In March 1963, a fresh-faced Frank Zappa was just beginning his career as a rock and roll provocateur.

Making his television debut on the Steve Allen Show, the 22-year-old Zappa explains his newest instrument: the bicycle. And while Allen and his audience are clearly laughing at the young musician and his bizarre techniques, Zappa laughs last. 

“I’d like to have you participate with me in a small improvisation for two bicycles, a pre-recorded tape and an instrumental ensemble,” he says to Allen. Eventually, they create an off-the-cuff cacophony. Zappa slams drumsticks against a bicycle frame, Allen drags a bow against its spokes and the backing musicians try their best “to refrain from musical tones.” 

Even by today’s standards, it’s pretty heady stuff. But, clearly, the young Zappa makes an impression on the host and his audience.

Zappa’s Mothers of Invention wouldn’t release their debut record Freak Out! for another three years, but you can see the musician’s keen sense of frivolity, mischief and musical subversion in the clip below: