Frank Zappa – Penguins In Bondage, 73-74

Ah, the memories, Barry. Especially from the 8th November 1974 WXRT radio broadcast of “Penguin In Bondage” from Frank Zappa’s performance at the Roxy on December 1973 (above) with various visual memories added later. Then a soundboard recording of “Penguin In Bondage” from St.Paul, Civic Center Arena on November 27th, 1974. Followed by a November 15th, 1974 performance of “Penguin In Bondage” at Memorial Auditorium in Buffalo, New York. And lastly, “Stockholm In Bondage” in Stockholm, Sweden on August 21st, 1973 for the Swedish program ‘Opopoppa Special’ (below).

I am awed by the complexity and variation and musical virtuosity which Zappa and his 73-74 bands brought to “Penguin In Bondage” as they made this song very much a fan favourite. When and if the Roxy footage is ever released, “Penguin In Bondage” will no doubt be among the highlights.



Author: urbangraffito

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

4 thoughts on “Frank Zappa – Penguins In Bondage, 73-74”

  1. Nice highlighting of some good Penguin In Bondages from 1973/74, urbangraffito! I also think these years contain the *best* versions–though everybody knows 1974 is my favorite live Zappa year, anyway!

    “She’s just like a Penguin In Bondage, Chester” –FZ

    Also check out Dan Lampinski’s excellent audience recording from Providence College in ’75 for what is probably the longest version of Penguin ever: over 11 min.!

    This ’73 Swedish tv excerpt starts with a little bit of Eric Dolphy Memorial BBQ > Kung Fu > (then into) Penguin In Bondage, as i’m sure you’re aware of. Great Stuff!

  2. Thanks, HB! Though I think the real kudos should go to the brave and courageous YouTubers who continously make these and other FZ music available in the face of draconian copyright interpretations! They so very often fill my days, and my ears, with Frank and the Mothers!

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