Details Unveiled for Frank Zappa’s 1978 Halloween Concert Box Set

Frank Zappa’s legendary 1978 Halloween show at New York City’s Palladium is set to be released as a comprehensive box set on October 24. This anticipated Super Deluxe Edition will include a staggering 62 tracks across five CDs, all housed in a specially designed box that features a Zappa-themed devil mask, a pitchfork with light, and a book filled with rare photos and memorabilia.

Listen to Frank Zappa’s ‘Ancient Armaments (Live at the Palladium, NYC – 10/31/78)

Concert Highlights

The box set captures not only the iconic concert from October 31, 1978, but also includes the first concert from October 27, which served as a prelude to the Halloween night performance. Zappa’s Halloween shows have become a cherished tradition, dating back to 1972, when he first celebrated the holiday with a performance in New Jersey. His annual Halloween concerts gained prominence in Chicago in 1973 and eventually took root in New York starting in 1974.

A Musical Journey Through Halloween 78

During the nearly four-hour concert in 1978, Zappa and his talented band—comprised of drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, bassists Arthur Barrow and Patrick O’Hearn, keyboardists Peter Wolf and Tommy Mars, guitarist Denny Walley, percussionist Ed Mann, and violinist L. Shankar—performed without a set list. This spontaneous approach allowed for an exhilarating and unpredictable experience, featuring fan favorites like “Dancin’ Fool,” “Peaches En Regalia,” and “Don’t Eat the Yellow Snow.”

The show also showcased several tracks that had not previously appeared on Zappa’s albums, including “Suicide Chump,” “Easy Meat,” “Keep It Greasy,” and “The Meek Shall Inherit Nothing.”

What’s Included in the Box Set?

In addition to the Super Deluxe Edition, fans can also look forward to two vinyl versions and a single CD edition of the concert. Below is the complete track listing for the five-disc Super Deluxe Edition of Frank Zappa’s Halloween 78:

Frank Zappa, ‘Halloween 78’ Track Listing

Disc 1: Live At The Palladium, NYC / 10-31-78

1. 10-31-78 Show Start
2. Ancient Armaments
3. “Happy Halloween Everybody!”
4. Dancin’ Fool
5. Easy Meat
6. Honey, Don’t You Want A Man Like Me?
7. Keep It Greasy
8. The Meek Shall Inherit Nothing
9. City Of Tiny Lites
10. Pound For A Brown
11. Thirteen
12. The Story Of Ms. X
13. Nancy

Disc 2: Live At The Palladium, NYC / 10-31-78 (Continued)

1. Dinah-Moe Humm
2. Go Cry On Somebody Else’s Shoulder
3. Little Rubber Girl
4. The Idiot Bastard Son
5. Bobby Brown Goes Down
6. Conehead
7. Suicide Chump
8. Little House I Used To Live In
9. Watermelon In Easter Hay
10. Stink-Foot

Disc 3: Live At The Palladium, NYC / 10-31-78 (Continued)

1. Take Your Clothes Off When You Dance
2. Peaches En Regalia
3. Strictly Genteel
4. Sofa #2
5. Packard Goose
6. Magic Fingers
7. Don’t Eat The Yellow Snow
8. Nanook Rubs It
9. St. Alfonzo’s Pancake Breakfast
10. Father O’Blivion
11. Rollo
12. Camarillo Brillo
13. Muffin Man
14. Black Napkins / The Deathless Horsie

Disc 4: Live At The Palladium, NYC / 10-27-78 – Show 1

1. 10-27-78 Show 1 Opening
2. Dancin’ Fool
3. Easy Meat
4. Honey, Don’t You Want A Man Like Me?
5. Keep It Greasy
6. The Meek Shall Inherit Nothing
7. City Of Tiny Lites
8. A Pound For A Brown
9. Bobby Brown Goes Down
10. Conehead
11. Dance Contest

Disc 5: Live At The Palladium, NYC / 10-27-78 – Show 1 (Continued)

1. The Black Page #2
2. Dance Contest Aftermath
3. Little House I Used To Live In
4. Magic Fingers
5. Don’t Eat The Yellow Snow
6. Nanook Rubs It
7. St. Alfonzo’s Pancake Breakfast
8. Father O’Blivion
9. Rollo
10. “Let Me Explain This To You. . .”
11. Dinah-Moe Humm
12. Camarillo Brillo
13. Muffin Man
14. Peaches En Regalia

Conclusion

The release of Frank Zappa’s Halloween 78 box set is a significant addition to the legacy of one of music’s most innovative and eclectic artists. With its extensive track list and unique packaging, this collection will surely captivate fans old and new, offering a glimpse into the creative genius that defined Zappa’s live performances. As the Halloween season approaches, this release serves as a fitting tribute to Zappa’s enduring love for the holiday and his unparalleled musical artistry.

FAQs

When will the Halloween 78 box set be released?

The box set will be released on October 24, 2023.

What is included in the Super Deluxe Edition?

The Super Deluxe Edition features 62 tracks across five CDs, a Zappa devil mask, a pitchfork with light, and a book with rare photos and memorabilia.

Are there other formats available for this release?

Yes, there will also be two vinyl versions and a single CD edition available.

What notable songs are included in the Halloween 78 set?

The set includes favorites such as “Dancin’ Fool,” “Peaches En Regalia,” and previously unreleased tracks like “Suicide Chump” and “Easy Meat.”