Thank You (Live 1996)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the groovy vibes of "Thank You (Live 1996)" by Great White, a track from their album Great White Salutes Led Zeppelin, recorded live at The Galaxy Theatre in Santa Ana, California, in December 1996. This cover of Led Zeppelin’s tender ballad from Led Zeppelin II showcases Great White’s deep admiration for the legendary rock band. The live performance captures frontman Jack Russell’s vocal prowess, channeling Robert Plant’s emotive delivery while adding Great White’s signature hard rock edge. According to a 2019 Bandcamp release note, the song is part of a 14-track set where Great White pays homage to Led Zeppelin’s biggest hits, including “Ramble On” and “Stairway to Heaven,” making it a fan favorite among Zoo Freaks for its heartfelt execution.

One juicy tidbit about this recording comes from fan reviews on Rate Your Music, where listeners praise Jack Russell as one of the best Robert Plant imitators, particularly for his work on “Thank You.” The setlist for the 1996 show was deliberately diverse, mixing Zep’s iconic tracks with lesser-played gems like “When the Levee Breaks,” showing Great White’s commitment to honoring the full scope of Led Zeppelin’s catalog. The album, originally released in 1998 by Axe Killer Records, was reissued in 2005 as Great White Salutes Led Zeppelin by Legacy Records, cementing its status as a beloved tribute. Fans on the Great White Fan Club Facebook group often share stories of attending these live shows, recalling the electric atmosphere and Russell’s commanding stage presence.

Great White kicked off their journey in Los Angeles in 1977, initially under the name Dante Fox. Founded by vocalist Jack Russell and guitarist Mark Kendall, the band drew heavy inspiration from bluesy hard rock giants like Led Zeppelin and AC/DC. Kendall, born into a musical family in Huntington Beach, California, picked up the guitar early, influenced by Jimi Hendrix and Cream, as noted on their official bio page. The band became a staple in the L.A. club scene, building a loyal following with their high-energy performances. By 1984, they rebranded as Great White, named after Kendall’s former stage nickname and the infamous shark, a nod to their fierce stage presence.

Their big break came in 1987 with the platinum-selling album Once Bitten, followed by the double-platinum ...Twice Shy in 1989, fueled by their hit cover of Ian Hunter’s “Once Bitten, Twice Shy.” As detailed on Wikipedia, Great White rode the wave of the ‘80s hair metal scene but faced challenges in the ‘90s as grunge took over. Despite a tragic 2003 nightclub fire that claimed 100 lives, including guitarist Ty Longley, the band persevered, reforming in 2007 and continuing to tour. Fans can connect with Great White on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, the Great White Fan Club on Facebook and fan-run sites like Only-Rock offer a treasure trove of band lore and community vibes.