It was a gathering of silver haired hard rockers all for one purpose. To see, experience and celebrate Zebra’s 50th Anniversary Tour at the House of Blues in Dallas.
Accompanying the band as support on several Texas dates were Anything but Human, an alternative modern rock band from Dallas.
Over the last several years, Zebra has been logging time on the road with dates throughout the US becoming more common.
Zebra brings to the eyes a scaled down, tidy and clutter free stage. From the audience perspective, that puts Felix Hanemann (bass / keyboards) to the left, Randy Jackson (guitars / vocals) to the right and set back anchoring the rhythm, Guy Gelso (drums).
With four studio albums to their credit, three with a major label, Zebra has plenty of hard rock classics to choose from. In addition to hearing the anticipated band classics, there’s the teasing of a new tune or two set for a 2025 release. Zebra also has been switching up the setlist not only with an order but additions and subtractions.
Zebra songs are bonafide AOR (album oriented rock) ear candy. Staples such as “As I Said Before,” “Tell Me What You Want,” “The La La Song,” “Take Your Fingers from My Hair” and “Who’s Behind the Door.” That’s just from the debut.
Add “Bears,” “Wait Until Summer’s Gone,” both from the sophomore No Tellin Lies along with “Can’t Live Without You” and “Better Not Call” from V.3. There may be a treat or two from IV such as “Arabian Knights” or even a Led Zeppelin cover. This is just a sampling Zebra has been treating the fans to nightly. The songs and members are in top form.
Over the years, Zebra has earned high marks of respect from the hard rock connoisseurs not only for the music but their consistency personnel wise. The New Orleans lineup that debuted in 1983 on the band’s major label debut album has remained intact. That’s Jackson, Hanemann and Gelso dating all the way back to 1975 with the band’s formation. It’s a commendable accomplishment in today’s music world where members walk away or just hang it up for various reasons.
Zebra’s show at the House of Blues and their selection of material for the fans was a well cultivated mine of AOR gold. The presentation of the material still rings fresh as the day these songs hit the streets. The trio continues to fly the live, solid musicianship flag each night they take the stage. It’s a nice, relaxing evening of classic Zebra hard rock. A night out with Zebra on stage is an enjoyable experience for the ears and eyes.
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