Author Topic: Frank Zappa, conservative  (Read 30892 times)

Flood

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Frank Zappa, conservative
« on: May 02, 2012, 10:32:36 AM »
How so?
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InspectorHound

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Re: Frank Zappa, conservative
« Reply #1 on: May 02, 2012, 11:00:56 AM »
Quote from: Wikipedia
He labeled people on drugs "assholes in action", and he tried cannabis only a few times, but without any pleasure

One evening, Zappa managed to entice some U.S. Marines from the audience onto the stage, where they proceeded to dismember a big baby doll, having been told by Zappa to pretend that it was a "gook baby".

Others were irritated by 'his autocratic ways',[61] exemplified by Zappa's never staying at the same hotel as the band members.

Zappa vehemently denied any anti-Semitic sentiments and dismissed the ADL as a "noisemaking organization that tries to apply pressure on people in order to manufacture a stereotype image of Jews that suits their idea of a good time"

danner

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Re: Frank Zappa, conservative
« Reply #2 on: May 02, 2012, 12:10:01 PM »
I think he considered himself a conservative in a very broad sense (pro-capitalism, low taxes, etc.), but he indentified himself as a Democrat and vocally hated Nixon and Reagan.

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Re: Frank Zappa, conservative
« Reply #3 on: May 02, 2012, 01:17:57 PM »
As far as I can tell, he disliked women pretty much (partial exception: "groupies," whom he found interesting to the degree that they were willing to degrade themselves).
"Another thing that interests me about The Eagles is that I hate them." -- Robert Christgau

daveB from Oakland

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Re: Frank Zappa, conservative
« Reply #4 on: May 02, 2012, 03:56:12 PM »
Less a matter of politics and more a matter of him being a straight-up creepy jerk.
"He didn't sound like a human when I was talking to him ... he sounded like a shape ... what's that shape of that building ... you know, where the Army lives?" -- Bryce, 11/24/2009

dave from knoxville

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Re: Frank Zappa, conservative
« Reply #5 on: May 02, 2012, 04:17:33 PM »
As far as I can tell, he disliked women pretty much (partial exception: "groupies," whom he found interesting to the degree that they were willing to degrade themselves).

His wife sees things differently.

masterofsparks

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Re: Frank Zappa, conservative
« Reply #6 on: May 02, 2012, 06:29:15 PM »
I read an interview where he self-identified as a small government small-c conservative. I have no idea where he fell on social issues.
I'll probably go into the wee hours.

fonpr

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Re: Frank Zappa, conservative
« Reply #7 on: May 02, 2012, 07:28:56 PM »
I read an interview where he self-identified as a small government small-c conservative. I have no idea where he fell on social issues.
He was a hardcore First Amendment guy.

Frank Zappa On Freedom Of Speech (CNN Crossfire 1986 - Pt. 1)
"Like it or not, Florida seems dedicated to a 'live fast, die' way of doing things."

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Re: Frank Zappa, conservative
« Reply #8 on: May 02, 2012, 09:23:10 PM »
As far as I can tell, he disliked women pretty much (partial exception: "groupies," whom he found interesting to the degree that they were willing to degrade themselves).

His wife sees things differently.

Link? Speaking frankly, she wouldn't be the first showbiz widow/widower with an interest in burnishing their spouse's reputation. The portrayals of women in his recorded works make a statement of their own, which may or may not reflect the true feelings of the artiste behind closed doors (an argument for which I have not much use--cf. Clay, Andrew Dice).
"Another thing that interests me about The Eagles is that I hate them." -- Robert Christgau

nec13

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Re: Frank Zappa, conservative
« Reply #9 on: May 02, 2012, 09:24:36 PM »
I read an interview where he self-identified as a small government small-c conservative. I have no idea where he fell on social issues.

Given the lyrical content in many of his songs, I would say that it's highly unlikely that Zappa was any kind of social conservative.

I remember reading a good chunk of his memoir at Barnes & Noble. In it, Zappa classified himself as, more or less, a libertarian. Although, I imagine he parted ways with them on drug matters.
Nobody ever lends money to a man with a sense of humor.

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Re: Frank Zappa, conservative
« Reply #10 on: May 02, 2012, 09:28:38 PM »
"Speaking frankly." Get it? Geeeht it???
"Another thing that interests me about The Eagles is that I hate them." -- Robert Christgau

danner

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Re: Frank Zappa, conservative
« Reply #11 on: May 02, 2012, 09:31:38 PM »
I remember reading a good chunk of his memoir at Barnes & Noble. In it, Zappa classified himself as, more or less, a libertarian. Although, I imagine he parted ways with them on drug matters.

Libertarian sounds like a fairly accurate label for him. I heard an interview with him (on Larry King maybe?) where he said that despite his own feeling about drugs, he didn't feel they should be illegal.

nec13

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Re: Frank Zappa, conservative
« Reply #12 on: May 02, 2012, 09:34:53 PM »
"Speaking frankly." Get it? Geeeht it???

Interesting story: In the late 80's, apparently Zappa was working on a concept album about Gary The Squirrel, entitled "Big Nuts." Unfortunately, he was never able to finish it. However, if you look around on the net, you can find some outtakes.
Nobody ever lends money to a man with a sense of humor.

daveB from Oakland

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Re: Frank Zappa, conservative
« Reply #13 on: May 02, 2012, 11:23:02 PM »
I heard Gary's working on a power-pop rendition of "Jazz Fart".
"He didn't sound like a human when I was talking to him ... he sounded like a shape ... what's that shape of that building ... you know, where the Army lives?" -- Bryce, 11/24/2009

DavidSestrand

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Re: Frank Zappa, conservative
« Reply #14 on: May 02, 2012, 11:51:24 PM »
Why was he so vehemently anti-music?
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