The Ocean (Live 1990)

The song "The Ocean (Live 1990)" by Zebra holds a special place in the band’s history, captured on their live album released that year. It’s a cover of Led Zeppelin’s classic from 1973, and Zebra’s rendition is their only official recording of the track, making it a fan favorite among their audience, affectionately dubbed "Zoo Freaks" in your scenario. In a 1998 liner note from their compilation album, The Best of Zebra In Black and White, the band described their live performances as a "barrage of wonderful sound… tight, lush, rocking, and loud," which perfectly suits the energy of this song. Zebra was known for electrifying crowds, and a notable story from a 1983 show opening for Aerosmith recounts how their performance was so overwhelming that Aerosmith delayed taking the stage for over an hour, only to be met with renewed cheers for Zebra. While no direct quotes about "The Ocean" exist from recent X posts or interviews, the band’s love for Led Zeppelin is well-documented, with drummer Guy Gelso citing Jimi Hendrix’s drummer Mitch Mitchell as an influence, hinting at the raw power they brought to such covers.

Zebra formed in 1975 in New Orleans, Louisiana, born from the musical chemistry of Randy Jackson, Felix Hanemann, and Guy Gelso. Before they were Zebra, Jackson and Hanemann played together in a bar band called Shepherd’s Bush in the early 1970s, covering technically complex rock like Yes, Jethro Tull, and Pink Floyd. In 1974, they left to start a new project with Gelso on drums, initially named Maelstrom, and briefly included keyboardist Tim Thorson. By February 1975, Thorson departed, and the trio settled on being a power rock trio, with Hanemann doubling on bass and keyboards. They chose the name Zebra after spotting a Vogue magazine cover featuring a woman riding a zebra, a nod to their bold, untamed style. Starting as a cover band in New Orleans, they honed their original material and relocated to Long Island, New York, by 1977, where their relentless club and college gigs caught the attention of Atlantic Records, launching their debut album in 1983.

You can stay connected with Zebra through their official website, where they share tour dates and merch. Their social media presence includes Facebook, Instagram, and X, though they tend to post sparingly, focusing on show announcements and occasional throwbacks. For fans, there’s a vibrant community on Facebook in groups like "Zebra Fans", where Zoo Freaks swap stories, rare photos, and updates about the band. While no dedicated fan websites seem active today, the band’s legacy lives on through these fan-driven spaces and their own platforms, keeping the spirit of their music alive.