Holy Grail of Frank Zappa Releases Inches Closer to Fruition + Zappa Family Trust To Launch Road Tapes Live Archival Series
Frank Zappa’s widow Gail Zappa has sent out a missive to the Zappa Family Trust mailing list that contains plenty of exciting news. Not only has she given an update on the status of the Roxy DVD and soundtrack that many Zappateers consider the Holy Grail of Zappa releases, but she’s also proclaimed that a new series, of what’s likely to be live archival releases, called Road Tapes is on its way with the first installment aimed for Halloween.
If you missed our story in May, Frank Zappa and one of the best bands he ever assembled played an epic three-night stand at The Roxy in Hollywood, California on December 8 – 10, 1973. The shows were filmed by multiple cameras and after a trailer appeared in the 2003 release of the Baby Snakes DVD were still waiting for the Roxy DVD. Gail’s email claims we’ll have the finished video product in our hands by next year’s 40th Anniversary of the performances and that a “prequel” soundtrack should be available by the end of the year. Of course, we’ll believe it when we see it, but we can’t help but get excited over the progress that appears to have been made.
As for “Road Tapes,” GZ doesn’t reveal too much in her email, but a series of live archival recordings would be extremely appreciated by fans and there’s boatloads of shows for her to choose from. We’d love to hear a full, unadulterated show from ’88 or one from his ’78 band or even the Sydney shows from ’73. We’ll be sure to let you know when more details are revealed.
Here’s the full text of Gail Zappa’s e-mail to Zappa fans…
Dear People of Earth,
Here’s what’s thrilling:
1. It is Moon’s Birthday today! And this morning I was lucky enough to have a cold breakfast with Moon and Mathilda – Ice Cream Cake and the sun wasn’t even up yet. Yay!
2. I know I do not have to remind you that next December 2013 is the 40th Anniversary of the Roxy Performances. Now that we have thoroughly identified all it’s parts and participles, we will deliver The Movie without further incident and maybe only a little ado. In theatres, DVD and Blue-ray, sometime before December, 2013.
3. MEANWHILE . . . before this December 2012, in anticipation of The ACTUAL Movie, we are pleased to inform you that we are scheduling the release of the PREQUEL to the actual Soundtrack. Yes. You will! Appreciate the raw unbridledness of the 75 minutes and 49 seconds of Roxy without the Elsewhere. Further details on The Movie and P.S. (Prequel Soundtrack) as soon as the duckies are all lined up.
4. Oh, and did I mention a new series is about to launch – Road Tapes – on Vaulternative Records! We’ve taken direct aim at Halloween!
5. Thank you.
xxx,
gz
Scott Bernstein
Scott Bernstein co-founded Hidden Track in October 2006 and was managing editor until taking over as EiC in January 2008. Scotty also writes for Relix Magazine and curates YEMblog.com.
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Oh My GAWD! right?
I got Gail’s email and fell out of my chair literally.
“in order to get this text on television”
i am so thrilled to finally eventually maybe possibly be able to see the ROXY show on DVD.
I love your missives on this topic Scott as the Zappa thread of releases and scene updates are far too few in my opinion.
Thank you for sharing with me and the world. i anxiously await more updates!