The recent film documentary, “Eat That Question: Frank Zappa In His Own Words,” offered a welcome look at the career of the iconoclastic music legend and former San Diego resident.

But it did not offer a hint at the bitter feud between his four adult children over control of his estate and music. It’s a feud whose latest manifestation will be a Nov. 4 auction in Los Angeles of property from the estate of Zappa, who died in 1993 at the age of 52, and his wife and business manager, Gail, who died last October at the age of 70.

On Monday morning, Julien’s Auctions announced that “Property from the Estate of Frank and Gail Zappa Auction which will take place during the ‘Icons & Idols: Rock n’ Roll 2016’ auction on Friday, November 4, 2016.” Items set to go up for bid include his posthumously presented Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award, various gold records, “a purple ribbed turtleneck worn by Zappa in his 1971 movie, “200 Motels,” and more.

Zappa, a former Grossmont and Mission Bay High School student, revolutionized the world of music like few others of his time. A cultural provocateur, he created a genre-leaping synthesis that, at its best, stills sounds fresh 26 years after his death. He made more than 60 albums in his lifetime, with at least 40 more since released posthumously.


Before he died, Zappa strongly encouraged his wife to sell off all rights to his vast catalog of music. She opted not to do so. Moreover, her will gave a controlling interest in the Zappa estate and music catalog to her son Ahmet and daughter Diva, a move that has been strongly contested by her other son and daughter Dweezil and Moon Unit.

The press release issued Monday announcing the auction refers to each family member, but does not make any reference to the contentious relations between the Zappa siblings — of the fact that only two of them appear to be on board for the auction.

“In 1967, Frank married Gail Zappa and purchased a home in Laurel Canyon in Los Angeles, California,” the press releas reads. “The compound was complete with a home studio that he named Utility Muffin Research Kitchen. Zappa made over 60 albums during his career and toured the world for decades. Frank and Gail had four children – Moon, Dweezil, Ahmet and Diva. Gail was a strong supporter of artists’ rights and an animal activist.”

The release continues: “During the Zappa’s decades of touring the globe, they amassed a collection of exotic furnishings, fine antiques, salvaged architectural pieces, unique collectibles and whimsical items that appealed to their panache for colorful and non-conformist eye. The Property from the Estate of Frank and Gail Zappa auction will include many of the personal treasures that found their home at the fabled compound in California. These include a Venetian gilt metal chandelier (estimate: $10,000-$15,000); an Italian Baroque console table (Estimate: $2,000-$4,000) and a carved gilt wood bookcase (Estimate: $1,500-$2,500). Contemporary fine art to be offered includes a still life by John Alexander (Estimate: $3,000-$5,000); a nail relief sculpture by Robert Harley (Estimate: $5,000-10,000) and a large painting by Ashley Laurence titled “Angel Pig,” painting, name given by Gail Zappa. (Estimate: $3,000-$5,000).


“Colorful and personalized home décor including a monumental chandelier festooned with Christmas and other ornaments that was the focal feature of the kitchen where the family often convened, a hand painted dining table and chairs (estimate: $1,000-$2,000), and a pair of Southeast Asian papier maché tigers (Estimate: $600-$800) will also be offered. Gail Zappa’s love of animals and birds was artfully incorporated all over their home. Many of the items being offered include this theme as well as a repeating pumpkin theme.

“Vintage housewares and furnishings were combined and displayed with found objects, collectible toys, exotic trinkets, unique textiles, and memorabilia to create a riot of color and personality. Many of the items in the auction will be sold in the exact grouping as Frank and Gail Zappa had them in the house.

“The auction also includes memorabilia and personal items that document and celebrate the career of Frank Zappa and his love story with Gail. This includes a Dandies Fashions coat worn by Frank Zappa on the July 20, 1968 cover of Rolling Stone magazine; (Estimate: $1,000-$2,000), a purple ribbed turtleneck worn by Frank Zappa in 200 Motels (United Artists, 1971) (Estimate: $600-$800); a stage worn vest that Zappa also wore on the back cover of the 1972 album Waka Jawaka; a collection of career related awards presented to Frank Zappa including various Gold records, a National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Lifetime Achievement Award, a GRAMMY® nomination plaque, a clay Thing-Fish model, a ukulele featured on the ‘Thing-Fish’ album cover and a collection of hotel keys collected by Frank and Gail in their travels (Estimates: Various).”

Information on how to bid on the auction is available at julienslive.com. Bids may also be made by attending in person, by absentee bids and by phone: (310) 836-1818.


george.varga@sduniontribune.com