Carl Franzoni

[b]Franzoni[/b] 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 [b]Franzoni[/b] 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 [b]Franzoni[/b].

An inspiration to Frank Zappa in the composing of "Hungry Freaks, Daddy" and illustrator of a pair of psychedelic FZ shoes, [b]Franzoni[/b] 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.

[b]Franzoni[/b] 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". [b]Franzoni[/b] also features on "Frank Zappa: The Mofo Project/Object" '77' & '78' CDs. In 2007 a documentary project was began on [b]Franzoni[/b]'s life by David Borboa ("Freak Out! - The Carl O. Franzoni Movie") and French film-maker Xavier Filliol has also captured [b]Franzoni[/b]'s activities.

Currently (2009) [b]Franzoni[/b] 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".