Interviews with Zappa People
Bob Dobbs interviews people who knew Frank Zappa.
-
Calvin Schenkel recounts his relationship with Frank Zappa, covering their independent project collaborations, Zappa’s ad agency (Nifty, Tough and Bitchin’) and the origin of the Burnt Weenie Sandwich. He describes the challenges in defining a professional relationship with Frank, and…
-
Working with Zappa & Beefheart – artist Cal Schenkel – Part 2
Bob continues his talk with artist Cal Schenkel about his experiences with Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart. They discuss Cal’s artistic collaboration, the contributions of Schenkel and Beefheart, their influence on Zappa’s work, and the challenges of recognition in the…
-
Behind Zappa album covers – artist Cal Schenkel – Part 1
Calvin Schenkel began working for Frank Zappa in 1967, immediately becoming his entire art department. He produced iconic album cover images, including in addition to Zappa, covers for Tom Waits, Tim Buckley and Three Dog Night. His design for Captain…
-
Ike Willis: Zappa’s rock opera extravaganza
Ike Willis and Bob Dobbs discuss Frank Zappa’s unrealized mega-masterpiece “Dio Fa”, illustrating his massive creative vision. Planned as a live, global multimedia opera, “Dio Fa” is emblematic of Zappa’s artistic innovation and versatility, aiming to redefine the boundaries of…
-
The book thats a rock concert: Finnegans Wake
Ever thought a book could make you dance? James Joyce’s “Finnegans Wake” brings the rhythm and energy of a live rock concert to the page. From the vocal artistry of Bob Dylan to the linguistic pleasure of Joyce’s words, explore…
-
Ike Willis: Was Frank Zappa murdered? Part 4
Bob Dobbs talks with Frank Zappa band member Ike Willis about Frank’s musical Thing-Fish (1984). Willis shares many little-known stories about working with Zappa in the studio and on tour. Interview was conducted in December 2011. Frank’s views on AIDS…
-
Ike Willis: Was Frank Zappa murdered? Part 3
Bob Dobbs talks with Frank Zappa band member Ike Willis about Frank’s musical Thing-Fish (1984). Willis shares many little-known stories about working with Zappa in the studio and on tour. Interview was conducted in December 2011. Frank’s views on AIDS…
-
Ike Willis: Was Frank Zappa murdered? Part 2
Bob Dobbs talks with Frank Zappa band member Ike Willis about Frank’s musical Thing-Fish (1984). Willis shares many little-known stories about working with Zappa in the studio and on tour. Interview was conducted in December 2011. Frank’s views on AIDS…
-
Ike Willis: Was Frank Zappa murdered? Part 1
Zappa researcher Bob Dobbs interviews Zappa band member Ike Willis about events surrounding Frank’s musical Thing-Fish (1984). Bob and Ike delve into Frank’s mysterious and sudden terminal illness, pondering if it was more than just natural causes. They discuss the…