Zebra and The Hard Way at The Whisky
Eric Jeffreys of The Hard Way
ZEBRA and The HARD WAY, The Whisky, December 1, 2018
The month of December would kick into festive action at the Whisky A Go Go, thanks to the arrival of the legendary Zebra and a powerful opening set from Hollywood’s own The Hard Way. Rock and roll fans here in the Southland were in for an early Christmas present with the pairing of these two vastly memorable collectives.
The Hard Way
The Hard Way are Hollywood locals legends, and have supplied tremendous support for many national acts at The Whisky – including Krokus, KIX, Dokken, Angel, Joe Lynn Turner – and now opening for Zebra for a second time. Eric Jeffreys and his band really know how to make a party happen, and this night would include a visit from The Hard Way dancers (the ravishing duo of April Showers and Corina Cline)! This would also mark the final appearance of bassist Tim Luce – best known for his work with the mighty Alcatrazz, Luce’s dynamic low end and exuberant presence within The Hard Way will be missed. Be sure to watch for a Tim Luce solo album soon!
From the opening refrains of the endearingly titled CUM on, The Hard Way unleashed a wild and wicked rock and roll extravaganza. Eric Jeffreys delivers the goods tenfold, whether it’s lamenting about the tribulations of knowing a Diabolical Bitch or slamming into some serious subject matter with the menacing Police Brutality. In addition to the standout performances of longtime Hard Way front man Eric Jeffreys and the departing Tim Luce, the first rate lineup reigned supreme! This would include the dueling guitar performances of John Huldt and Andres Yepez – as well as an appearance by the very amazing Matt Starr of Mr Big and Ace Frehley on drums!
The Hard Way concluded their set with the raging I Can’t Go Home, and it was very clear that the band and their audience had connected as one within the hallowed walls of The Whisky – and all were now primed and ready for the arrival of Zebra!
Randy Jackson of Zebra
Zebra
Zebra would now make their way into the world famous Whisky A Go Go, presenting an epic show featuring original songs and as well as their much anticipated Zep Set. Performing their first album in its entirety, mixing it in with songs from a vast and varied career, Zebra clearly enraptured the packed to capacity crowd. Highlights of the show would include fan favorites such as When You Get There, Arabian Nights, The La La Song and whole lot more – clearly demonstrating this hard rocking band from New Orleans remains at the very height of their craft.
And once the band spun into the The Led Zep portion of the show, the room absolutely exploded with an appreciation both the band and audience has for the legendary hard rock collective and their timeless songs. From Stairway To Heaven, Immigrant Song, The Ocean and beyond, Zebra presented an inspirational Led Zeppelin tribute to be cherished for the ages. This would even include a spirited guest appearance by Donnie Most of Happy Days fame, contributing vocals right smack in the middle of Heartbreaker. The legacy of both Zebra and Zeppelin is in top form, thanks to the vibrant talents of Randy Jackson on guitar and lead vocals, Felix Hanemann on bass, keyboard, and backup vocals, and Guy Gelso on drums & percussion.
(Review by Ken Morton – Photos by Joe Schaeffer)
