Digital Camera World June 2025

Ten Takeaways From ‘Cheaper Than Cheep,’ A Frank Zappa Film Like No Other. An abandoned TV special, unearthed after 50 years, provides musical thrills while giving intimate insights into a genius at work.On June 21, 1974 Frank Zappa assembled his group The Mothers at their rehearsal hall on 5831 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, to record Cheaper Than Cheep, a TV special that would remain unseen for over 50 years. The early ’70s had seen a boom in rock music on mainstream TV, with shows including The Midnight Special, ABC’s In Concert and, in the UK, The Old Grey Whistle Test, giving groups an opportunity to reach large audiences. Albums had taken over from singles as the dominant format for the serious music fan and the pop shows of the day had been usurped by these relatively serious, longform showcases.

Ten Takeaways From ‘Cheaper Than Cheep,’ A Frank Zappa Film Like No Other. An abandoned TV special, unearthed after 50 years, provides musical thrills while giving intimate insights into a genius at work.On June 21, 1974 Frank Zappa assembled his group The Mothers at their rehearsal hall on 5831 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, to record Cheaper Than Cheep, a TV special that would remain unseen for over 50 years. The early ’70s had seen a boom in rock music on mainstream TV, with shows including The Midnight Special, ABC’s In Concert and, in the UK, The Old Grey Whistle Test, giving groups an opportunity to reach large audiences. Albums had taken over from singles as the dominant format for the serious music fan and the pop shows of the day had been usurped by these relatively serious, longform showcases.

Ten Takeaways From ‘Cheaper Than Cheep,’ A Frank Zappa Film Like No Other. An abandoned TV special, unearthed after 50 years, provides musical thrills while giving intimate insights into a genius at work.On June 21, 1974 Frank Zappa assembled his group The Mothers at their rehearsal hall on 5831 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, to record Cheaper Than Cheep, a TV special that would remain unseen for over 50 years. The early ’70s had seen a boom in rock music on mainstream TV, with shows including The Midnight Special, ABC’s In Concert and, in the UK, The Old Grey Whistle Test, giving groups an opportunity to reach large audiences. Albums had taken over from singles as the dominant format for the serious music fan and the pop shows of the day had been usurped by these relatively serious, longform showcases.