Frank Zappa and his Mothers of Invention played more than 70 times in Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway. Zappa held nine concerts in Norway and was close friends with the composer Arne Nordheim from Larvik. He wanted his first symphony performed by the Norwegian Broadcasting Orchestra. The first edition of the book “Frank Zappa: The Nordic Stories” was a limited printing of 300 numbered and signed copies in December 2020. Norwegian Rhapsody by Frank Zappa was 2 x vinyl LP album unofficial released in 1988.
The book “Frank Zappa: The Nordic Stories” is a collection of stories, interviews and anecdotes, accompanied by over 250 unpublished photos from the Mothers’ first visit to Europe in 1967 right up to Frank’s last ever tour in 1988. For hardcore fans, you will also find a lot of rare memorabilia, as the book contains set lists, ticket stubs, posters and much more. Here, the entire Nordic region is represented, each with its own chapter.
According to Frank Zappa, the definition of rock journalism is: “People who can’t write write interviews with people who can’t think in terms of creating articles for people who can’t read”.
Erland Bekkelund at Norwegian Absolutt Forlag took the initiative. He has written the Norwegian chapter. Matti Laipio is responsible for Finnish, Sören Gaden and Ole Lysgaard for Danish. Cege Berglund, who saw the very first Zappa concert in the Nordic countries, has been responsible for the Swedish part.

Frank Zappa would not be perceived as a traditional musician. He was cynical, had insane auditions with musicians in the band for the simple reason that he constantly wanted better and better musicians. He was never satisfied and during his career over 200 musicians played in his band. Jon Larsen, guitarist in the band Hot Club de Norvege, says that Zappa wanted to be perceived as a contemporary composer à la Arne Nordheim.

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Related: Rocking Scandinavia
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A second edition of the book (300 copies) was issued in April 2021 and has some minor changes and corrections but also includes some extra pictures. Hans Annéllsson’s story of recording ‘Penis Dimension’ and getting the permission of Gail Zappa to record it is also included.
“If you want to have sex, go to college. If you want an education, go to the library”. Frank Zappa.
Frank Vincent Zappa (December 21, 1940 – December 4, 1993) was an American musician, composer, and bandleader.

Given that Frank Zappa played more in concert halls and at festivals around the Nordics than in the rest of the world, this book is not only relevant for an older audience but also an excellent starting point for the younger fan. The book is thus aimed at giving those who never got the chance to experience Zappa’s live performances an overview of these historic visits.
Norwegian Rhapsody by Frank Zappa, written by Tor Kjolberg