Dick Barber was the Mothers‘ road manager in the late 60’s and early 70’s. He also played with great emotion the role of the industrial strength Gypsy Mutant Vacuum Cleaner that Motorhead falls in love with in “200 Motels“. He is also mentioned as one of the people whose name is checked on the cover of “Freak Out!” under the heading “These People Have Contributed Materially In Many Ways To Make Our Music What It Is. Please Do Not Hold It Against Them“.
In the following three part interview, conducted by Bruce Burnett in Claremont, California, on February 9th, 1990, Dick Barber shares his impressions and memories of Frank Zappa, The Mothers of Invention, and life on the road with various incarnations of the Mothers.
Dick Barber Interview, Part I
[audio: Dick_Barber_Interview_9_Feb_1990_Part 1.mp3]
Dick Barber Interview, Part II
[audio: Dick_Barber_Interview_9_Feb_1990_Part 2.mp3]
Dick Barber Interview, Part III
[audio: Dick_Barber_Interview_9_Feb_1990_Part 3.mp3]
I hate to be rude, but as regards the interviewer…whoa, Spiccoli!
Sounds more like Rodney Bingenheimer interviewing!
Dick tells some wonderful stories. Nice find!
Jonnybutter nailed it, that’s Spicoli (Fast Times at Ridge[Clare]mont High) all the way. You can almost hear him waxing his surfboard while he obsesses with his nasal passages.