How did Frank Zappa construct his set lists?
Bil
I've browsed Brian Casel's How to write a set list (http://
servethesong.net/write-killer-setlist/).
With the benefit of hindsight, has anyone figured out the principles,
overt or covert, that FZ used to construct his set lists?
Did he focus on a sequence of energy/mood/bpm? Did he vary the bpm of
songs to fit into his ideal set list?
Did he focus on transitions?
Did he change over time?
Bil
with charts of energy/bpm/danceability for Elvis Costello, Beastie
Boys etc.
Did Zappa consider whether audiences were all seated vs dance floors
vs all standing?
Piper
This is a guy who used to spray his audience with whipped cream coming
out a stuffed giraffe's ass.
I bet Zappa didn't give a shit about dance floors etc. etc.
His setlists were likely pure impulse.
deepinder
I have some of FZ's set lists as he left his notebook at Genoa. These
are printed in the deluxe edition of Broadway the Hardway by Andrew
Greenaway.
togfiado
On BTHW (europe) on which I was part of the crew, I know that setlists
were not only tailored to the type of venue, but also to the city and
sometimes whether it was the weekend or not. FZs mood was obviously
also a big factor, Can't say for other tours as I wasn't there.
pbuzb...@yahoo.com
> On BTHW (europe) on which I was part of the crew, I know that setlists
> were not only tailored to the type of venue, but also to the city and
> sometimes whether it was the weekend or not. FZs mood was obviously
> also a big factor, Can't say for other tours as I wasn't there.
He also mentioned in interviews that he would consider the acoustics,
whether one of the singers had a sore throat and other such factors.
Pat Buzby
Chicago, IL
pbuzb...@yahoo.com
> Did he focus on a sequence of energy/mood/bpm? Did he vary the bpm of
> songs to fit into his ideal set list?
>
> Did he focus on transitions?
Since most/all songs segued, yes, he would focus on tempo and there
are some rehearsal tapes where you can hear him and the band working
out transitions.
> Did he change over time?
Well, the 60's Mothers setlists had no patterns at all that we can
determine from available tapes. The early 70's bands had blocks of
material but didn't perform them in the same order every time.
Between fall 75 and winter 79 his bands played mostly the same list
every night on tour. In spring 80 they had to deal with a last-minute
personnel change but by the time they were a few weeks into the tour
they had two shows with mostly non-overlapping material ready to
perform. The fall 80 and fall 81 bands had two completely different
shows ready. Then the last three rock tours (82, 84, 88) again had
blocks of material but no routine list. So yes, he changed over time.
Pat Buzby
Chicago, IL
The old geezer
> > I have some of FZ's set lists as he left his notebook at Genoa. These
> > are printed in the deluxe edition of Broadway the Hardway by Andrew
> > Greenaway.
>
> On BTHW (europe) on which I was part of the crew, I know that setlists
> were not only tailored to the type of venue, but also to the city and
> sometimes whether it was the weekend or not. FZs mood was obviously
You were part of the crew??? Have any good Frank stories to tell?
Was he a "good guy" or a real prima donna dick head?
The old geezer
ND: Moose Head Oktoberfest
NP: I Couldn't Spell *@!^#! - Sam The Sham