JIMMY CARL BLACK BENEFIT

Those who remember fondly the early years of the Mothers of Invention will recall that Jimmy Carl Black introduced himself as "the Indian of the group". More latterly a leading player in that entertaining combo The Grandmothers, Black is now very ill.

He was interviewed just before he went into hospital for an operation to remove a tumour from his lung. The interview can be read here.

As interviewer and Zappa fanzine editor Andy Greenaway (Aka the Idiot Bastard) writes in the new newsletter, "Despite what earlier biopsies had said, it turned out the tumour was cancerous. To help Jimmy combat mounting medical bills as he prepares to undergo more chemotherapy, I have been involved in organising a benefit gig for him with the dynamic Dave McMann. This will be held at the Bridgehouse II in London's Canning Town on Sunday 9 November. The Muffin Men, Thurston Lava Tube, Fraz Knapp, That Legendary Wooden Lion and Mick Pini are all scheduled to perform. Ben Watson will also do a bit of MC-ing and jazz poetry. And Evil Dick will premiere a new song he's working on that's dedicated to Jimmy, which sounds 'like Varèse in a blender'. It is hoped that some very special guests will also put in an appearance. We hope you can join us."

Tickets are now on sale here . See also http://www.idiotbastard.com/JCB.htm for more details.