You don’t have to like his music to want to read further. Zappa was a fantastic musician but an acquired taste. This is not about his music, but how a dysfunctional family’s infighting threatens Zappa’s legacy.

To begin with, you need to know the family. Frank Zappa died in 1993 of cancer, ending an amazing musical career  having put out 60+ albums and touring the world with an ever revolving  band of musicians. Gail was his wife and the mother of his 4 children. Her children acknowledge that Gail was difficult to deal with.  Theirs was an uncoventional lifestyle made more difficult after Frank died. Moon,48, is an accomplished actress in film and TV. Dweezil,46, is the heir apparent to Frank’s musical legacy. He has toured for the last 11 years as Zappa plays Zappa. Before that, he and Ahmed played in bands together. Ahmed is 42 and runs a film and TV production company. Diva is 36 and a clothing designer.  Their mother died last October , willing 30% control each of the  family Trust to Ahmed and Diva, leaving 20% each to Moon and Dweezil.

Earlier this year, Ahmed and Diva, through the Trust, issued a cease and desist order to Dweezil  and his band. He could not longer promote his tours using the name, likeness  and music of Frank Zappa. The Trust has filed similar orders to lesser known acts who were playing Zappa’s music and using his image.

Dweezil is the only sibling who continues to pursue a musical career. I saw his band perform Zappa plays Zappa at the Music Farm in 2014. His songs are not for novices to perform.  Zappa’s compositions are complicated and the complexity of the arrangements require a musician with considerable skill. Dweezil is up to the task and he selected musicians capable of playing Frank’s songs well.

The breakup of bands  are legendary and the stories surrounding their demise demonstrate how people,especially artists, have a tough time co-existing together. They may not be able to recreate the magic that endeared them to their fans. Egos, the grind of touring and wild personalities are a tough mix to be successful. Sex, drugs and rock and roll just add more fuel to the fire.

None of the above factor onto this family feud. Are Ahmed and Diva justified in their actions? Is Dweezil making more money playing and touring as ZPZ than he is entitled to ? Is someone being greedy or acting in spite? Why did their mother give controlling interest to two of her children and not split it evenly?

I am not going to litigate those matters or try to resolve the sibling dispute. My position is that it is unfair to his fans to eliminate the ability to hear Frank’s music live. I was very fortunate to see Zappa live twice back in the 70’s. My dear friend and musical guide, John Oechsner,  made it possible to see him at the Palladium in NYC and  I also saw him at SUNY Binghampton  in NY.

When family communicates through their lawyers, nobody wins.  Zappa’s music covers many styles and his lyrics can be comical,yet creative. His is  not the style  that would spur cover bands as many artists have. Most of the musicians playing his music have played with Frank and are keeping the candles burning. Dweezil brings a love of Frank’s music that no one else can. He’s creative and quite competent in his ability to honor the legacy of Frank Zappa. This year he brought the “Cease and Desist” tour to cities around the country. He changed the name of the band to ’50 years of Frank: Dweezil Zappa plays Whatever the F@%know he wants’, Really?  Frank’s humor and music is alive and well in his son, Dweezil.It would be a shame if he couldn’t carry on the legend because of the greed and short sided stance of his brother and sister.

As Rodney King was quoted as saying, “can’t we all just get along”?

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