Mike Keneally has looked back on the time he scored the Frank Zappa gig – after cold-calling his guitar hero and impressing him with a photographic-like memory of his musical catalog.
Keneally was unknown to Zappa when he called his office out of the blue in an attempt wrangle an audition. But when he said he had a “Zappa jukebox” in his head, the man himself knew it had to be seen to be believed.
The revered session ace joined Zappa’s band in 1988, and he turned out to be tailor-made for the gig. He was a Zappa fanatic. Zappa’s melodies were etched deep into his brain, and he was eager to prove it.
“I was really passionate about his music when I was a kid, and being mostly self-taught, I developed my ears more than my eyes,” Keneally tells Guitar World. “So, I had what I basically would refer to as a ‘Zappa jukebox’ in my brain.
“If somebody mentioned a Zappa tune, I would say, ‘Give me a second.’ And I’d push the button for that song in my head and then just kind of play along with it,” he expands.”
“I called his office and said, ‘Hey, I don’t know if Frank’s looking for anybody, but I play guitar and keyboard and I sing, and I’m familiar with all of Frank’s work, and if he needs anyone, I’m right here,’” Keneally admits.
“That’s what served me well in the audition for Frank,” Keneally continues of his Zappa jukebox. “He had heard from the guy that I called in his office when I called up to ask for a job that I was familiar with all of his music, and he didn’t believe it.”
Zappa, Vai, Satch, & Mike Keneally! The Guitar World interview – YouTube
“There was a Certain Amount of Desperation in Frank Returning My Call and Saying, ‘I Don’t believe you, but Get Over here and Prove It'”: How Mike Keneally Landed teh Frank Zappa Gig
The Bold Cold Call That Changed Mike Keneally’s Life
Mike Keneally, a young and aspiring guitarist at the time, was driven by admiration for his guitar hero, Frank Zappa. The story behind Keneally’s audition and eventual hiring for Zappa’s band is a remarkable example of determination and boldness in the music industry.
Without any prior connections, Mike reportedly cold-called Frank Zappa, an intimidating figure known for his musical genius and demanding standards. highlighting his sincerity and passion, Mike cold-called Frank with an ambitious but uncertain pitch: “I am a guitarist who admires your work and believes I can contribute to your music.”
Facing Initial Skepticism but Staying Persistent
“There was a certain amount of desperation in Frank returning my call and saying, ‘I don’t believe you, but get over here and prove it’.”
This skeptical yet open-minded response from Zappa encapsulates the first hurdle Mike overcame. Frank was unconvinced, reflecting his high standards and protective attitude towards his band’s talent pool. Still,he gave Mike a shot to prove his worth,marking the beginning of a legendary musical collaboration.
The Audition: Proving Talent in the Presence of a Legend
Mike’s audition wasn’t a casual “play a few chords” scenario. Frank Zappa was known to push musicians to their limits, and this audition set a grueling but inspiring tone.
- Complex rhythms: Zappa’s music is famous for intricate time signatures and rapid changes.
- Technical skill: Proficiency on the guitar had to be flawless.
- Improvisational creativity: Musicians were expected to think on their feet.
mike passed these tests spectacularly,promptly showcasing not only technical prowess but also musical intelligence and an ability to adapt to Zappa’s unique style.
Key Factors That Secured Mike’s Role in Zappa’s Band
| Factor | Description | impact |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Proficiency | Mastery of guitar skills, including speed and accuracy. | Immediate demonstration of capability for challenging material. |
| Musical Adaptability | Ability to improvise and interpret complex musical arrangements. | Matched Zappa’s expectations for creative input. |
| Persistence | Boldly cold-called without initial invitation. | Created the initial opportunity to audition. |
| Passion | Deep admiration and genuine enthusiasm for Frank Zappa’s work. | Resonated with Zappa’s own dedication to music. |
Behind the Scenes: Firsthand Experiences and Challenges
Joining Frank Zappa’s band was exhilarating but also posed new challenges for Mike keneally:
- Rehearsal Intensity: Rigorous rehearsals demanded near-perfect execution every time.
- Touring Fatigue: Constant touring required stamina and mental resilience.
- Creative Pressure: Zappa’s high expectations required continuous innovation and growth.
Mike later reflected on the mentorship aspect of working with Frank, describing how being pushed to excel refined his technique and musical mindset, forging him into a versatile and fearless guitarist.
Benefits and Practical Tips for Musicians Wanting to Land Their Dream Gig
Mike Keneally’s story offers useful lessons for aspiring musicians aiming to break through in competitive environments:
- Be Bold: Don’t hesitate to reach out to your idols or industry leaders.
- Prepare Relentlessly: Master your instrument to a level that speaks louder than words.
- Stay Authentic: Show genuine passion and admiration; sincerity is memorable.
- Be Ready for the Unexpected: When opportunity knocks, be prepared to prove yourself immediately.
- Embrace feedback: use challenges and demands as growth opportunities,not setbacks.
Case Study: how Mike’s Bold Move Transformed His Career
Mike Keneally’s cold call to Frank Zappa didn’t just land him a gig; it launched a lifelong career marked by innovation and respect in the music world.Here’s a snapshot of the change:
| Before Cold Call | After Landing the Zappa Gig |
|---|---|
| Unknown aspiring guitarist. | Featured guitarist in Frank Zappa’s band. |
| Limited exposure. | Touring internationally and recording with one of rock’s greatest innovators. |
| Early-stage musical growth. | Accelerated development through intense mentorship and experience. |
| Uncertain music career path. | Established a respected name with a strong fan base and critical recognition. |
Additional Insights: The Power of Persistence in Music Careers
Mike Keneally’s experience teaches us that persistence often trumps luck:
- Cold calling can unlock doors previously thought closed.
- legends like Frank zappa value both skill and grit.
- Turning skepticism into opportunity can lead to landmark achievements.
For guitarists and musicians everywhere,Mike’s story remains an inspiring blueprint to follow when seeking to join elite circles in music.
Watch On
He says he was “terrified on the drive to the audition.” His brother was behind the wheel, and Keneally was sitting in the back, practicing every single Zappa song he could think of.
“I was panicking, and my brother, in a show of extreme wisdom and kindness, pulled off the freeway so he could stop the car, turn around, look me in the eye, and say, ‘You’re never going to be more ready for this than you are right now.’”
The audition songs were Sinister Footwear, a song he knew well, and What’s New in Baltimore?, which he scrambled together in 24 hours – it was a rare glitch in his jukebox.
When bass player Scott Thunes laughed in delight at his chops, he knew his dream gig was within reach. He was hired.
Keneally once said his mind was blown daily working with Frank, and last year, he gave Guitar World readers a wicked insight into his ability to memorize songs.
