December 16, 2019

I was reminded a little while ago that Frank Zappa passed away on December 4, 1993 at the age of 52. It's sad to have lost the legend at such a young age from prostrate cancer.

It made me remember that I had some photos of Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention from 1973 when I had the pleasure of being part of an interview for the Bugle American newspaper. Those would be the black and white photos here with a few from the show that night.

I also found some color images and a Super 8mm movie from the show at the Milwaukee Arena on 1971!!

That interview with Frank Zappa was really interesting. He was one of the brightest people I've met. He talked about politics, world events and music all while chain smoking cigarettes and sipping coffee.

Recently, we watched a movie about Frank and he says, "It's abnormal for a musician to be interviewed" but it really was a great interview that day.

Enjoy a look at Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention.

Thanks,

Rich Zimmermann

Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention at the Milwaukee Arena on October 20, 1971.

December 2, 2019

Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving with family and friends.

These photos are from one of the first shows I photographed for the Bugle American newspaper when I was in high school. It was the beginning of a lot of rock 'n' roll photography that continues to this day.

It looks like we did an interview with Ian Anderson for the paper that day as Ian sat with us before the show smoking a few cigarettes.

Enjoy a look at Ian Anderson, Martin Barre and Clive Bunker at work.

The 2020 Rich Zimmermann Photography calendar is now available by the way!! First batch is sold and about to order more!!

Thanks,

Rich Zimmermann

Jethro Tull at Milwaukee's performing Arts Center on April 14, 1971.

November 18, 2019

A favorite band of mine for many years has been Poco. They have gone through many changes and still tour!

This is the second version I believe without Jim Messina on November 22, 1972 at the Milwaukee Auditorium. Here are Richie Furay, Timothy B. Schmidt, Paul Cotton, Geaorge Grantham and my personal favorite, Rusty Young on pedal steel.

This show was almost 47 years ago! Now I feel old.

I put the guys on my website long ago but here are some freshly edited photos.

Enjoy and have a great Thanksgiving holiday!

Thanks,

Rich Zimmermann

October 21, 2019

This may have been the loudest and one of the coolest shows I have ever seen and photographed! The bass sounds may have shaken the sensors in my cameras when photographing!! It shook my body for sure, especially being a couple feet away from some speakers. This was one of those MUST wear ear protection shows.

Dan Braun, a friend that does staging and production for Metallica and others, produced this show and I could tell it was his unique style and excellent work!

Lighting, stageing and even fire were in this show! Pyro production has gotten to an amazing level and you will see a few images here. I could feel the heat from 100 feet away and the band had to really feel it as they of course are much closer.

Check out a whole lot of photos of both bands and enjoy.

Thanks,

Rich Zimmermann

Disturbed playing at Milwaukee's FiServ Forum on 10-13-2019.

In This Moment opening for Disturbed on 10-13-2019 in Milwaukee.

October 7, 2019

On October 5, 2019, my old friends Pure Prairie League came to Milwaukee. For the second time I have had to miss their show because of prior commitments!! This is a great band with a lot of wonderful history.

The show in the pictures here was on December 1, 1972 when I was a senior in high school and working with the Bugle American newspaper as a music photographer. They played in Milwaukee at the Performing Arts Center which is still my favorite venue in Milwaukee.

Ben Sidren opened the show followed by Pure Prairie League, with John Prine being the headliner act.

This was way before Vince Gill came and left the band. That will be a separate blog someday soon.

Enjoy a look at the guys in 1972.

Thanks,

Rich Zimmermann

Pure Prairie League at Milwaukee's Performing Arts Center on December 1, 1972.