The Torture Never Stops (DVD)

Genius, innovator, radical…..all these (and more) truly define not only the man but the musician as well. Frank Zappa always did things his way, never bowing to the pressures of commercialism. His quirky, funny yet very intricate approach to his unique brand of rock, jazz, fusion and blues was hugely influential. Classic albums with the Mothers of Invention like Freak Out as well as solo releases such as Overnight Sensation, Apostrophe, Zoot Allures, Sheik Yerbouti etc. established him as a top concert draw in the 70’s. Often poking fun at society and politics in his unique and twisted way, his music was both off the wall and serious all the same time. Extended instrumental jams were often the highlight of any Frank Zappa concert. It was considered a privilege to play in Frank’s band and guitarist Steve Vai (who played with Frank for a number of years) got his foot in the door by transcribing some of Frank’s more difficult songs, recording and then sending them to him, pleading to be in his band. This particular concert was filmed on Halloween 1981 at the New York Palladium during a four-night stint at the legendary New York concert venue. It was originally filmed for an MTV broadcast and is now available on DVD for the very first time.

Frank Zappa made no secret of his distaste of the corporate music world and it was surprising that he even allowed this concert to be filmed as part of an MTV concert series. It was a decision that he later regretted making but as a result, many years after the fact, fans are treated to an awesome display of just how tight any incarnation of Frank’s band was. Opening with the instrumental Black Napkins, the quirky Montana is up next. Other Zappa classics include Easy Meat as well as Flakes and Broken Hearts Are For Assholes from the Sheik Yerbouti album. The twisted Torture Never Stops is in fine form and keeping with the Halloween theme and the set finishes with another classic, The Illinois Enema Bandit. Throughout, we are treated to virtual clinic of fine musicianship with Frank himself doing battle with guitarist Steve Vai in Alien Orifice and the classic Steve’s Spanking. Frank never really gets enough credit for being the type of guitar player that he was. Technical yet weird and off-kilter, he was not only an innovator with his style of music but as a guitarist as well. Vocalist/guitarist Ray White shares vocal duties with Mr. Zappa and is once again in fine voice. I find it hard to believe that anyone can keep a straight face singing some of the lyrics to Frank’s songs. Like most fans, there are always songs that are missing from his set such as I’m the Slime, Dynamo Hum etc. but he was known for mixing things up and being very unpredictable in a live situation. That is why he demanded the absolute best musicians for his band.

The liner notes are provided by Frank’s bass player at the time; Scott Thunes who chronicles his life as part of Frank’s band during that time. When Frank passed away in 1993 from prostate cancer, the body of Frank’s work was left in trust to his wife Gail who continues to release material under the moniker of Zappa Family Trust. Overall, a pretty zany yet solid 2-hour Frank Zappa concert experience awaits with this DVD.