Frank Zappa, Halloween 1978, Live at The Palladium, NYC

'Halloween was not only FZ’s favorite holiday, but also a concert tradition in NYC. Though Zappa released highlights, fans have long waited for the unedited shows. Now the 10-31-78 show is being released, newly mixed & mastered.' -- Frank Zappa Official Store
'Zappa's annual Halloween tradition began at New Jersey's (also sadly demolished) Capitol Theatre in 1972 before moving to Chicago in 1973 and then, finally, New York City in 1974. All Hallows' Eve was his favorite holiday and he knew how special these yearly events were. On tour since August, the band was at its well-oiled peak by Halloween.' -- Joe Marchese

I listened to all six hours (and loved it all), but in my opinion, the best 45 minutes can be found in this 4-song stretch right here:

Favorite Segment of the Show

This part of the show has got it all.

Far out jazz in ‘Little House I Used To Live In’ — the keys and electric violin are just on fire here.

Next is ‘Watermelon in Easter Hay’. Somehow I missed this song completely throughout many years and many FZ recordings, and only heard it for the first time in the closing credits of the 2020 documentary (kudos to whoever chose that as the closer — wow). This Halloween ‘78 rendition is real nice. Powerful, powerful piece of music.

Then an “Apostophe (’)” classic in ‘Stink-Foot’ and a solid one, rich with banter and some serious guitar shredding. Hope you find a cure for that bromhidrosis, but don’t leave home without an occasional python boot.

Rounded out with ‘Take Your Clothes Off When You Dance’ from the 1968 album ‘We’re Only In It for the Money’, maybe the most palatable track on one of the more out there albums in the whole catalog. This live and mostly instrumental version is fun and interesting. For one thing, there’s acoustic guitar - what? at a Zappa show? Yes, seriously. And some really locked-in playing here on drums, bass, violin, vibes, synth clavier — whole ensemble was top notch. Enjoy.



The Whole Shows: 10/31/78 & 10/27/78 — Live at The Palladium, NY