract.

Well, you were one very lucky soul. It must have been amazing..

They really were. Really LIKED him; we watched him nearly every night for YEARS. Too bad he’s turned out to be a detached, disturbed, rude, obsessed, ignorant jerk. Its like add him to the damn list; the ever lengthening list -It’s soooo off putting for alllll of these damn celebs thinking we need THEIR damn input. I have my own damn ideas. I do not need nor care what they think about politics. It’s become pathetic and even sad. Like-remember when Jimmy Fallon used to FUNNY!?! It’s all totally ruined and obvious and beyond annoying. He’s a total sell-out. They’ve become a freaking extension of the Mainstream Media! Hell, maybe they always were; they were just restrained and much more subtle... somebody high up flipped that switch and they alllll jumped to it - they do “their job” and the elite’s bidding; always spreading and sharing. Sick and sad.

I was just thinking the same thing, I liked the young Letterman of the 80s compared to the asshole he became from the late 90s and up....

+RebelThoughts82 bill maher is a pompous piece of shit. he isn't a hair on zappa's ass

+dominic parenti I like Maher he tells it like it is.

+dominic parenti I agree with you

i too like Bill Maher, yet when he tells it like 'he' sees it, he seems often enough to be of the opinion, only the way he sees it and his fabolous idears would be the only way to go. So yeah, in a sense he is pompous. Yet what is really great about the show is that you have regularly people from republicans, democrats, liberals and those who would not want to be seen as any of those . That over time shows you in my opinion, that the two party system is just not enough anymore, too big parties, too generealized, too unflexible. Party systems like that, seem always to resolve more in a struggle for power by nearly any means possible and by that loosing the topics out of their eyes. More like a show for us sheep, then politicians really having our interests at heart. When i look at people like Reagon, Bush W. and Trump, then i have to admit, we are sheep more often then not.

lol...totally agree

he made his own music for him and his fans and refused to make pop music for the money. he didn't sell out, that's part of the/his appeal

Who were the other four?

Mark Broesamle George Carlin comes to mind. Feynman. Maybe Carl Sagan. See how easy this is? And that was just off the top of my head. Now you try.

I can name people that I think are geniuses. I'm just curious what the original commenter thinks.

@@jeffnolan7392 Carlin lived longer than Zappa.

* *Catherine Zimmerman* * I miss that man too, Catherine............ Check this out, I own a copy of that LSO recording on vinyl. It's unopened and still in its plastic wrap. I wonder if it's worth millions...lol.... Long live Zappa's music.

thanks

No one's lives are so important that they can't sit through a few extra minutes...but people are ADHD AF...

but we'll miss Gary Titone.

Brendan Black no one should choose to waste time

some of the best time I've spent was wasted

Terry Bozzio is a beast.