Whisky a Go Go, 1968 is a live album by Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention, posthumously released on June 21, 2024. The album features a live recording by the band recorded on July 23, 1968 at the Sunset Strip, never being properly released in full until Whisky a Go Go, 1968.
The gig was originally promoted through a handwritten ad in the L.A. Free Press, "assuring 5 full hours of unprecedented merriment, which will be secretly recorded for an upcoming record album. Dress optional. Starting sometime in the evening. R.S.V.D.T.” It is presumed that the gig was intended for an album that was not released.
The album was released as a triple CD, five LP, and a two LP highlights set. The liner notes were written by Joe Travers, Ahmet Zappa, who also produced the album, and Pamela Des Barres. The liner notes also feature an interview of Alice Cooper with Ahmet Zappa, who also performed the night the album was recorded.
Track listing All tracks composed and conducted by Frank Zappa, except where noted.
Personnel The Mothers of Invention
Frank Zappa – vocals, guitar Ray Collins – vocals, percussion Ian Underwood – alto sax Bunk Gardner – tenor sax, flute Don Preston – keyboards, gong Jim Sherwood – baritone sax, percussion Roy Estrada – bass, vocals Art Tripp – drum set, percussion Jimmy Carl Black – drum set, percussion
Special guests
Kim Fowley – vocals (3–6) GTO's – vocals (16)
Production
Original recordings produced by Frank Zappa Produced for release by Ahmet Zappa & Joe Travers Recording engineer: Dick Kunc Facility: Wally Heider Remote Truck Source: 1" 8-track analog tape 96K24B digital transfers: Joe Travers Re-mix & audio restoration: Craig Parker Adams, Winslow CT Studios 2023 Mastering & audio restoration: John Polito, Audio Mechanics 2023 Cover, booklet cover, and band photography, plus live photography: George Rodriguez Original 1968 LA Free Press ad: Cal Schenkel Art direction & design: Michael Mesker Production director: Melanie Starks Liner notes: Pamela Des Barres, Joe Travers Interview: Alice Cooper with Ahmet Zappa A&R: Jeff Fura Production manager: Jerry Stine Product manager: Ashley Slater UMe PR: Tim Plumley
Charts +Chart performance for Whisky a Go Go, 1968Chart (2024)Peak positionGerman Albums (Offizielle Top 100) 67
References