At Live Jam, we live for the raw, unfiltered energy of live performance. Every song on our station is live, every note is authentic, and every setlist is built on that once-in-a-lifetime feeling you only get when the music is happening in real time. That’s why today’s Zappa news hits close to home: a brand-new Frank Zappa concert film has finally been released, nearly fifty years after it was recorded.
On September 15, 2025, Zappa Records/UMe unveiled Cheaper Than Cheep, a long-lost concert film capturing Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention at a Hollywood rehearsal space on June 21, 1974. This isn’t just another reissue—it’s a piece of Zappa history pulled straight from the vault.
Cheaper Than Cheep: The Lost Film That Almost Never Was
Back in 1974, Zappa shelved this project due to technical headaches. Audio and video synchronization issues made the footage unusable, and it sat unreleased for decades. Now, thanks to modern restoration, that problem is history.
The film was directed and produced by Ahmet Zappa, Frank’s son, with longtime Zappa archivist Joe Travers (a.k.a. the Vaultmeister) leading production. For Ahmet, this wasn’t just a professional project—it was deeply personal.
“One of the most emotional and meaningful experiences of my life,” Ahmet said, describing how the film reconnects him with a pivotal era in his father’s career.
For Zappa fans, this release is more than just nostalgia. It’s a rare glimpse into the mid-’70s Mothers, blending sharp musicianship, biting humor, and the kind of avant-garde risk-taking that defined Zappa’s work.
Dweezil Zappa Keeps the Legacy Alive with the Rox(Postroph)y Tour
While Frank’s film makes headlines, his son Dweezil Zappa continues carrying the torch on stage. His Rox(Postroph)y Tour, honoring the 50th anniversaries of Apostrophe (’) and Roxy & Elsewhere, rolls on through 2025 with newly announced U.S. and Canadian dates in January and April.
Fans can expect over two hours of music pulled from Frank’s vast catalog, played with the precision, passion, and playful spirit that made Zappa concerts legendary. Dweezil isn’t just replaying his father’s music—he’s keeping it alive in the moment, just the way Frank would have wanted.
The Zappa Estate and The Vault
It’s impossible to talk about Zappa’s continued presence without mentioning The Vault—the treasure trove of unreleased recordings, films, and projects overseen by the Zappa estate. Since Universal Music Group’s acquisition of Frank’s estate in 2022, fans have seen a steady flow of archival material making its way into the world.
With the cooperation of Moon, Dweezil, Ahmet, and Diva Zappa, the deal has opened doors for restorations like Cheaper Than Cheep. It’s clear that this new era of estate management is committed to keeping Frank’s music and vision available for generations of fans to come.
Live Jam Spotlight: Don Plays Live Zappa – Five Hours of Frank
If there’s one place to celebrate this new film and the ongoing tour, it’s right here on Live Jam Radio. Every Tuesday night at 10PM EST, tune in to Don Plays Live Zappa—five straight hours of Frank Zappa, every track in its purest form: live.
That’s right, five hours of live Zappa magic, from the Mothers of Invention years to late-career brilliance, all woven together the way it was meant to be heard. With the release of Cheaper Than Cheep, this week’s broadcast feels like the perfect soundtrack to a Zappa renaissance.
Frank Zappa once said, “Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible.” Nearly 30 years after his passing, his music continues to break norms, inspire musicians, and thrill fans both old and new. Between the release of Cheaper Than Cheep, Dweezil’s touring dedication, and the tireless work of the Zappa estate, it’s clear that Frank’s legacy isn’t just preserved—it’s thriving.
And here at Live Jam, where every track is live, we’ll keep that spirit alive every single day.
👉 TuneIn tonight at 10PM EST for Don Plays Live Zappa—five hours of nothing but live Frank Zappa.
