Imagine if Andy Warhol had experienced the wonders of the internet, especially social media. He would have been fascinated, although it might not have been mutual. Despite catching a glimpse of the early days of the PC revolution, Warhol’s true love was television. “I love television,” he once said, expressing his desire to have his own show. In 1979, Warhol’s dream came true on a New York public-access channel called Manhattan Cable, where he hosted an unconventional interview show for 30-minute slots at $75 each. Although Warhol may not have been a natural host, he didn’t let that stop him, producing 42 episodes of his unique program.
One particular episode featured the cranky prog genius Frank Zappa, whose appearance seemed to unsettle Warhol. Richard Berlin, who joined the conversation, acted as a buffer between the two personalities. Warhol’s feelings towards Zappa were evident, as he later expressed in his Diaries, “I hated Zappa even more than when it started.” The tension between them stemmed from past encounters, including Zappa’s behavior towards Warhol’s associates in the Velvet Underground.
Zappa’s disruptive behavior at a show in New York, where he mocked Nico’s performance, showcased his disdain for conventional norms. Warhol’s personal history with Zappa further fueled the animosity between them.
Despite their conflicting personalities, Zappa’s disrespectful behavior towards female performers, including his daughter, revealed a different side of him. Warhol, known for his mild demeanor, found Zappa’s arrogance off-putting. While Zappa’s musical brilliance was recognized, his sexist and autocratic tendencies made him less likable in Warhol’s eyes.
Warhol’s encounter with Zappa sheds light on the clash of egos and ideologies in the art and music scenes of that era. Their differences highlighted the complexity and diversity of the creative landscape, where personalities could collide but still leave a lasting impact.
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Josh Jones is a writer and musician based in Durham, NC. Follow him at @jdmagness
