For those who caught on to Frank Zappa’s music after his untimely death, few experiences rivaled that of the Zappa Plays Zappa project. Led by Frank’s son Dweezil Zappa, the band name said it all, one Zappa playing the music of another.
Only, there seems to be some contention over the use of the Zappa family name for the project. The Zappa Family Trust recently informed Dweezil that he did not have the rights to tour under the name Zappa Plays Zappa, as the last name is a trademark owned by the trust. Instead, the band will hit the road as Dweezil Zappa Plays Frank Zappa.
In an interview with the New York Times, Dweezil says, “It doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue… but this is being done under duress.” He added, “My last name is Zappa; my father was Frank Zappa… but I am not allowed to use the name on its own. I’m not allowed to use a picture of him. I’m not allowed to use my own connection with him without some sort of deal to be struck.”
When Frank Zappa’s window Gail Zappa passed away, control of the Family Trust went to two of Zappa’s four children, Ahmet Zappa and Diva Zappa. While the other two, Dweezil and Moon Unit, remained beneficiaries, the relationship between the siblings has been riddled with contention. Ahmet addressed the Zappa Plays Zappa situation as well, saying “I am not standing in the way of Dweezil playing the music… he would just have to be in accordance with the family trust.”
Dweezil gets the final word in the article, saying “I just hope people will understand that the only thing I’m changing is the name.” The Dweezil Zappa Plays Frank Zappa tour kicks off in July.
[H/t The New York Times]