This isn't just good business advice for a band leader, it's good business advice for any type of manager. This is how you cultivate a winning team.

Seeing Frank Zappa in the '80s was one of the most amazing performances I've ever seen. Someone from the audience threw something on stage. Frank stopped the band (on a dime), he told the crowd that if one more thing landed on the stage, they were gone. The crowd boo'd the A-hole that did it. Frank counted the band back in and they took off flying, exactly from where they left off, in perfect sync. It was amazing! Oh, great show too!

I wish corporations still had Frank's business philosophy. Now they just care about a perception of quality by cutting costs. Frank was definitely old school. They don't make 'em like him anymore.

I'm not surprised that he succeed with this attitude.

I cannot "like" this enough. I miss FZ terribly. I miss his talent & intelligence. The collective world IQ lowered the day he died.

Seeing his band in 1981 and 1984 was one of the musical highlights of my life. They were superlative.

every student of music needs to see this.

During the '60s and '70s I attended numerous Mothers concerts, and was never disappointed. All members of the band were consummate professionals who enjoyed their time on stage and gave a damned good performance every time. Their concerts lasted longer than most, and their tickets were fairly priced. Most of those in the audience [a] felt they had gotten their money's worth; [b] went right out and bought the records; and [c] anxiously awaited Frank's next concert tour. THAT'S Capitalism!

This is a true representation of FZ's business philosophy regarding his choice of musicians. Like many other musicians and groups who had long careers, Frank would change the direction of the music he was writing, often in a short period of time. This would require new musicianship in order to play the music the way Frank wanted it to sound. As Frank stated, there was no shortage of players that would come to his auditions, and he would choose whomever fit the bill for his new compositions or tours. There were constant rehearsals to get the music down pat, but he paid these musicians a salary for a normal work week,Frank's set lists consisted of a 2-hour set with very few breaks between songs, which could only be achieved via extensive rehearsing. FZ always tried to give the concert goer an excellent show, which he usually succeeded in doing over his long career. That's why he didn't want his musicians to do drugs, so they would be alert enough to tackle the demands of his often complex compositions. I applaud him for that effort and always enjoyed the many times I saw him in concert from 1975-1988.

His willingness to accept complete personal responsibility to his paying customer, and thereby expecting the same from his team, is laudable. This is neither unique nor mutually exclusive to any political philosophy, it's just professionalism at its finest.... and Frank HATED uncaring/incompetent people in ANY profession. "You can stab 'n' shoot 'n' spit...But they won't be fixin' it... They're lyin' an' lazy, They can be drivin' you crazy"

Being a musician requires balance. As much as you love the art, you have to treat it as a business as well. To be truly committed to a craft, you have to know when it's fun time and when it's work time. Frank's music was highly eclectic. To play it flawlessly, he had his musicians put in sheer hours of work to understand the music. Once the music was in their blood, they had fun with their performances. It clearly shows in Frank's concerts. That's why Frank is a revered musician.

With this mentallity Zappa could be the most productive artist of our time.

Being a bandleader is a lot of work and a lot of stress. Frank, I saw you four times. And you ALWAYS delivered! I got more than my money's worth, and I thank you for it!

Frank uses the word discipline multiple times in the video for a reason. A professional musician is disciplined enough to understand what he needs to do and how to get it done efficiently. the discipline comes from two things, experience and practice. I work as a drummer with two bands and as far as I can tell, I'm the only one in either one that practices consistently. I would have loved to play some of Zappa's technically challenging music. it's inspiring in a way.

I ran a weddings band myself and the amount of stress regarding this was unbearable. Musos turn up for the cheque and dont put effort in, dont learn songs, forget their gear you name it. Screw up first dances i get threatened physically and legally! This needs to be a shared arrangement to avoid having a heart atack.

I'm back 7 years later. Hasn't it been a crazy ride? Frank is still right too.

A lot musicians seem to disdain the business end of their productions. I suspect that they either have someone who is very good at that sort of thing, or they eventually get screwed. Getting involved in the business end of things allowed FZ to eventually have a lot more control over his music. Plus, he didn't like getting screwed.

The upside to playing under that disciplined regime though, is the sense of fulfilment. I've had years of fun playing music, either with bands, as a solo artist, or just jamming with friends, but I don't have a lot I can look back on and feel like I really fulfilled all my potential. I'd image that the likes of Ruth Underwood or Bruce Fowler can look back with pride at what they achieved under Zappa (and they probably had fun doing it too!).

Frank was a realist and a perfectionist. Everyone who worked with him knew it from the first audition. Do it right, or you don't play, PERIOD. Anyone who survived a tour or an album cut with him were good as gold in the industry, because the INDUSTRY knew what he expected from others, and KNEW that anyone who worked with him was a PRO, not a pretender. That goes for any career one pursues.

Not too many musicians have had this level of expectation from their bands. Zappa, James Brown, Buddy Rich...maybe a few others. All geniuses. All delivered the greatest music we ever heard. If they had to kick a few asses, metaphorically speaking, then so be it.

"Republicans is fine if you're a multi-millionaire Democrat is fair if all you own is what you wear But neither of 'em really right, 'cause neither of them care About that hot-plate Heaven, 'cause they ain't been there." -Frank Zappa, "Hot Plate Heaven at the Green Hotel"

Every economics class should be required to watch this. As should every preacher.

Yep! Just the fact that he foots the bill all by himself justifies him being the dictator. You screw around, you screw with his livelihood.

It was a privilege to hear the words of the near-Prophet, FZ, extolling the virtues of hard work, discipline, and the Profit Motive. I could not have said any of this any better than it's said here. The "collective" model of the successful rock band is a charming myth: Music is a profession, just like any other profession. (Compliments to the composer of the background score for channeling his Inner Zappa.)

Have you ever read Mike Keneally's autobiography of playing in Zappa's band (guitarist/keyboardist/singer for the 1988 tour)? He goes on and on about how insanely fun it was, not just because he was playing music, but because he was facing new challenges with the difficulty of the material, and improving himself along the way. It was still a job, however, and some people love their jobs.

I really enjoy listening to Zappa and his music. Thanks for the upload, Sir.

Zappa was different, he was a musician and composer, he did not use drugs and only drank in his younger days. He had a disdain for Rock and roll mentality that many bands exhibited. He hired the best and worked them hard. Some complained when they were in his employ but none ever regretted the time spent with Frank. I have formed a few bands and they were all less than successful. The best was with a bass player that knew my style and a guy, Steve Hoke who played anything with strings, a pro.

Bootsy Collins recalled James Brown saying that music was 75% business, 25% music, whether you liked it or not. Having led a band for a few years now, I can say it's unfortunately true.

THAT"S Fantastic & Absolute....although, I would LIKE to stand up for unions 'cause there are "BOSSES" that aren't like Mr. Frank... that want to bleed worker dry & NO "Liking & getting along" exists...I Wish that what he said about unions was ALWAYS,... NOT TRUE , but sometimes it is. sometimes there are people who really don't want to work. BUT, I as a union electrician & a musician LOVE MY WORK & deem it ALL as ART of MY Heart...& if YOU don't feel THAT / than don't work / or ART, near me

The key thing here was that even if Zappa was not a musical genius, which he was, he was a man of integrity: He was hard in his business dealings, but he was fair. Unfortunately, this hasn't been the norm in businesses in a long time, and guys like Zappa who expect excellence but are also there to reward said excellence are now the exception, rather than the rule.

Many outsiders thought Zappa was some kind of "radical" because he was so socially liberal. But he wasn't a liberal overall by any means; he was more of a libertarian, and in many ways, extremely conservative. I didn't necessarily agree with or admire all his views, but he was a principled guy. And his musical achievements are legendary - whether you like his stuff of not.

Wow. Awesome words of wisdom

All you're really telling us is that you enjoy the fun part of playing guitar but aren't so in to it that you feel the need to discipline yourself. For some people, guitar playing goes beyond fun; there is a driving force from inside that demands your dedication and creativity. These are the kind of people that Zappa required to play in his band. I play guitar professionally and there's a lot of songs that I don't like, but I play them anyway and achieve fulfillment that is deeper than "fun".

Epic video. Definitely does not sound like 1984 though. I'd guess early 70's, because 1. his voice sounds like it did before he was pushed off stage and torqued his neck, and 2. It's consistent with what he said about his experiences with Zubin Mehta and other big set ups from that period. Who knows maybe it is 84 but seems like it's way earlier.

Nice video. Frank was that far ahead of his time that the people of today will have no idea what this guy is talking about. Frank Zappa was and still is a musical genius. There will never be anyone like him. "Someone in that audience out there knows what we are doing, and that person is getting off on it beyond his/her wildest comprehension" It's a Frank Zappa thing, you just wouldn't understand. Frank Zappa, "the present day composer who refuses to die".

First off, excellent animation to this interview excerpt. Taken in context, Frank was providing his point of view on the tabloid style press comments of an ex-member of his band. Basically: that sometimes peoples ego get hurt when they hit a wall... and they blame the wall. He is also saying implicitly that being tossed from the band shouldn't be taken so personal and lead one to destructive and uncivil behaviors like we see in the comments here.

Frank was an unbelievable genius and his band was incredible

This guy was a real dictator, satirically enough in the PERFECT ROMAN sense of the original word.

i wish i knew musicians that considered being in a band as a second or third job. when i join a band i want to have fun, but at the same point i'm willing to work brutally hard to quit my day job.

Not just a musical genius! 👍😁🌿

O.K. Am I the only one who thinks this is awesome???!?! The more I learn about zap the more I like him...

This is singlehandedly the best thing I've seen holy shit I'm tearing up goddamit I needed to hear this so bad thank you

He has that virtue called honesty! Please Frank guide us I you can.

zappa is an exceptional guitarist

FANTASTIC! This is fantastic! Well done!

I see it this way: some people would love to have music be their job and do it eight hours a day, 5 days a week. Other people would rather keep work and play separate. To the former category, music is not a hobby but a Way, a way of life, of being. To the latter it's a hobby. Frank Zappa being who he was, he had to approach the business side of his art seriously because otherwise he wouldn't have been able to keep doing it.

"If there is something wrong with that, then let me know" Best mic drop ever

Every time I watch this video, he just reminds me of some corporate schill describing the ins and outs of a business meeting. It couldn't be more distant of what my idea of music is.

As a South African the description of Unions really cracked me up.

This is why it's competition is so important. Frank's right, however he's also passed away. In time, this conclusion is something that's common sense, based on an organic clock that's always ticking. This is the strength of unions, to raise the talent level to compete with the owner/boss. Frank is referring to a corrupted Union, because the union officers' responsibility to educate, raising the talent level. This improves the quality of the INDUSTRY as a whole.

Brilliant, I'm lucky I have this on disc, it was from a 1984 interview by a British journalist who brought up the x musician topic.

This inspires me to work harder on my music, fuck staying lazy and playing video games.

Which Is Why Frank was THE MAN.

This is a valuable life lesson from Frank. You don’t get anything for nothing. You have to work hard for it. Also be honest to the people you are providing a service for.

I was lucky enough to see Frank 3 times. Never disappointed.

Well done and Absolutely well said by the man himself !!

My god. Brutal ! I saw Dweezil in October 17 in Manchester. The band were shockingly awesome. Nobody has the Zappa standard Nobody Frank was a legend Dweez is taking frank onwards Spreading the higher level of consciousness No arguments just take frank forward. Please x

Playing well is fun, playing with half-hearted twangers is WORK! Dying on stage is nobody's idea of fun. Learning to play is a chore, getting the tune down tight and right is a joy.

Frank knew what it was all about. Business = most bang for the buck, for himself and his family, to be able to reinvest in putting out more product, his associates, and for everybody else. Especially his paying audience. Wanting a win-win business situation is not only smart and profitable, but it's simple common sense, business 101. Music = most bang for the soul.

Awesome video and animations!! That cigarette👌🏻

With the qualifier that Zappa was signed, did all originals, and never compromised his music, he is absolutely dead on with how it works. But, it’s also a good lesson for copy/ garage bands to work toward. For those who may not know, the labels, A&R, all refer to an artist’s heart and soul in his music as “product,” no different than a can of deodorant. To them it is a marketable commodity in a lucrative industry, nothing more. Unfortunately, the labels have figured out the formula and that’s what we have today.

This is just awesome. So much is there in just 3 and a half minutes. FZ was a coffee and cigarettes fueled madman who kept tune to splice performances later on records and super thinly disguised rehearsals which were actually recording sessions. Did he even sleep? Oh yeah, and on top he's put out at least 100 albums.

Nice! Good animation and good lesson!

Last time I checked, most people do a job or work in a certain field because it is enjoyable to them, that includes musicians. Believe it or not, being a musician (a versatile musician like what Zappa wanted) takes a lot of patience and WORK! If you're not willing to put in the work to improve your musicianship or skill and you're only in it for "fun" then you're not being professional. In my experience people who say "it's only for fun" are the guys who use it as an excuse to avoid practicing.

Always an inspiration...

TEACH ALL THESE FOOLS WHAT WHAT, FRANK!

I always thought that Frank did the rock music to fund the “ real “ orchestral music that he really wanted to hear . Anyone else agree?

great work! and of course clear language by the master ... ;-)

Furthermore, Frank was able to live as an independent artist because of this way of thinking. He was able to call the shots and make whatever crazy-ass music he wanted to make. So even from a purely artistic view, what he's saying makes a lot of sense.

While this mentality isn't great for most businesses, it's perfect for being the best touring band you can be. Elite bands are elite for a reason and that's because it's a meritocracy.

Sounds like a true consumer advocate to me. As rock fans we should appreciate that. Sorry posers, if you can't hack it. In the music business talent IS the "Mothers of Invention"

He is a musician. His bands were like mini orchestras and the members were hired guns who played his compositions the way he wanted them to. Glen Miller was the same. Mozart was the same. Brian Wilson too...

And that's the way I do my business.

Truer words were never spoken.

UNION MENTALITY!

A true gentleman! Thank you and to you as well.

"If you are playing music and not having fun, what the fuck else is there?" 1. Expressing yourself; 2. Creating something that will outlive you; 3. Making a significant contribution to art and the society; 4. Surpassing challenges, growing up and evolving both as an artist and as a person, to eventually: 5. Become good enough to have fun while still being professional. Enough?

People play music for different reasons. If you want to play at Frank's level, it takes a ton of discipline and work. Like he said, he paid $250K so everyone could rehearse enough to sound fantastic. It isn't just about money, but excellence was required, just like a classical performance. Frank had a ton of integrity, and took his responsibility to the audience seriously. It's not the same as casual rockers cranking out tunes for beer and gear money.

Right on the money Thanks FZ

master persuader... thy name is Frank Zappa... good thing there's plenty evidence on record about Zappa 's greatness... otherwise lots of people in a different time and place would find hard to believe in Frank's unlimited creativity...

I love what Geddy Lee had to say about their early experience opening for KISS. He said, paraphrasing: "Say what you want about KISS musically or otherwise, but we learned from them the importance of giving the audience their money's worth." As for Frank, I'm an avid live music collector and fan, and I've heard many many concerts from various different bands, and Frank's quality from show to show is second to none. Every show I've ever heard ranges from mind blowing on the high end to excellent on the low end. Led Zeppelin and the Grateful Dead, on the other hand, range from mind-blowing to embarrassingly bad, and almost always due to non-sobriety, something which Frank was a stickler for.

Running a band is insanely hard. He's right, especially when it was he who was financing everything. @Thomas Devine (comment below this one): i didn't know FZ was planning that. It would have been awesome.

Seeing/hearing George Duke perform with Zappa multiple time was... well, indescribable

This is gold.

I'm not living extravagantly, I'll tell you that for sure

Brilliant.

Beautiful.

this is exactly how his later music sounded like. musical steel production

he should wear a pimpco shirt :D. zappa was a pro in all areas. and he was a great composer, video artist, producer, musician and a remarkably un-boring guitarist. and on stage he was alltogether ^^.

This was completely fuckin' awesooome!!

Music at this level is a business, and Zappa hits it out of the park in this video. This is not a bar band thing, although some of the lessons here certainly apply for that level. But imagine what it's like when Rush goes on tour. Sure, tickets are expensive, but you get your money's worth in entertainment. Same thing goes for sports, movies, TV, or any other form of entertainment.

Fantastic

If you can get an audience to leave the building before your first song is done, you really got something.

Very similar to James Brown who had a very tight unit of amazing talent. Asked why his musicians put up with rigor, JB replied, "Because I pay them." Brown was all business about making sure they got paid in a time performers were frequently stiffed by promoters. He hired his crew and paid them out of his pocket. He also issued fines for things like being late and mistakes while performing. He often fined during performances, holding fingers behind his back to signal how much he was docking them. Like Zappa, he had no shortage of musicians wanting to be in his band.

Such no-nonsense communication is quite rare these days. May we learn from Frank and speak with such clarity to our own generation - even when people are offended by it.

This guy sounds like my architecture studio professor. That's great.

Amazing!

Truth,... miss that man

Good one!

UNION MENTALITY...ahhhh Frank I love ya.(I did spend 1 day with Dweezil by the way, was great).