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Originally Posted by Godsmack
Back in the late 60's-early 70's, Zappa had many interesting (and not so interesting) opening acts: Sea Train, Elvin Bishop, Sha Na Na (I used to know their manager, Ed Goodgold--his real name), etc. One interesting story was told to us by Ruth Underwood. At one point, some might remem- ber, the Mahavishnu Orchestra toured with Frank. It seems that Zappa demanded to be the main event, while John McLaughlin ALSO demanded to be the headliner! There was this running argument as to who was the bigger act, and who should be opener. Well, eventually, reluctantly, they both agreed to "trade off" each night. Ruth said this really pissed Zappa off. Also, Frank allegedly resented the fact that McLaughlin always walked around with an acoustic guitar, noodling on it everywhere he went. He practiced CONSTANTLY, which annoyed Frank, because, even though Frank was one of the greatest rock guitarists in the world, he hated to practice his guitar, and only played when on stage. It's weird to think about such an ego clash between two guitar giants. Then again, it's NOT so weird, when you think about it.
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One of the best series of concerts that I ever attended featured Jeff Beck (in support of his "Blow by Blow" album), and the Mahavishnu Orchestra (in support of their "Visions of the Emerald Beyond" album).
OMG, what nights of virtuoso musicianship, from the guitarists to the keyboard players, to the drummers, and on and on. I miss that in music today.
On that tour Jeff Beck and John MClaughlin's band alternated who would be the headline act, not out of ego, but out of mutual respect. At the end of the show though, both bands would come out...and the jams they did (and yes, it was totally improvised), were ethereal...one night they did a version of "Diamond Dust" that still makes me get goosebumps and yes, even cry, when I think about it - it was that beautiful and musically majestic.
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