Zebra Concert Review, Houston, TX, June 11, 2016

Zebra played last night in Houston at Concert Pub North. They were fantastic. Even though I had just seen them in December 2015 in Dallas, I wanted to see them again. I love this band a ton.

Additionally, a show was announced a few miles away at BFE Rock Club with Jeff Scott Soto (JSS) performing. JEFF SCOTT SOTO. It was touted that he was performing with Houston locals Azrael’s Bane. My plan was see both depending on set times, ot catching half of each show. Jeff’s vocal performances on the first 2 Yngwie albums coupled with seeing him in 1986 have made him one of my favorite singers, although much of his post-Yngwie stuff has left me flat sans a few things here and there.

Before checking into the hotel I stopped in at BFE and talked with one of the folks that worked there. He said to come back around 6PM as they’d likely start soundcheck around that time. I got back there at 545PM and people were setting up for a birthday party which is the reason JSS was in town. After he greeted some folks and took some pictures, I got a few moments to speak with him. I showed him The Book and mentioned that he was in there 4 times. He laughed and said, “Only 4? Oh, pre-1991, that sounds about right.” He signed it and I mentioned that ’86 show as being the only time I had ever seen him live. “Funny, Boals and I replaced each other in that band!” I told him that I was in town to see Zebra but wanted to make time to see his show as well. “What show? I’m not playing tonight.” He proceeded to tell me that the venue mis-advertised it as a gig and he was only going to sit in for a few songs. “Go enjoy Zebra and come back and hang out after.” He signed my Yngwie stuff and gave me a guitar pick, snapped a picture and off I went to my hotel. It was pretty awesome meeting one of my all time faves.

After a short nap at the hotel, I went to Concert Pub, had a quick dinner while the opener was on and then met some friends there for the show. I was told at first that they were going on at 11PM, but an announcement was made shortly after that they would be playing two sets. STOKED.

I’ll just say that aside from the time I saw them in 1987, last night was the second best of the 4 times that I have seen them. The AC at the venue wasn’t working properly and it was very hot and humid, but Zebra was on their game. They tore the roof off of the place. Randy’s vocals were in excellent shape. They played everything I wanted to hear and it was good getting some of the ones they didn’t play in December.

Great show all around. And a great day overall after getting to meet Jeff.