After a 7 year break, Festival Moo-ah (the UK's only international Frank Zappa festival, established in 2013) returned for the first time since COVID in March. Still in Corby UK, but at a new venue: The Shire Horse. Keeping things simple, we opted to have two bands playing each night with a solo act in-between.

Festival openers were Gabba Zappa Hey!, who some will know from Mosae Zappa (2017) and Zappanale (2018). Playing Zappa in a Ramones/punk stylee, the highlight for me was a medley of Ship Ahoy, Pictures Of Matchstick Men, Willie The Pimp (with lyrics read à la John Cooper Clarke by new bassist Serge) and Little Umbrellas. They also sped through Frogs With Dirty Little Lips which, amazingly, we would hear again later. But first, Fred Händl’s solo piano turn: which started slowly and soon morphed into a good old fashioned sing-song – with Fred telling the audience they could do better during Happy Together! Great fun.

First night headliners Treacherous Cretins were next, and they just keep on getting better. They played their first ever gig at Moo-ah in 2019, since when they have played Zappanale twice and also toured with Robert Martin. Given Bobby’s current predicament, they filmed the audience sending their love and best wishes to him (apparently it brought tears to his eyes when he saw it later). Anyway, the band opened with the aforementioned Frogs With Dirty Little Lips and played a typically eclectic set of hits and deep cuts. Guitarist Sam made the hairs on the backs of our necks stand up when he launched into Watermelon In Easter Hay, and all too quickly the first night was over. What a great start!

The next day I had the privilege of watching the Zappatistas soundcheck. These guys (and one gal) are just so professional – and bloody talented! They’ve been performing together since 1999 but only play one or two gigs a year, so their set doesn’t vary too much. But it really doesn’t matter as what they do play is so on point with lots of room for the three-piece horn section to improvise, and guitarist John Etheridge is always a joy to behold.

Having our friend Geoff Pointer on after them – and before the long awaited return of our final band – put added pressure on him for what was his first gig proper in the UK. Playing under the name Turbulator, he seemed unfazed and played an enjoyable set of Zappa (Holiday In Berlin, Blessed Relief, Trouble Every Day) and originals, flitting between sax and acoustic guitar. Check out his debut album (Delusions Of Grandeur) on Bandcamp.

Now, when we started planning this festival, we didn’t initially think of inviting the one band that has played every Moo-ah to date: they hadn’t played together for seven years! But we quickly realised we had to ask them. And after a couple of rehearsals, they agreed to give it a go. And we’re so glad they did. Yes, I’m talking about Liverpool’s Muffin Men. Once drummer Rhino was up and running (on Jimmy Carl Black’s old kit), he didn’t let up. Guitarist Jumpy was as ever on fine form, saxist Mike Kidson was as manic as ever (albeit seated throughout) and the two Phils on keys and bass were equally wondrous. It really was like they’d never been away...and how Rhino can belt out Whippin’ Post while thumping the tubs is just gobsmacking.

So, all in all an out and out success, which we hope we can repeat in 2028. Meantime, there are plenty of videos up on YouTube (and our website at www.festivalmoo-ah.com) to watch for anyone interested.

📸 Steve Mills