This is such a great shot of Frank Zappa with parents Francis and Rosemary taken by John Olson at Frank’s home in Los Angeles in 1970. It made me think of which other rock stars I would like to see in a similar pose. My top three would be Julian Cope, Nick Cave and Mark E.Smith.
Mate, you’ve won my heart on this post. This really made my day. BTW, Isn’t this from one of his records? Like the inside of a gatefold, possibly Joe’s? again, thank you.
Glad to have made your day, Ben! This photo isn’t from an album but is part of a portfolio by John Olson who, as a newbie for Life Magazine, was commissioned to shoot a series of portraits of rock stars and their parents. A great idea that someone should do with today’s ‘stars’.
Thanks for the help, I’ll look up John’s stuff.What a great photo. Did you get to see Dweezil’s Zappa plays Zappa? What a show.
I really enjoy your blog. I’ve already got plans for finding Julian Cope’s books, and am just discovering Animal Collective. Can’t believe I’ve never heard them before. Good gear.
I find the concept of Julian Cope actually HAVING parents quite funny. I’m not convinced he didn’t just emerge from the depths of a sacred lake in the West Country, as the by-product of some Excalibur-summoning ceremony.
….and,on the other hand, what if Cope’s Ma & Pa are exactly like him!!!
On a not unrelated matter (i.e. parents), I remember Julian Cope saying that if either of his two daughters misbehaved he’d bring them into line by threatening to take them to school. Apparently the girls were so terrified of being seen in the Archdrude’s company that they quickly saw the error of their ways!
Outstanding. Copey gives excellent all-round value. Though I bet he drives his wife mad.