Oh, I know -- I grew up with Freak Out!, any my high-school garage band covered songs from that album, We're Only In It For The Money, and Lumpy Gravy. I knew all the lyrics by heart, and played lead guitar -- not as good as Frank of course, but good enough for my suburban high school dances. We blew a lot of minds. :-)
I think I probably still know all of the old stuff lyrics by heart, could probably sing them in my sleep. No other artist has ever influenced me and my music more than Zappa. That’s really really cool that you were in a band that could cover them. I’m a pro bassist and lifetime guitarist and singer but finding players that understand Zappa and Beefheart I’ve found impossible.