sound and vision - DVD’s
Summer ‘82 When Zappa Came to Sicily (MVD)
This incredibly inter-
esting documentary was the brainchild of film- maker and Frank Zappa fan Salvo Cuccia who chronicles Zappa’s infa- mous 1982 concert in Palermo, Sicily- the concert that ended in a riot. Working together with the Zappa family, Cussia tells the story
utilizing rare video clips and photos along with stories from family, friends and band members as well as Zappa biographer Massimo Bassoli. Dur- ing Zappa’s first visit to Sicily, he visited the birthplace of his father and grandfather in Par- tinico. I should note that if you don’t like subti- tles, this documentary might not be for you. This is not a film you watch in the background while folding towels. The film demands your undivided attention, and its well worth it. When Zappa Came to Sicily is actually sev-
eral stories in one. It’s about Frank’s first visit to the homeland of his ancestors, it’s about the con- cert and ensuing riot, and it’s about the trip that Frank’s wife gail and two of his children took to the same area after Frank’s death. The Palermo concert was the last stop on a
big European tour for Frank and his band, and the promoters had obviously never seen a rock and roll concert. Staged on a soccer field, the stage itself was set up in the middle of the field, and patrons were required to sit in the stands. No one was allowed onto the field. They were so far away it was nearly impossible to see Frank or hear the music. Obviously, that didn’t set well with the Zappa starved fans. When one fan jumped the fence and headed for the stage, police
over reacted as more fans began trying to run to- ward the stage. When police began firing tear gas and beating teenagers, a full scale riot ensued. Zappa was pleading nervously with the crowd to calm down and enjoy the music. Because of the stage lights, he and the band couldn’t really see what was happening. When tear gas began mak- ing it’s way to the stage and getting into the eyes of the musicians, Zappa called the show and said good night. The cameras followed him backstage where, in typical Zappa fashion, he attempted to calm the band and crew by talking about some- thing other than the riot happening outside. It’s almost impossible to describe the event
in words. You need to see the film. It was a riot that should have never happened. A very, very scary scene. The most uplifting section of the film is the
Zappa family visit to Sicily - Gail, Dweezil and his wife and Moon take an emotional tour of the city, and attend ceremonies honoring Frank with a street named after him and several other honors. They also meet with over a dozen Zappa relatives they had never met before, some bring along pho- tos of Grandparents, Great Grandparents and more, many with distinct features that resembled Frank.
There are many videos available that re-
flect various stages in Frank’s career, but this one is a must have for the Zappa fan. I know I’ll be watching it again soon. It gives us another look at the kind and loving famiy man he was, the hu- manitarian who cared so much for everyone and fought against censorship. A man who remained calm in the eye of a storm. A creative genius. One of a kind. Frank Zappa.
-Michael Buffalo Smith
Attack of the Killer Tomatoes (2-Disc Special Edition; Blu-ray and DVD) (MVD)
The classic ‘70s cult film is back! Remas- 52
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