The Radio Is Broken – Rehearsals, UMRK, 1980

A unique glimpse into Zappa‘s creative process as Frank Zappa and members of his Rockin’ Teenage Combo rehearse “The Radio Is Broken” from ‘The Man From Utopia’ on September 27th, 1980 at the Utility Muffin Research Kitchen.


The band:

Frank Zappa – lead guitar, lead vocals
Ike Willis – rhythm guitar, vocals
Ray White – rhythm guitar, vocals
Steve Vai – guitar
Tommy Mars – keyboards
Bob Harris – keyboards, trumpet, vocals
Arthur Barrow – bass
Vinne Colaiuta – drums

Note: thanks to “YourArf” for posting these videos on YouTube.

Author: urbangraffito

I am a writer, editor, publisher, philosopher, and foole (not necessarily in that order). Cultural activist and self-described anarchist.

3 thoughts on “The Radio Is Broken – Rehearsals, UMRK, 1980”

  2. That vamp that FZ scats at 0:45 in the first clip: surely I’m not the only person thinking of “Reelin’ In The Years” by Steely Dan?

  3. Thanx for the clips!
    Very off-topic: Does anyone know of a recording of 79/02/24 Paris France Nouvel Hippodrome, Porte de Pantin 2nd show?
    Would be very much appreciated.

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