Music is the best

Treacherous Cretins is a UK-based band that performs the works of the legendary American composer Frank Zappa. Its members have played and collaborated with the likes of Dweezil Zappa, Robert ‘Bobby’ Martin, Ike Willis, Ray White, Denny Walley, Craig “Twister” Steward and Candy Zappa.

Between 2023 and 2025 the band worked with Robert ‘Bobby’ Martin, multi-instrumentalist and regular member of Zappa’s band. After Robert joined Frank Zappa’s band in 1981, he performed on all of Frank’s tours and live albums from that time on. In between tours with Zappa, Robert worked with other musical greats, including Stevie Nicks, Michael McDonald, Paul McCartney, Prince, The Moody Blues, and Etta James, and more. Robert is also a member of The Zappa Band, regularly playing alongside other ex-Zappa band members and keeping the music alive.

The band will be touring the UK in Spring 2026. 

The Treacherous Cretins were formed in 2018 and strives to represent a broad spectrum of Zappa’s music and expose the music to new fans.

With a particular fondness for the more obscure, hard-to-play material and deep-cuts, Treacherous Cretins deliver a tribute to Zappa unlike any other.  You can expect a generous helping of Zappa rarities and songs seldom played live by other bands as well as plenty of fan favourites.   

Zappa was a musical iconoclast – known for his “hard-to-play” musical material, humorous and satirical lyrics, and fusion of musical styles. Frank Zappa’s music is so important to so many people, yet they get to hear it performed live so infrequently. Treacherous Cretins’ aim is to keep Zappa’s legacy alive, introduce his music to new generations of fans, and have fun doing it!

The band is made up of:

• Ollie Hill: Trombone and Vocals
• Jen Parkinson: Keyboards and Vocals
• John Parkinson: Drums 
• Sam Ward: Guitar and Vocals 
• Alessandro Taglione: Bass

They agree with Zappa’s simple, but now iconic quote: “Music is the best!”