Signs (Live 1990)

Hey there, Zoo Freaks! The Zoo Crew is spinning the righteous vibes of Tesla’s “Signs (Live 1990)” from their iconic Five Man Acoustical Jam album, recorded live at the Trocadero Theatre in Philadelphia on July 2, 1990. This track, a cover of the 1971 hit by Five Man Electrical Band, became Tesla’s biggest chart-topper, hitting #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in April 1991. What’s wild is that this acoustic gem almost didn’t see the light of day! The band’s co-manager, Peter Mensch, challenged their musical chops, saying they probably weren’t skilled enough to pull off a full acoustic set. That lit a fire under Tesla, leading to a 90-minute acoustic performance that sparked the MTV Unplugged era, even before it was a big thing. Bassist Brian Wheat later called it a “happy accident” in a 2021 Louder interview, noting that many fans thought “Signs” was their original tune.

Here’s some juicy trivia for you Zoo Freaks: Tesla’s version of “Signs” has a bit of edge the original didn’t. The album cut swaps “blockin’ out the scenery” for “fuckin’ up the scenery” and “made up my own little sign” for “made up my own fuckin’ sign,” though the radio single kept it clean for airplay. Lead singer Jeff Keith picked this song, inspired by his Oklahoma roots, but his bandmates hadn’t even heard it! He had to track down a copy for them to learn, as he shared in a 2018 Ultimate Classic Rock interview. The song’s raw energy came alive during a live radio performance in Boston at WAAF, which became such a hit that it convinced Geffen Records to release the Trocadero tapes. Tesla even paid homage to the original band by naming the album Five Man Acoustical Jam. On X, the band celebrated the album’s 27th anniversary in 2017, sharing a clip from guitarist Frank Hannon, and in 2020, they dropped a new live version from Abbey Road Studios for Five Man London Jam.

Now, let’s rewind to how Tesla got their start. Hailing from Sacramento, California, the band kicked off in 1982 as City Kidd, formed by bassist Brian Wheat, then 20, and guitarist Frank Hannon, just 15. They gigged hard at local spots like the Oasis Ballroom, building a gritty, bluesy hard rock sound. By 1984, drummer Troy Luccketta, vocalist Jeff Keith, and guitarist Tommy Skeoch joined the crew, and they renamed themselves Tesla, inspired by the inventor Nikola Tesla. Their debut album, Mechanical Resonance, dropped in 1986 with hits like “Modern Day Cowboy,” putting them on the map during the hair metal boom. Their 1989 follow-up, The Great Radio Controversy, cemented their rep with the power ballad “Love Song.” Tesla’s knack for blending raw energy with acoustic soul, as seen in Five Man Acoustical Jam, set them apart from the glam metal pack. Despite a brief hiatus in the late ’90s, they reunited in 2000 and have been rocking ever since, with over 15 million albums sold worldwide.

For all you Zoo Freaks wanting to stay connected, check out Tesla’s official website for tour dates and merch. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates, like their 2021 post celebrating the 31st anniversary of “Signs.” Fans can also join the Tesla the Band (Official Fan Club) on Facebook to connect with fellow die-hards. For more fan-driven love, peep TeslaFans.net, a site packed with band news and community vibes. Keep those dials locked on THE ZOO, and let’s keep the acoustic spirit of “Signs” alive!