ERIC PORTER reports for SoT from Zebra's 50th Anniversary Tour Show in Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel NY, Saturday March 28th, 2026
The band Zebra holds a special place in my heart, having been a fan since their debut album was released in 1983. This was even more special as I was joined by my sister and brother-in-law who are both big fans, and yes, we sang along all night. I’ve seen them a dozen times over the years, and it is hard to believe this tour represents 50 years as a band. They are also one of the few bands I can think of that is still all the original members, quite a feat in the world of Rock-n-Roll.
Don’t let 50 years fool you for a minute, these guys have still got it. The show began with their standard opener “As I Said Before” and the band was off to the races. Randy Jackson is a freak of nature, at 71 years old he’s still got it vocally, and these are not easy songs to sing. Bassist/Keyboardist Felix Hanemann is right there to provide great harmony vocals, and got to step out on “Little Things” as lead vocalist. We can’t forget drummer Guy Gelso, who Randy announced was 75 years old to the crowd, but his drumming and stamina are spectacular.
As you would expect, all the favorites from “Who’s Behind the Door” to “Tell Me What You Want” were in the 2-hour set. In addition, Randy indicated they are recording and close to completion on a new album. But, for tonight it was all the songs you know and love as a fan. In addition, the band always throws a Zeppelin cover in, and they closed the show with “Stairway to Heaven”, and we sang right along
Bethel Woods was about a three-hour drive for me, nothing like a road trip to add to the adventure. Zebra does not make it up my way anymore, and at this stage in the game you never know if it will be your last opportunity, and it was well worth the drive. Make sure to catch Zebra if you have a chance, this is no nostalgia act, they’ve still got it!
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