The origin for this tour began at the Zappanale festival in 2023, where Paul Green was making his return after a 6 year break (his 7th appearance overall) with the students of PGRA, headlining Friday (playing Zappa) and Saturday night(with Jon Anderson). The Sunday (and overall) headliners were Banned from Utopia and Paul and his students stood in stunned silence watching a band that was like watching one of the best Zappa bands from the 80s. A friendship was struck up between the groups and plans were soon in motion to tour the US in the summer of 2024.That tour was so successful, and such a good time, that we decided to go out again in 2025, this time with just the alumni so that the students can have their turn playing these amazing songs with them.
We are calling the tour the "We Love Zappa II Tour" because it is all about our shared love of this amazing music, teaching it to a new generation, and bringing it to his fans, who are the best.
The Paul Green Rock Academy(PGRA) is the latest music school from School of Rock founder, and noted Zappa fanatic, Paul Green. An audition only music school for ambitious students aged 12-18, PGRA has spent the last 5 years touring, alternately, as the backing band for Jon Anderson of Yes and Gibby Haynes of the Butthole Surfers. They have also shared the stage with such amazing musicians as Bill Bruford, Steve Hackett, and Phil Manzanera. Paul's former students have gone on to play in/with: The Who, Phony Ppl, The Bobby Lees, Dr Dog, Adrian Belew, Lauren Hill, and Willow Smith, to name a few.
Robert "Bobby" Martinis a highly accomplished American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, known for his work with Frank Zappa and his career as a session musician, composer, and musical director, as well as directing his own music production company.He is a sought-after keyboardist, horn player, and vocalist, having worked with numerous artists, including Bette Midler, Paul McCartney, and Etta James, and has composed music for film, television, and advertising.
Scott Thunes is best known for his long tenure in Frank Zappa's band during the 1980s, playing bass, singing background vocals, and serving as the official "Clonemeister," running rehearsals for the Zappa band. He also recorded and toured with Zappa's sons Dweezil and Ahmet, and his music career has included work with the Waterboys, The Mother Hips, and Fear, among others.
Ray Shirley White Sr.,a soul and rock guitarist best known for his vocals and rhythm guitar in Frank Zappa's touring bands from 1976 to 1984, also formed a vocal harmony partnership with Ike Willison later tours. He is featured on numerous Zappa albums and videos, including "Zappa In New York," "You Are What You Is," "Ship Arriving Too Late To Save A Drowning Witch," and "The Torture Never Stops".
