Remembering Frank Zappa, the eccentric rocker who inspired generations of experimental music
Friday, December 21 marks what would have been the 78th birthday of Frank Zappa, one of the most prolific and experimental figures in modern rock. During his musical career spanning 30-odd years, Zappa pioneered the concept of blending disparate musical genres, self-produced almost all of the 60-plus albums that culminated from his band, the Mothers of Invention, and his solo works. Zappa created entirely new concepts in sound engineering, lent his name to an asteroid, and was immortalized in the lyrics of Deep Purple's 'Smoke on the Water'. And that doesn't even begin to cover half of the virtuoso's many accomplishments.
Known for his eccentric approach to music that never ceased to push the boundaries, Zappa was also a fervent activist who viewed the establishment, particularly religious institutions, with a critical eye. His music and lyrics reflected his views, often using hyperbolic and comedic gestures to put his point across. One of the few artists of our times who transcended genres and pre-defined templates, Zappa's experimental approach influenced a whole generation of musical innovators. 15 years after he succumbed to prostate cancer, Zappa's extensive body of work and iconoclastic views remains as relevant as ever.