ArtistInfo

Carl Franzoni

A.k.a. Carl Orestes Franzoni

Franzoni was the archetypal 'King of the Freaks' of the Californian happenings of the 1960s. 'Captain' of a large Laurel Canyon dance troupe, with artistic talent supplied by Vito Paulekas, the regularly spliffed-out Franzoni would perform in Ciro's at 8433 Sunset Strip. It was here in early 1965 that The Byrds residencies led to them journeying on a tour of Middle America with a group of 'flower children' and dancers that included Paulekas and Franzoni. An inspiration to Frank Zappa in the composing of "Hungry Freaks, Daddy" and illustrator of a pair of psychedelic FZ shoes, Franzoni appeared in 'films' such as "LSD-25", "You Are What You Eat" and "Mondo Hollywood". He also features in "The Cool Ones" dancing at the Whisky A Go Go on the Strip and was part of a regular dance troupe: Vito Paulekas, Szou [eventual wife of Vito], Suzy Creamcheese [Pamela Zarubica], Beatle Bob, Rory Flynn, Linda Bopp, Butchie, Emerald and Karen Yum Yum. Franzoni also fraternized with the likes of David Crosby, Tiny Tim, Love, Kenny 'Von Dutch' Howard and Kim Fowley. His anti-Vietnam war stance and drug activity got him locked up in 1968, from where he was bailed by Frank & Gail Zappa. Zappa includes him in 'The Mother's Auxiliary' on the "Freak Out!" album and describes him as "Freaky down to his toenails". Franzoni also features on "Frank Zappa: The Mofo Project/Object" '77' & '78' CDs. In 2007 a documentary project was began on Franzoni's life by David Borboa ("Freak Out! - The Carl O. Franzoni Movie") and French film-maker Xavier Filliol has also captured Franzoni's activities. Currently (2009) Franzoni leads a quiet but 'hippie' life in Cotati, Santa Rosa, California, and helps to guide tourists through the fascinating remnants of 'the 60's scene' in what are termed "Rock & Roll Hollywood Tours".

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