Frank Zappa in Erie: The 1974 concert at Gannon Auditorium review

First published in the Erie Daily Times on Nov. 13, 1974.

When Frank Zappa strode onto the stage Tuesday night at Gannon Auditorium and promptly began blowing his nose to the accompanying music, it confirmed what many had been thinking all along ― this would not be an ordinary concert.

New release:Erie shows in 1970s are focus of Frank Zappa box set due out in June

A near-capacity crowd packed the gymnasium to hear the Mothers of Invention, led by the almost legendary Frank Zappa, and the group fulfilled the crowd's expecations with the combination of a light show that was nothing short of incredible, music that was lively and stage antics that were different, to say the least.

After watching and listening to the Mothers' act for a few minutes, it was easy to see that it was highly organized and complex. The stage lights blinked furiously, often staying in time with the music and changing colors every few seconds.

Frank Zappa in Erie:1976 Erie County Fieldhouse review

Frank Zappa in Edinboro:The Mothers of Invention's 1974 show review, letter response

Likewise, their actions on stage also play a part in creating that insane atmosphere on which the Mothers thrive. During the song "Penguin in Bondage," Zappa waddles across the state in the best imitation of a penguin that he can manage while saxophonist Napoleon Murphy Brock squirms and shuffles about the stage, coaxing virtually any sound imaginable from his instrument.

In the early Sixties, Zappa was looked upon as quite an oddball when he came out with song titles such as "Suzy Creamcheese" and "Call Any Vegetable," and lyrics that asked "What's there to live for? Who needs the Peach Corps?" or stated "Wowie, zowie, baby, please be mine. I don't even care if you shave your legs."

And even though such examples are conservative by today's standards, Zappa's reputation as a highly unusual performer has stuck with him.

Summer shows:Here's where you can listen to music at outdoor venues in Erie this summer

At Tuesday night's concert the Mothers played only their most recent material, but the outlandish titles and lyrics were still present, although the music is now much more highly developed.

They opened with "Stink Foot" and went on to such notables(?) as "Dynamo Hum," "St. Alphonso's Pancake Breakfast" and "Montana," which is a story about your average dental floss tycoon.

Entertainment roundup:Concerts, art shows, theater performances and more coming up in Erie

Zappa, who confessed to the audience that he was feeling a little ill and therefore wrapped himself in a sweater and long black scarf, was certainly in fine musical form as he displayed his usual involved guitar playing during several solos, though he played so many that they tended to become overworked.

One incident did mar the performance, though.

During one of the songs a fight broke out near the stage and after he eyed the scene for quite some time, Zappa said, "This has evolved far enough" and refused to continue until order was restored.

He later stopped again when a few young girls in front of the stage refused to sit down so that others could see.

This sort of distraction is terribly disruptive to any performer.

Upcoming release:Erie native Chelcie Gette chases music dream in Nashville, set to drop EP this summer