Jumpin' Jack Flash (Live 1977 KZEW-FM Broadcast / Wildcard Remaster)

The Zoo Crew, a vibrant group of hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, is spinning the electrifying "Jumpin' Jack Flash (Live 1977 KZEW-FM Broadcast / Wildcard Remaster)" by Peter Frampton, taken from the "January Sound Studios Promo" album, for their devoted Zoo Freaks. This high-energy cover of the Rolling Stones’ classic was recorded during a legendary February 5, 1975, performance at January Sound Studios in Dallas, broadcast live on KZEW-FM. The broadcast became a local sensation, with Frampton’s rendition of "Do You Feel Like We Do" topping KZEW’s request charts for 1975, boosting his album sales in Dallas-Fort Worth nearly a year before the release of Frampton Comes Alive!. The set, which included "Jumpin’ Jack Flash" as a fiery closer, showcased Frampton’s raw, unpolished live energy, distinct from the polished production of his later live album. Fans can still feel the magic of that night, as the full broadcast surfaced online years later, a treasure for collectors and Zoo Freaks alike, as noted in a 2011 Dallas Observer article.

Another layer of trivia comes from Frampton’s own reflections on his live performances. In a 1976 Rolling Stone interview, he described the frenetic energy of his shows, with "Jumpin’ Jack Flash" often serving as an encore that sent audiences into a frenzy. The song’s inclusion in the KZEW set was no accident—Frampton’s love for the Stones’ raw blues-rock vibe resonated with his own guitar-driven style. He first recorded a studio version of the song for his 1972 debut solo album, Wind of Change, but the live 1975 version captured his band’s youthful aggression, with Bob Mayo on keyboards, Stanley Sheldon on bass, and John Siomos on drums delivering a performance described as “absolutely smoking” on forums like Guitars101. The KZEW broadcast, later remastered, remains a testament to Frampton’s ability to transform a Stones classic into a vehicle for his own virtuosity.

Peter Frampton’s journey to rock stardom began in Beckenham, Kent, England, where he was born on April 22, 1950. Showing musical talent early, he played in his first band at age 12, honing his guitar skills through local gigs. By 16, he was fronting The Herd, a pop-rock outfit that scored several UK hits. His big break came in 1969 when, at 18, he joined forces with Steve Marriott to form Humble Pie, a hard-rocking band that blended blues, soul, and proto-heavy metal. After four studio albums and a live record, Frampton went solo in 1971, releasing Wind of Change in 1972 with guest stars like Ringo Starr and Billy Preston. His breakthrough came with the 1976 double live album Frampton Comes Alive!, which sold over 8 million copies in the U.S. and spawned hits like "Show Me the Way" and "Baby, I Love Your Way." His innovative use of the talk box guitar effect became a signature, cementing his place in rock history, as detailed in his Wikipedia bio.

Frampton’s career has spanned decades, with collaborations alongside icons like David Bowie and George Harrison, and recent honors including his 2024 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Fans can connect with him through his official website, frampton.com, where updates on tours and releases are posted, including his appearance on Dolly Parton’s Rockstar album. His social media presence is active on Facebook, Instagram, and X, where he shares personal anecdotes and engages with fans. For deeper fan interaction, communities like the Peter Frampton Fan Club on Facebook offer a space for Zoo Freaks and others to share memories and rare recordings. Websites like song-list.net also catalog his discography, making it easy for fans to explore his extensive catalog.