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Tell Me What You Want! I've gotten a bunch of e-mails asking about Zebra, and what's been going on with the legendary metal trio lately. So... to answer your questions, I'm going to tell you what you want! Randy Jackson, the legendary vocalist/guitarist/songwriter of Zebra is in the house! Well, not really "In the house," but I did catch up with the power vocalist recently, and he had some things to say that may enlighten some of you Zebra fans out there.
For anyone that may have missed the past twenty-years or so of this genre of music, or you just plain don't know who Zebra is, I'll tell you. In a nutshell, Zebra is Randy Jackson, (vocals and guitars) Felix Hanemann, (bass/keyboards and vocals) and Guy Gelso (drums) Zebra's self-titled debut "Zebra" back in the early 80's, was an instant success! The band was signed to Atlantic Records, and within the first week, sold a whopping 75,000 records! (that kinda speaks for itself eh?) The entire album kicked ass, with songs like "Tell Me What You want," and "Who's Behind The Door?" It wasn't a wonder why the album stayed at the very top of the charts for many months following the release.
Zebra toured extensively, and went on to record more great albums over the years, which includes their second album titled "No Tellin' Lies," and " Zebra-3.V, and a live album or two, and of coarse, "The Best Of Zebra-In Black and White," as well. Zebra's latest and fifth album titled, " Zebra-IV," is also a must have, with great songs like "Arabian Nights," and "K.K. is Hiding," just to name a couple. There is no denying the Led Zeppelin/Rush influences in this album, as well as the bands previous albums.
Zebra is one of those bands, that have been there, and done that! The hard rockin trio are without a doubt, a big part of this genre that we all love so much! Anyone who loves a loud, kick ass, hard rockin, in your face, Rock N' Roll show, keep your eyes and ears open for Zebra! You never know where they may show up. So, as I mentioned, I caught up with the very talented Randy Jackson, and this is what he had to say! Enjoy!
Randy Jackson, welcome to GlamMetal, how are you man?
I'm good thanks.
First, I noticed that you have a link for the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund at the official Zebra website, www.thedoor.com where people can donate money to help out the victims of Hurricane Katrina. My hat is off to you, and the rest of Zebra for that Randy! There are still many people suffering from this terrible disaster. Anyone who'd like to donate can go to www.redcross.org Every little bit counts.
Thanks!
I certainly hope we don't see anymore disasters like that again EVER. I understand you're a native of New Orleans Randy. Were you or any of your family directly effected by this horrible disaster?
My brother and I own the home we grew up in and we got 8.5 feet of water. Our house was about 200 feet from the breach in the London Avenue Canal.
When this tragedy struck, many people were quite angry at how things were handled, or NOT handled, is a better way of putting it, and started pointing fingers everywhere. What did you personally witness that made you the most angry, or upset, and where do you point your finger Randy?
I thought that they should have air-dropped food and water with floatation devices and anchors attached, to keep the supplies from floating away. This isn't rocket science. The problem is that we live in a society of red tape that is supposed to protect us from people who would take advantage. The red tape rule can't apply in a situation like that. I'm not pointing fingers. I just think that no one in power had enough organizational ability to do any better than they did. Hey, we voted for them. We can blame ourselves.
Good point! Are you currently living in New Orleans now?
No, I haven't had New Orleans as my permanent residence for over 20 years, but I am down there 5 to 10 times a year.
I understand that the "Zebra Live" DVD is due to be released soon. When is the official release date, and what can Zebra fans expect from this DVD?
The release was pushed back because there was more work than the producer anticipated. We are hoping we can announce a release date soon, and that it will be during the summer. There will be live performances and interviews with the band and people directly involved with the band over the years.
They say, good things come to those who wait, and that was definitely the case with your 2003 release of "Zebra IV." I have to say, great album! When can Zebra fans expect another studio album from you guys?
Thanks! I have been writing very little in the past couple of years. I wasn't "inspired" by the hurricane to do anything but raise some money, and make people aware of the situation. I am just now starting to get some new song ideas... so maybe I can get back to work on a new record soon.
You not only sing, but you play all lead guitars as well, so you have to write lyrics, and write the guitar parts as well. What is the writing process like in the band, and where does the inspiration come from Randy?
90% of the time I come up with the music first. The way I see it, no one will listen to the lyrics if they don't like the music and the melody. I put down hundreds of ideas over the course of a few weeks, and then I'll go back and review them. I select the ones I like best and then finish them up. This way I don't get stuck trying to finish everything I start when I might not end up even using them in the end.
Of the albums that you have recorded so far, do you have a personal favorite, and if so, why?
Why don't we put it this way. Right now my favorite is IV. I think it will be tough to top "Why" as a closer.
You just played a show fairly recently in Florida, how did that go? What was the response like?
There were lot's of New Yorkers and even some people from Florida (Laughs) at the show. We had some technical problems, but everybody had a good time. If you take problems too seriously, nobody enjoys the show. We always have a great time at Bourbon Street (the club where we performed)
Do you plan to add more dates throughout the summer?
We have three shows scheduled. Two in Long Island right now. July 28th at CPI in Hampton Bays, and August 26th outdoors (bring the kids) in Sayville for a Yaght Club fundraiser. We'll also be in Kansas City on August 5th. I'll be doing a lot of acoustic shows and symphony shows throughout the summer. The entire schedule is at the Zebra website www.thedoor.com
When was the last time Zebra was on a major tour?
Sammy Hagar - 1984. His last solo tour before joining Van Halen. Sammy was great to us and made sure we were taken care of.
Zebra has toured with many great bands, such as Aerosmith, Kiss, and Queensryche, just to name a few. Of all the tours you've been on, which was the most memorable for you?
They were all good experiences, and I really can't say that any one was more memorable than another for me.
Do you have any crazy or wild stories from the road that you care to share with us here at GlamMetal? Something that really comes to mind?
That question always gets asked. We have had our fair share of "asshole" moments, but nothing worth repeating here. Let's just say that after 30 years there have been no fatalities due to stupidity, and leave it at that.
Has Zebra been offered a spot on any of the summer package tours at all, and would you take it if the occasion should arise?
Maybe if the money made sense. I hate to sound so mercenary, but a big part of the reason we haven't toured since 1987 is because the road shows provide us with the same income as we would make in our home towns, (New Orleans and New York) and the time away from family isn't worth it. Now that my kids are grown, it wouldn't be so hard to get away. We still do "one-off" shows in different cities around the country where we just fly in and fly out. That works for me.
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For anyone who hasn't been fortunate enough to see Zebra live, what can they expect from a Zebra show?
Most of the 1st album and three or four songs from each of the other studio CDs. Guy usually does a drum solo during the La La song, which is a "must see"!!
You have such a powerful, melodic voice, do you have to do anything special before a show, or do you just let it rip?
I warm up my voice with vocal exercises. That is the most important thing. I don't have any dairy products the day before the show, or the day of the show. I only drink room temperature or warm drinks during the show. I DON'T DRINK TEA. Tea dries up your throat. Hot Honey and lemon is good but not with tea.
You have been with Felix Hanemann and Guy Gelso since the beginning. It's pretty rare to see original band members stay together for as long as you three have. It's great to see! What would you say is the reason for the longevity of Zebra?
There are only three of us, and I think that after we got through the first 5- years we got to know what we could expect (and not expect) from each other. I see a lot of bands break up at that point because of drugs, egos, differences in musical direction, politics, etc... We were never so far apart on any of these issues that we couldn't tolerate each other.
That's great man! What advice would you give to bands that have what it takes, and make great music together, but have a difficult time actually working together?
Go get a councellor! Seriously. Once things get out of control and people lose their ability to reason with each other, it is time to get an outside "objective" party involved. Being in a band can be pretty close to being married. Sometimes record producers are hired not so much for their producing abilities but more for their mediation skills.
Do you have any other projects you are currently working on?
A solo acoustic CD. No release date is set.
What are a couple of your favorite Glam-Metal bands from back in the day?
Bowie is the king (queen?) whatever. Always awesome!
What are your thoughts on the music scene today, and are there any newer bands that you really dig?
I don't pay enough attention to the new music. There is so much hip hop on TV that you have to really search for new rock in other places. My son brings me CDs of new bands that he likes, but they all sound derivative of the stuff I grew up on. I'm feeling old!!
Aside from making great music, what's something you like to do for enjoyment, or a hobby?
Physics is my passion outside of music. I love science and Sci-Fi when it is written intelligently.
In closing, is there anything you'd like to say to all of your fans out there Randy?
Thanks for your loyalty. We wouldn't be here after 30 years without you!
I'd like to thank you Randy for sharing some of your time with GlamMetal, and I'd also like to say that all three of you are great musicians! We wish you and Zebra the best of luck with everything.
Thanks!
Anyone interested in finding out more info on Zebra, can go to their official website at www.thedoor.com and www.myspace.com/zebramusic and www.randyjackson.com
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