Zebra kicked off their recent show at Rams Head On Stage in outstanding form, showing why many consider the music from the classic era of rock and roll in the ’60s and ’70s as the best we have seen so far. The vocals, music, and musicianship were stunning throughout the set.
If you were not around during the ’70s and wish you could have experienced a great 1970s classic rock band, then Zebra is your opportunity to do just that.
Zebra are currently on their 50th anniversary tour with original line-up with Randy Jackson on lead guitar and lead vocals, Felix Hanemann on bass and keyboards, and Guy Gelso on drums. This is a rare opportunity to see a band of this magnitude playing 50 years later with the original lineup. This is a show not to be missed.
Zebra at one point was a cover band, which took a chance on themselves recording demos and providing to radio stations in the USA. This paid off significantly as Atlantic Records, the same record label that signed Led Zeppelin brought them on board in 1982 producing a gold record.
On Feb. 25 at Rams Head On Stage, Zebra opened the show with a great version of “As I Said Before” from the Zebra debut album in 1983. The song may be one of their finest from the first album. “Walk With You” was subsequently played, which features in my opinion some of Jackson’s best vocals along with superb drumming and keyboards. The song was co-written by Paul Stanley from KISS.
Watch Zebra perform “As I Said Before” live on YouTube:
At one point during the show, the band announced they loved it at Rams Head and were having a great time. This was apparent with the fans too who reciprocated with great applause and non-stop jamming during the show. It was definitely a show for the ages.
“Light of My Love” from Zebra IV was played with great vocals and guitar reminiscent of Zeppelin’s classic sound. “The La La Song” from the first album, which is one of their greatest songs in my opinion was played featuring a feel of an orchestra with great piercing drums.
Guy Gelson then played a monumental drum solo, before Zebra played “Who’s Behind the Door” dedicating the song to a lady at the show that night. The song featured fantastic acoustic guitar with a Zeppelin feel from “Going to California” off Led Zeppelin’s fourth album. Before submitting their original material into the mix in the 70s, Zebra were known as one of the best cover bands around featuring heavily from the Zeppelin catalog. This is very apparent during the show as Zebra plays these songs with amazing musicianship.
Zebra then played great versions of “Arabian’s Night,” “Summer’s Gone,” and “Don’t Walk Away,” which are some of their finest songs from their albums. While I think “Arabian’s Night” may be one of their greatest songs ever, I think “Summer’s Gone” features arguably one of their heavier songs and is great example of the style of sound you heard from the ’70s classic rock era.
Overall, the performance was stellar by Zebra throughout the evening. The band even played “Bears” — one of the favorites of fans, before bringing out a birthday cake to celebrate Randy Jackson’s 71st birthday. The band and fans alike were very joyous this evening after such a great rock and roll show. Zebra will continue to tour, and this show is highly recommended for anyone who loves this classic rock period. The band is in great form and sounding as great 50 years after forming in 1975.
Setlist:
1. As I Said Before
2. She’s Waiting
3. All Your Love
4. One More Chance
5. Tell Me What You Want
6. Better Not Call
7. Bears
8. Walk With You
9. Light of My Love
10. The La La Song
11. Time
12. The Door
13. Little Things
14. Summer’s Gone
15. Arabian Nights
16. Don’t Walk Away
17. Can’t Live Without
18. Take Your Fingers
19. Last Time
20. Zep
Here are some photos of Zebra performing live at Rams Head On Stage on Feb. 25, 2026. All pictures copyright and courtesy of James Todd Miller.
Noting the Setlist provided for ZEBRA 2-25-26 must have been the printed pre-performance list as the actual songlist played was different. Three songs were not played and there was one unlisted song actually played. Plus the order is slightly askew in two places.