Scott Schroen fronts Ugly Radio Rebellion, a Frank Zappa
tribute band. With Zappa’s work being so eclectic and, well, practically
structure-less, Schroen couldn’t have chosen a more difficult act to follow.
“It started in July 2002,” Schroen says. “I had been a
professional musician for a long time and I was looking to do something for
myself. I like a challenge so I started the Zappa thing. The songs are tough to
learn. It’s pretty much a mountain to climb. One guy told me once that learning
one Zappa song is like learning 10 regular songs. It’s fairly difficult and
complicated but I’m a big fan of working hard.”
According to Schroen, a Frank Zappa tribute draws the kind
of numbers that local original bands would pray for. “We’ve done a lot of
shows,” Schroen says. “We do Zappa birthday parties every year, and last year
we did 287 people in Cleveland.
That was great. Also, we toured with Ike Willis. We have another tour starting
in May with Ike. He was the person who played with Frank the longest. He was
the front-man and guitar player. He played with Frank for 15 years.
"We’ve been
in contact with several people from Frank’s band. Arthur Barrow gave us a “yes.”
He’s a busy guy. Chad Wackerman also gave us a “yes.” Andre Lewis – we got him
in for about four shows. But Ike is the one we work with the most. I tend to
think of him as the singer in my band now.”
Fore more information about Ugly Radio Rebellion:
www.uglyradiorebellion.com
