Frank Zappa Hologram Addresses Tour Artwork Ban By Ticketmaster

– “The Bizarre World Of Frank Zappa”
The tour kicks off in the U.S. in April and visits Europe in May

Ticketmaster refused to use the official tour artwork of “The Bizarre World Of Frank Zappa” on its websites, citing “questionable content” as the reason. The late singer’s estate answered with a statement recited by the Frank Zappa hologram.

“Composer, musician, futurist and innovator Frank Zappa is facing censorship yet again over so-called ‘questionable content’ in the ad artwork for the upcoming ‘The Bizarre World Of Frank Zappa’ hologram tour,” a press release from the Frank Zappa estate reads. It goes on to state, “The tour artwork was curiously censored by Ticketmaster who cited the image for so-called ‘questionable content,’ according to their Content Governance team, and wouldn’t post it online. The censored image pays homage to Frank Zappa & the Mothers’ 1974 song ‘Penguin in Bondage’.”

The Zappa estate decided to formulate a response and have Frank Zappa’s hologram recite it, thereby offering fans a first look at the Zappa hologram:

Using a voice recording from 1984, the hologram’s lips form the words:  “I’m a person who likes to do what he wants to do…whether people like it or not and what I do is designed for people who like it, not for people who don’t.” 

Zappa was strictly anti-censorship throughout his career, and defended the freedom of speech at all times. On Sept. 19, 1985, the artist attended a hearing before the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the United States Senate on the issue of musical content and lyrics. He reminded senators of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, before explaining in rock star language why that amendment was so important. 

The Zappa estate also updated the “Warning Guarantee” label that the singer used to put on his albums. The updated version can be viewed below:

– Warning Guarantee

Frank Zappa’s son, Ahmet Zappa, EVP of business development for hologram company Eyellusion and co-trustee of the Zappa Family Trust, said: “If you’re someone that can’t enjoy the absurdity and humor of bringing Frank’s music and lyrics to life via holograms – such as penguins in bondage, talking hot dogs and super natural dental floss – this show might not be your cup of tea. 

“In response to Ticketmaster, I re-submit the poster artwork with our newly updated Warning Guarantee hiding the buttocks of the cartoon penguin. I mean, seriously Ticketmaster?”

 

“The Bizarre World Of Frank Zappa” will kick off with nine U.S. shows on Friday, April 19, followed by seven European performances in May. 

Produced by Eyellusion, the “Bizarre World of Frank Zappa” hologram tour band is comprised of former bandmates, including guitarists Ray White and Mike Keneally, bassist Scott Thunes, multi-instrumentalist Robert Martin, percussionist Ed Mann, and drummer Joe “Vaultmeister” Travers.

Pollstar has reached out to Ticketmaster for clarification.